Monday, December 16, 2013

Reader Recipe Feature: Winter Spiced Cocoa


 This is a recipe that was sent to me back during the summer, and even though were in the midst of one of the warmest months of the year, I looked forward to trying this cocoa mix once it cooled down.  Well, here we are in the middle of December, and I'm just now getting around to trying this delicious spiced cocoa! I couldn't wait to share, because not only do we still have a few cold months ahead, but I think this would also make a fabulous holiday gift.


 A reader named Patty, who also happens to be extremely sweet, kindly shared this recipe.  She told me that as soon as there is a hint of fall in the air, she makes a large jar of this as it is so good during the winter months.  I have a feeling we'll be doing the same now!


Patty doubles the batch, but only makes one at a time so that it mixes well in the food processor.  She then stores it in a mason jar.

I think what makes this cocoa a little special is that it includes so many wonderful spices, even cardamom, which Patty loves (and me too!). 


 Winter Spiced Cocoa Recipe:

2 cups powdered milk (Patty recommends Organic Valley brand)
3/4 cup vanilla sugar (recipe will follow)
1/2 cup natural cocoa (baking cocoa)
1/2 cup non dairy creamer powder (such as Coffee Mate)
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Put all ingredients in food processor and pulse until mixed well. Store in air tight container. Mix 3 Tbsp. to a cup of very hot water.

Vanilla Sugar Recipe:

1-2 vanilla beans
2 cups sugar
Split and scrape the vanilla beans. Mix into the sugar and bury the pods into the sugar. Let the mixture sit overnight before making the cocoa for the first time.  (Patty makes a double recipe to use for other recipes too). Store in a tightly covered jar (keeps for a very long time).


Once a batch of the cocoa is made, it is so easy to add it to some hot water.  I topped ours with homemade whipped cream and a little cocoa too (smile).  The flavor of all the different spices is so delicious.



 I love the idea of packaging the cocoa mix to give as a gift.  I put some in a jar and wrapped it with bakers twine and a tag. 


 I have a couple rolls of bakers twine, but I like this thicker cording better, especially when using it to wrap gifts. 


Jillian has been begging me to buy cocoa for a long time... I kept promising her I would make some for us to try.  

So there were definitely some squeals of excitement when they got up from their nap and discovered hot cocoa waiting for them (smile).  Thank you, Patty, for sharing your recipe with us! I hope you all have a great week!

22 comments:

  1. OHHHH yum that looks good! I will try her recipe! I tried a home-made powered mix of Martha Stewarts that is very good but requires mixing with hot milk. I like this idea better! :-) I'll be down for mine in a bit! ~ Mom ~

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  2. YUM! Definitely going to try this!!!

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  3. This sounds like such a warm treat on those blustery days that we have been having already. I think that I will be making a trip to the store to buy some cardamom. Thank you for sharing this.

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  4. I am sold! Well done and thank you, I will definitely be enjoying this very soon!!

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  5. Andrea, that looks good and sounds wonderful. How nice to have a reader share this.

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  6. Hi Andrea! This looks so delish! I've been meaning to ask you where you find the jars you showed on your granola video and again here? I have looked and been unable to find them thus far! Thanks! :)

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    1. Thank you! I buy my Weck jars from West Elm... they have free shipping too. :-) http://www.westelm.com/products/mrk-weck-glass-jars-d714/

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  7. Yum, this sounds delicious with all those spices!! I'm a fan of cardamom too. I just posted a recipe for hot cocoa mix the other day. Mine uses white chocolate chunks for creaminess, and because it's all pulsed in the food processor, like the recipe you shared, it comes out nice and powdery. I love hot cocoa in the winter. Did your daughters like the spiced cocoa?
    Claudia

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    1. I use white chocolate in my recipe too! I had a hard time finding some that were actually made from cocoa butter, but it's worth it! (I finally found the Kroger brand (Kroger Select, I think)).

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    2. Your recipe looks wonderful, Claudia... thank you for sharing! I bet the white chocolate makes it so creamy. Yes, the girls loved it, especially with the whipped cream! :-)

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  8. Thanks for sharing this sweet treat - just pulled all the ingredients to start a batch!

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  9. These look great! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
    Household services

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  10. Looks so delicious…thanks for sharing the recipe Andrea….Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family!

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  11. Happy you enjoyed the cocoa. Where did you find the thicker twine? Merry Christmas to you and your family!
    Patty

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    1. Thank you, Patty... Merry Christmas to you and your family! I purchased the twine from Amazon (can you tell I love online shopping?). Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IWA2L0/

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  12. Absolutely LOVE IT!!!! WE all love cocoa in the winter here. This sounds delciious- xo Diana

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  13. This sounds delicious!!! It's freezing here and I love hot cocoa on a cold, snowy day. I've never had any like this before. I will love trying this ♥ Thank you!!

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  14. Ohh yes, your mom's bread and this hot cocoa. That's it...I'm coming over!! Merry Christmas!

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  15. Yum. This will be perfect after skiing. :-)

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  16. Looks & sounds so yummy! I'll definitely be trying this one! Merry Christmas!

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  17. Here to tell you this stuff is addictive, seriously! Have made some as gifts and have a big jar for me - have to work hard to not have more than 1 mug a day. Thank you SO much for sharing. I don't care for the packaged stuff (using water) - this concoction is 400 times better!

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  18. YUM! Definitely going to try this!!! angie frpm germany *merry christmas*

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