The Perfect Hot Chocolate Mix
Before the world of convenience in a packet, a mug of hot chocolate was made by simply whisking hot cocoa powder with sugar and hot milk. I love the simplicity of that, plus knowing you’ve probably got everything you need in your pantry for a cozy mug of hot chocolate at any time the craving strikes. But let’s face it - that old formula in all its simplicity could definitely be improved upon! Lumpy, hard to mix and sometimes slightly bitter, no wonder we prefer the packet mixes.
This recipe we’ve created for the hot chocolate mix is the perfect blend of creamy and comforting, has a nicely balanced mix of sweet and bitter chocolate flavour, and once you make up the mix, all you need to do to get your regular hot chocolate fix is simply add hot water. You can also choose to adapt the recipe to make it dairy free or make it refined sugar-free (coconut sugar).
Other reasons to make this and keep this in a jar in your pantry include:
- It looks pretty and crafty in a jar on your shelf
- Avoid all the nasty additives, preservatives found in packet mixes
- Avoid excess packaging
- Save money
- Kid friendly recipe
- To give a friend as a gift
How to Make the Perfect Hot Chocolate Mix
Simply blend 3 Tbsp of this mix with hot water for a creamy and comforting hot chocolate anytime!
Makes: Enough mix for 12 mugs
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup / 150g raw sugar or coconut sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered milk*
- 2 Tbsp / 16g cornstarch
- 120g dark or milk chocolate chips or chunks
- ¾ cup / 60g cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until incorporated (alternatively, chop the chocolate as finely as possible and then stir in a bowl with the other ingredients)
- Store in a jar or airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use: Mix 3 Tbsp of the mixture in a mug with just enough water to form a paste. Heat one mug’s worth of water or a non-dairy substitute like almond, soy, coconut or oat milk until steaming and stir into the paste.
Tip: Top your mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, or add a drop of essential oil like peppermint, or orange.
*to make non-dairy, omit the milk powder and use the mix with your favourite non-dairy alternative instead of water.
What is your go-to winter warmer? If you plan on making this hot chocolate mix share with us in the comment box below or hashtag us your photo on Instagram using #evertenlovetocook or @evertenlovetocook. We would love to see how it turned out
Looking for a stovetop kettle that can boil your water with style? Click below to browse a wide collection of our bright and colourful kettles:
Next Winter Recipe: Jerusalem Artichoke Soup with Bacon Crisps & Croutons
