Hot chocolate is a winter classic, especially for kids. And, it is not a bad choice nutritionally when compared to other treats (brownies, cookies, Fruit Loops). However, it should still be a SOMEDAY food, not an EVERYDAY food and we do not want it to take the place of other healthy beverages (water).
Have you ever looked at the ingredients on a package of cocoa mix? It looks something like this (not naming names):
INGREDIENTS:Sugar, corn syrup, vegetable oil (partially hydrogenated coconut or palm kernel and canola hydrogenated plam, soybean, cottonseed and/or safflower), dairy product solids, cocoa processed with alkali, salt, cellulose gum, sodium caseinate (from milk), dipotassium phosphate, sodium aluminosilicate, mono- and diglycerides, guar gum, artificial flavors, sucralose.
YIKES!
Making your own is SO inexpensive, and you know EXACTLY what's in it! This also makes a great gift!
Homemade Peppermint Cocoa
Makes ~22 - 8oz servings
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch is best)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk (non-fat dry milk)
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cocoa (Dutch is best)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk (non-fat dry milk)
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp cornstarch
* 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract- per serving (optional)
Combine all ingredients (except for peppermint extract) and place into airtight containers.
To prepare cocoa, place 1 Tbsp per 2 oz boiling water into a mug and stir.
*Add 1/8 peppermint extract to each 8 oz mug for a minty addition!
Nutrition Info per 8 oz mug made with water: 95 calories, 0.6 g fat, 6 g protein, 17 g carbohydrates
This is a very good idea, instead of using the bought mix. I try to do home made food whenever I can, instead of buying food full with preservatives and aditives.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a hot chocolate recipe because I feel like having one today, and I'm happy I found yours! Thanks.