Hot Cocoa Bar and Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe
I have found over the course of my four children growing up, we've not only passed on family traditions, but we have created many of our own. We make a very big deal out of meals. We, in fact, highlight them especially Christmas meals and treats. Christmas mornings usually are filled with presents and laughter, and then, of course, a lot of eating. We would let our kids when they were little, pick something that they loved the most to be included in their "big breakfast" on Christmas. Usually, the kids wanted donuts, coffee cakes and of course cinnamon rolls. So naturally, I did include an assortment tray of pastry, and they were delighted. But they grew up, became teenagers, and now adults, their tastes change and we suddenly were now including hot cocoa into our morning. The little ones "big breakfast" now also became brunch.
Hot Cocoa
I also have three grandchildren now and made really wonderful homemade "crockpot' hot cocoa in previous years. That's the recipe I'll share down below with you shortly. I mixed the ingredients before the majority of the family got here for brunch. I made it in a pot on the stove and transferred it to the crock to keep warm. It would be then ladled into the mugs and toppings of their choice would be chosen. Since the kids were really too small to reach the counter we made the cups for them. I thought it was perfectly sweet, creamy and decadent. Perfect.
But the grandkids did not care for it! The adult children were happy with it and even spiked it up with some peppermint schnapps. So this year I have let the tradition of the hot cocoa bar continue, this time we will use a carafe of hot water and serve the instant kind of cocoa. My fingers are crossed that the grandkids enjoy this.
The Cocoa Bar
I set it up on a two-tier display stand on my butler's pantry counter. I snapped a couple of pictures. Setting one up is not hard.
1. Find a dedicated space
2. Figure out what you want on it
3. Use old jelly jars, masons, Ball jars, or largemouth vases.
4. Add the ingredients into the jars and label.
5. That's it.
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| Photo Credit: MaryCaliendoPhoto2019 Simple design |
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| I labeled with stick-on labels and a chalk pen Photo Credit: MaryCaliendoPhoto2019 |
A Tradition Recipe
This recipe is pretty popular. It isn't hard to make and it is the best.
Homemade Cocoa
Ingredients:
*unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 C
*granulated sugar (can use a substitute) 1/2 C
*hot water 1/3 C
*salt 1/8 tsp
*milk (your favorite kind) dairy or not dairy 4C
*vanilla extract 1 tsp
What You Do:
Step 1. In your saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat. Stir constantly until it is smooth and is simmering.
Step 2. Reduce the heat and stir the milk into it, DO NOT let the milk boil. Stir.
Step 3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Pour into mugs. If I were making this recipe again this year, I would have to double or triple this recipe for more family members. Put the done cocoa into a small crockpot to keep warm. Stir once in a while. Don't let it reboil.
Be careful because the cocoa will be very warm/hot coming out of the pot or of the saucepan.
*This recipe has approximately 40.4 g of carb. in it., approximately 196 calories, and approximately 38g of sugar. for just one cup. Substitute where you can.
We use collected mugs from our family tradition of attending the Kriskindlemarket! So cute so fun so many years.
Happy making your own family traditions, and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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