topic Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes in Recipes

Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Topaz Gem — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 23:46:57 GMT

I found this in a local paper and they sounded so good, and especially timely due to the polar vortex that is set to arrive in the northeast this weekend. Although making homemade cocoa is always preferable, you can doctor up a packaged instant cocoa mix as well.

Homemade Hot Cocoa

1 cup whole milk

1 TBS unsweetened cocoa powder

1 TBS sugar

¼ cup milk chocolate morsels

Heat whole milk until steaming. Sift together 1 TBS cocoa powder and 1 TBS sugar. Whisk into the hot milk along with ¼ cup milk chocolate morsels until completely smooth. If desired, add any of the following and garnish with whipped cream:

• Almond praline: Use brown sugar in place of white sugar. Stir in 1 tsp. almond extract or 1 TBS amaretto liqueur.

• Hazelnut: Whisk in 2 TBS chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella). Add 1 TBS Frangelico liqueur, if desired.

• Grasshopper: Whisk in ½-1 tsp. peppermint extract, to taste.

• Raspberry: Strain 1 TBS raspberry preserves through a fine mesh strainer. Discard any solids, then whisk the raspberry puree into the hot cocoa.

• Chili: Stir in a pinch of cayenne and a pinch of cinnamon.

• Gingerbread: Add 1½ TBS molasses and 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice blend. Stir in 1 TBS ginger liqueur, if desired.

• Coconut-lime: Add the finely grated zest of half a lime and 2 TBS of cream of coconut. Add 1 oz. of rum, if desired.

• Honey-pepper: Use 1½ TBS honey in place of sugar. Stir in ¼ tsp. ground black pepper.

• Peanut butter-banana: Mash half of a very ripe banana until smooth. Whisk into the hot cocoa along with 1 TBS peanut butter.

• Vanilla bean cheesecake: Scrape the seeds from half a vanilla bean pod into the cocoa. Transfer to a blender, add 2 TBS cream cheese then puree until smooth.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Yahooey — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:30:23 GMT

Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Yahooey — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 01:32:21 GMT

Nutella sounds good in hot chocolate but then it is good on a spoon

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Topaz Gem — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 16:18:30 GMT

On 11/13/2014 Yahooey said:
Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

LOL, you are definitely fancy with Ghirardelli! I've bought that a few times and it's delicious, and I bet it would be even better adding a few extra ingredients. I've added a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to my cocoa and it's wonderful. It really warms your gizzards!

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Yahooey — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 18:03:35 GMT

On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/13/2014 Yahooey said:
Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

LOL, you are definitely fancy with Ghirardelli! I've bought that a few times and it's delicious, and I bet it would be even better adding a few extra ingredients. I've added a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to my cocoa and it's wonderful. It really warms your gizzards!

A lil shot of somethin' somethin' and Swiss Miss in water will taste like fine cocoa.

Have a good Thanksgiving TG

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Sammijo10 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:49:50 GMT

Love all the add-ins! DH and I traveled to Europe several years ago and fell in love with European chocolate. Since then, I've splurged and purchased the fine shaved chocolate for ours. Added to the cocoa, the real chocolate does make a difference. And Ghiradelli is the only way to go! Could probably make up a larger container of this mix and use two or three tablespoons in each cup. Hmmm. Might just save some $$$. Thanks for the recipe

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Topaz Gem — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 21:58:41 GMT

On 11/14/2014 Yahooey said:
On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/13/2014 Yahooey said:
Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

LOL, you are definitely fancy with Ghirardelli! I've bought that a few times and it's delicious, and I bet it would be even better adding a few extra ingredients. I've added a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to my cocoa and it's wonderful. It really warms your gizzards!

A lil shot of somethin' somethin' and Swiss Miss in water will taste like fine cocoa.

Have a good Thanksgiving TG

You are right about that, Yahooey! An added shot of 'something something' could definitely make any so-so hot chocolate taste wonderful.

Sammijo, shaved chocolate sounds like a great idea. Is it sold in shaved form or do you just use a grater to shave it?

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Nana5 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 22:11:33 GMT

I love hot chocolate (cocoa) in the winter. I always used to buy the little flavored hot chocolate packs but I dislike their lists of ingredients. I can't pronounce half the ingredients and have no idea what they are. SO, I've been making my own cocoa for several years. It's easy, delicious and I can pronounce and identify every ingredient.

I use Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa. I have an empty Hershey's cocoa box in which I mix about half cocoa and half sugar (maybe a bit more sugar). I shake it up in the box and store it in my pantry. When I want hot cocoa, I put milk (I use 2%) in a microwave safe mug and add a scoop of my cocoa/sugar mix. I microwave it until it's hot, remove from the microwave and stir it. It's delicious just like that or I add marshmallows, or a drop of peppermint extract or a drop of raspberry extract. I'm sure there are other flavorings that would also be delicious.

It tastes as good or better than the packaged mixes, is quicker to make and costs much less/cup.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Danky — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:16:46 GMT

I take Hershey's unsweetened cocoa. Put = amts cocoa and sugar in a saucepan plus a pinch of salt. Add enough WATER just to liquefy and then bring mixture to a rapid, heavy boil. Add milk to boiling mix, lower heat and warm through. Top with real whipped cream.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Snicks1 — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:22:45 GMT

On 11/14/2014 Danky said: I take Hershey's unsweetened cocoa. Put = amts cocoa and sugar in a saucepan plus a pinch of salt. Add enough WATER just to liquefy and then bring mixture to a rapid, heavy boil. Add milk to boiling mix, lower heat and warm through. Top with real whipped cream.

This is how my Mom made it when I was growing up and how I make it now. I think I'll make some tonight.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

doglover3 — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 06:20:48 GMT

I can't find the ones that were posted here quite awhile ago, think I even posted a few but must have lost them. They were just powders you keep in a jar and take out what you need when you want to make hot chocolate, kept almost forever.

Of course that wouldn't be as good as the one you posted but in a pinch something to have on hand.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

tkins — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 06:23:27 GMT

Homemade cocoa is the best, especially now that cocoa season has officially begun. I copied your recipe with all the fun variations. Here is our favorite recipe. We make big batches and put them in twist top or snapware type containers, we put the recipe on cute recipe cards attached with elastic ribbon or garland to go with the homemade goodies we give to our neighbors during the holidays.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate Mix

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups nonfat dry milk powder

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer **

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup miniature marshmallows (I use Jet Puffed marshmallow bits in a jar, they are like the ones in the cocoa with marshmallows).

Directions

In a large bowl (I use a large container with a small opening and screw top like an empty 35+ oz creamer container and a funnel, adding the ingredients one at a time, put the lid on and gently rotate & turn upside down and back to mix since it is less messy than trying to mix it in a bowl), combine the milk powder, sugar, creamer, cocoa & cinnamon. Add the marshmallows; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 3 months.

For Cappuccino Mix Add:

1/2 - 2/3 Cup of Instant Coffee (more or less depending on your preference).

**For variety you can substitute Flavored Creamer for the regular creamer, but you may want to add less sugar, since the flavored ones are sweeter.

Yield: about 3-1/2 cups mix (18 servings).

To prepare 1 serving: Dissolve 3 tablespoons hot chocolate mix 3/4 cup hot milk.

Thank you for posting your recipe.

tkins

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Vamp — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:12:27 GMT

One of my girlfriends served this hot chocolate recipe last winter. It was to die for. It's very rich, so one small cup is more than enough.

Polar Express Hot Chocolate (aka the BEST hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted) Recipe:

–1.5 cups of heavy cream

–1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

–2 cups of bittersweet chocolate chips

–6 cups of milk

–1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large pot over low heat, combine all of the above ingredients. Stir regularly for 30-40 minutes until chocolate is fully melted and incorporated with other ingredients.

If you’re making this for a party, you could add all of the above ingredients to a crockpot a few hours before guests arrive. Provide a ladle and mugs and let them serve themselves. Or you can transfer hot chocolate to a thermal carafe.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Topaz Gem — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:42:55 GMT

Tkins, I'm copying your recipes; they sound delicious and convenient to keep on hand. I'm gradually weaning myself off of packaged, processed foods, so I won't be buying the hot chocolate in packets any longer. It will be nice to have a stash of ready made mix when there's no time to make it from scratch. Vamp, yours sounds delicious as well, especially since bittersweet chocolate is better for you than the regular stuff.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Sammijo10 — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 19:56:39 GMT

On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/14/2014 Yahooey said:
On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/13/2014 Yahooey said:
Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

LOL, you are definitely fancy with Ghirardelli! I've bought that a few times and it's delicious, and I bet it would be even better adding a few extra ingredients. I've added a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to my cocoa and it's wonderful. It really warms your gizzards!

A lil shot of somethin' somethin' and Swiss Miss in water will taste like fine cocoa.

Have a good Thanksgiving TG

You are right about that, Yahooey! An added shot of 'something something' could definitely make any so-so hot chocolate taste wonderful.

Sammijo, shaved chocolate sounds like a great idea. Is it sold in shaved form or do you just use a grater to shave it?

You can buy it already shaved, but it is much cheaper to shave it yourself. Williams Sonoma has a can of shaved chocolate for $21! I buy a block of Guittard or Ghiradelli chocolate and chop/shave it myself. Mini chocolate chips are close. It's just easier for them to melt faster that way. I like semi sweet best for us. Milk chocolate tastes a little too weak to me, but I keep trying to make a duplicate of that rich chocolate we had in Europe. Since we don't normally have whole milk, I even use a combo of skim and fat free half and half. It works.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Sammijo10 — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:04:31 GMT

On 11/15/2014 Vamp said:
One of my girlfriends served this hot chocolate recipe last winter. It was to die for. It's very rich, so one small cup is more than enough.

Polar Express Hot Chocolate (aka the BEST hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted) Recipe:

–1.5 cups of heavy cream

–1 can of sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

–2 cups of bittersweet chocolate chips

–6 cups of milk

–1 tsp vanilla extract

In a large pot over low heat, combine all of the above ingredients. Stir regularly for 30-40 minutes until chocolate is fully melted and incorporated with other ingredients.

If you’re making this for a party, you could add all of the above ingredients to a crockpot a few hours before guests arrive. Provide a ladle and mugs and let them serve themselves. Or you can transfer hot chocolate to a thermal carafe.

Wow, this looks terrific. Since the sugar is already in the sweetened condensed milk, you don't have to wait for it to dissolve. I bet you could do this in a crock pot for a party and then have the bottles of the 'something, somethins' nearby for each to add their own. Along with a bowl of whipped cream. This sounds really rich and yummy. Maybe not for every day, but a party, oh yea.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Nightowlz — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:09:52 GMT

On 11/15/2014 Sammijo said:
On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/14/2014 Yahooey said:
On 11/14/2014 Topaz Gem said:
On 11/13/2014 Yahooey said:
Hi TopazGem - here I thought I was fancy with Ghiardelli hot chocolate in the can. I do always use milk for hot chocolate no matter what the package says.

LOL, you are definitely fancy with Ghirardelli! I've bought that a few times and it's delicious, and I bet it would be even better adding a few extra ingredients. I've added a shot of Bailey's Irish Cream to my cocoa and it's wonderful. It really warms your gizzards!

A lil shot of somethin' somethin' and Swiss Miss in water will taste like fine cocoa.

Have a good Thanksgiving TG

You are right about that, Yahooey! An added shot of 'something something' could definitely make any so-so hot chocolate taste wonderful.

Sammijo, shaved chocolate sounds like a great idea. Is it sold in shaved form or do you just use a grater to shave it?

You can buy it already shaved, but it is much cheaper to shave it yourself. Williams Sonoma has a can of shaved chocolate for $21! I buy a block of Guittard or Ghiradelli chocolate and chop/shave it myself. Mini chocolate chips are close. It's just easier for them to melt faster that way. I like semi sweet best for us. Milk chocolate tastes a little too weak to me, but I keep trying to make a duplicate of that rich chocolate we had in Europe. Since we don't normally have whole milk, I even use a combo of skim and fat free half and half. It works.

Where do you buy your blocks of Guittard & Ghirardelli? I was drinking the Guittard Hot Chocolate from Williams Sonoma last year. It's really good. It's a little expensive at $21 to make 8 cups hot chocolate. I also bought their Espresso powder & added it to the hot chocolate sometimes. It's really good too. I bought a can of the Pernigotti Cocoa to make some brownies with & make hot cocoa. I add some milk, sugar & cocoa in a cup & mix it up good & add more milk & heat in the microwave. They say to heat on the stovetop but I made it in the microwave. It's really good too. I also like the Ghirardelli.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Sammijo10 — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 21:10:38 GMT

My local grocery store carries the blocks of Guittard, believe it or not. I'll buy a big block of Ghirdelli at Sam's club Usually stock up this time of year.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

Nightowlz — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 01:32:37 GMT

On 11/15/2014 Sammijo said:
My local grocery store carries the blocks of Guittard, believe it or not. I'll buy a big block of Ghirdelli at Sam's club Usually stock up this time of year.

Our grocery stores around here don't carry things like that. It would be nice. I just went to Sam's which is a 3 hr round trip. Spent $500. I did not see anything like that there either. I have noticed the Sam's in Oklahoma City don't compare to the Sam's in Jacksonville Fl. The only Hot Chocolate I saw at Sam's was Land o' Lakes which I don't care for. I just drank a cup of it last week to try again. It tastes like nonfat dry milk. Yuck. Guess I will have to look online to find some place to order it from. I have seen the Ghirardelli melting chocolate in a bag.

Re: Homemade Cocoa Recipes

gulf coast girl — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:56:37 GMT

On 11/14/2014 snickster said:
On 11/14/2014 Danky said: I take Hershey's unsweetened cocoa. Put = amts cocoa and sugar in a saucepan plus a pinch of salt. Add enough WATER just to liquefy and then bring mixture to a rapid, heavy boil. Add milk to boiling mix, lower heat and warm through. Top with real whipped cream.

This is how my Mom made it when I was growing up and how I make it now. I think I'll make some tonight.

This is how I make it too, and it's very good! However I now want to try the recipe that uses the sweetened condensed milk posted by Vamp. That sounds out of this world!!!