The life and times of the Redding family.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Old Fashioned Hot Cocoa


Do you have memories of your mom or grandmother making old fashioned hot cocoa? Stirring the pot on the stove top? I grew up with this kind of hot cocoa. This was before the day of individual packages in the little cardboard box or at least my world didn't include such. Today I had an overwhelmed young mom over for a visit. She has two little ones 14 months and 3 weeks. She shared the endless story of laundry, lack of sleep, dad not helping enough:), etc. I listened. She asked if I had hot chocolate. I told her I didn't but I could make some old fashioned hot cocoa. I am almost certain she had never heard of it. She asked how I would do that so I told her. She ended up leaving before I got it made but one of my dear sons who loves chocolate asked if we could still make some. So I made some and it hit the spot. My children have grown up with it but I am frequently surprised at the things which are so commonplace in our family and such a surprise to others.

Here is the recipe I used for old fashioned hot cocoa.

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
dash of salt
2/3 cup hot water
8 cups of milk
vanilla or almond flavoring added after making.

I combine the first four ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then I add the milk and heat until hot though not boiling. Then we turn off the heat and add the flavoring and enjoy. This is very rich and chocolatey. Whipped topping would be a great addition even though I didn't have any this time.

If you have a hot chocolate memory please be sure and share it!

3 comments:

Jean Ann Williams said...

Sounds yummy and rich. And whipped cream? Supper rich.

You're a very good writer, Redda, so I am especially enjoying this blog.

I don't have an old cocoa memory, but I have my single serving version.

Start water to boil for one cup. Add in your cup: 1 tablespoon of cocoa; two tablespoons of coconut milk (you may want to go less if you're not use to coconut); dash of salt (this is important as it brings out the sweet and flavors); 14 drops of stevia (more or less to taste); drop or two of vanilla. Stir all this mixing it well in your cup, and then add boiled water.

I've found this to be one of my favorite ways to drink cocoa and avoid the dairy. Stevia is a wonderful alternative for diabetics.

I got this recipe from Azure Standard, a food co-op company, and altered it a bit for my tastes.

Oh, and you can make frosting with coconut milk and cocoa, but your coconut milk has to be thicker variety which Native Forest brand sells.

Enjoy!

Unknown said...

Thank you Reda. I love "from scratch" recipes. You have the best ideas and recipes. Hope you and your family are doing well.

Terri Massie

From Redding Mountain said...

Jean,
I've been using Stevia some myself. It is very sweet. I need to move back toward a little healthier diet.
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I will have to try it soon.

Thanks Terri! Enjoy and send me some of your wonderful recipes sometime. I still remember some wonderful cookies in a special jar packed for our trip out here. That was so special! We'll never forget you guys.