My daughter loves to play in the snow during our Minnesota winters. But more than that, she loves the hot cup of cocoa that usually follows our snow day!
Trying to find the balance as a mom who wants to provide healthy food for her kids can be challenging. In the midst of the holidays and whenever celebrations or treats come up it's hard not to completely deny all of the treats.
Of course, in our household we don't buy very many treats and if we do have a treat I usually make it from scratch. So even with something as simple as hot cocoa, I tried to make a lower sugar option that I can whip up just as easily as a store-bought packet of cocoa.
And for the record, my daughter said to me over and over, "Mom, you make the best hot cocoa!"
So I think it was a win.
Ingredients
1 cup milk (can be dairy or an alternative milk like almond)
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp heavy cream (optional)
Directions
1) Add the milk to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat.
2) Whisk in the cocoa powder until incorporated. Stir occasionally until milk has gotten warm, about 3 minutes.
3) Add maple syrup and stir.
4) When the cocoa is hot add the cream if using and remove from the heat.
5) Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!