Holiday Treat: Spicy Hot Chocolate

Spicy hot chocolate is a wonderful way to share holiday cheer with your family and friends or warm your toes on a chilly winter's day. Spices combine with chocolate to create amazing dessert drinks that are silky smooth.

Super-Easy: With both Fast & Flavorful recipes below, it's easy to whip up a steamy, pleasurable brew in less than 30 minutes. By using the Spicy Hot Cocoa Mix, you can enjoy a flavorful cup in about five minutes!

Party Ideas: With the recipes below, you can entertain your family and friends with a "Hot Chocolate Dessert Bar" that almost anyone can enjoy -- even if they can't have refined sugar, dairy or fat. Double or triple the recipes for your holiday festivities.

Quick Chill: Do you live in a warm climate? Looking for a great summer drink? These spicy chocolate beverages also are enticing when served chilled.

Velvety Rich: All recipes rely on non-sweetened baking cocoa, which creates silky chocolate beverages.

Fast & Flavorful: Spicy Hot Chocolate (totally decadent recipe)

Totally Decadent: If you want to completely indulge, here's a classic hot chocolate recipe with an intriguing blend of spices. Be careful not to bring this mixture to a boil to avoid scalding the milk and cream.

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 and 1/2 cups milk

1 tablespoon refined sugar (to taste)

4 tablespoons baking cocoa (non-sweetened)

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips or bar chunks

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1/4 teaspoon ginger root powder

1/4 teaspoon clove powder

4 cinnamon sticks

Directions: Mix cocoa, spices and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl. Heat cream, milk and sugar plus cocoa and spices in a non-reactive saucepan over low heat until warm. Stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the hot chocolate very warm. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Continue to stir until you have a smooth texture and chips are completely dissolved. To serve: Carefully pour 1 cup servings into mugs. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick for stirring. Optional: Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows. Makes 2 servings.

Spicy Hot Cocoa (healthy vegan recipe)

Healthy Vegan: If you need to eschew fat, dairy or refined sugar, you can still savor a rich, satisfying chocolate taste with the same spices as in the Totally Decadent Recipe.

Ingredients:

2 cups water

2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar (to taste)

4 tablespoons baking cocoa (non-sweetened)

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1/4 teaspoon ginger root powder

1/4 teaspoon clove powder

4 cinnamon sticks

Directions: Mix cocoa and spices together in a medium mixing bowl. Heat water and honey (or agave nectar) in a non-reactive saucepan over low heat until warm. Add dry ingredients, stirring constantly. Stir until sweetener is dissolved and the hot cocoa is very warm. Remove from heat and continue to stir until you have a smooth texture. To serve: Carefully pour 1 cup servings into mugs. Garnish each mug with a cinnamon stick for stirring. Makes 2 servings.

Note: For a fuller-bodied vegan beverage, substitute the water with soy milk, rice milk or almond milk.

2 Flavorful Variations

1) Fiery Variation: In both of the above recipes, substitute the spices with 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne or 1/2 teaspoon Chili Blend (to taste). Garnish each mug with a red chili pepper.

2) Mocha Variation: In both recipes, add 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (or more, to taste) to the liquid ingredients before heating.

Bonus: Spicy Chocolate Holiday Gift Idea!

Spicy Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

This easy, homemade mix makes delightful, budget-friendly gifts. Or assemble this pre-made mix for yourself to keep on hand throughout winter -- or the year.

Ingredients:

1 cup baking cocoa (non-sweetened)

1 tablespoon cinnamon powder

1/2 tablespoon ginger root powder

1/2 tablespoon clove powder

1/2 tablespoon allspice powder

1/2 tablespoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne (optional)

Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Store in a glass jar in a cool, dark place. To use: In a saucepan under low heat, warm 1 cup water and 2 - 3 tablespoons of the pre-made mix. Stir continuously until all the ingredients are dissolved. Add refined sugar or natural sweeteners to taste. Makes 1 one-cup serving.

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