Monday, October 28, 2013

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Refined Sugar-Free)




If I had to pin Fall down with one word, it would be 'cozy'. Wearing long johns feels like a novelty (ask me again in a few months if I still feel the same), the only produce I crave is pumpkin and apples, and walking outside means the constant crunching of leaves.

Plus, hot beverages are not as stifling and rich flavors sooth instead of weigh you down. When given the option, I'll almost always choose the rich over the sweet. I cram real whipping cream into an unreasonable amount of foods and the answer to "Butter?" is always "yes!"

Having a hot cocoa mix on hand that makes me happy is going to be essential to getting through this winter. I kept it sickeningly simple and used xylitol instead of sugar.

The homemade marshmallows and spoonful of whipped cream on top isn't necessary, but highly encouraged. That's where real living happens!

I made The Urban Poser marshmallows because they're loaded with gelatin and sweetened only with honey. Truly fun! Plus, not a drop of corn syrup!
 


Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Refined Sugar-Free)
Yield: about 12 8-ounce servings of hot cocoa

1/2 cup cocoa powder (darker the better)
1/2 cup xylitol, powdered

Whisk together cocoa and xylitol and store in a airtight container. If your xylitol granules are large, powder them in a blender or coffee grinder before combining with the cocoa.

To make hot cocoa, heat milk in a pan until steaming (8 ounces per serving). Whisk in 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of dry mix for every 8 ounces of milk. For example, 16 ounces of milk will yield 2 servings and use 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons of dry mix.

Serve topped with a spoonful of whipped cream and homemade marshmallows (at least once)!



8 comments:

  1. Yum! Looks great with the homemade marshmallows. I finally switched over to cacao powder, so I'll be trying this recipe with that instead.

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    1. Let me know how it works! I always think I want to try cacao powder, but whenever I run out, cocoa seems to be what I find...

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  • Tina @ Tinas Chic CornerNov 14, 2013, 11:31:00 AM

    Sipping hot cocoa on the couch with my hubby is one of my favorite past times this time of year. This looks and sounds delicious. :)

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    1. Sounds cozy! We just put up our tree the other day so I should turn all the lights off but the tree and sip this in the dark tonight.

      Simple pleasures, right?

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  • Oooh I actually have xylitol and NEVER use it. Gotta try. PS I've never made homemade mallows and those look tasty! Mmmm!!!!

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    1. We use it pretty frequently for baking because it's neutral flavored (unlike stevia) and you can sub cup for cup much easier. Just last night we actually bought the individual packets and I tossed some in my purse for when we're out to eat and my hubby wants tea. So much easier to control the sweetness when you bring your own sweetener! Yes, we're those people :)

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  • My 15 yo grandson loves hot chocolate but just started chemotherapy and cannot have sugar. I went looking for a recipe without sugar and am so happy to find this! He will be so happy!!

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    1. I'm so glad you found it too! I'm sure he'd love the comfort that this recipe gives at a time like this and I hope he gets well.

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