Nothing is more tempting than a steaming hot cup of cocoa on a nice cold morning or evening. The best thing of this hot cocoa is that it is prepared using very few ingredients and it does not take much time and effort. Not only it is a favorite beverage of kids but also the adults like it and enjoy it. One cup of hot cocoa is enough to fill the whole house with its rich aroma. Hot cocoa is the next best option to hot chocolate as it is comparatively less in fat because hot cocoa is made from cocoa, whereas hot chocolate is made from cocoa butter. Here’s a guide that will definitely help you in preparing that steaming cup of hot cocoa. Read on to learn more about the process.
Complexity Level: Basic
Time Required: 25-30 minutes
Resources Required:
- Cocoa powder
- Water or milk
- Marshmallows (if you like)
- Condensed milk
- Sugar
- Chocolate syrup
- Glass bowl
- Cold milk
- 1-2 peppermints
Instructions:
1. Boiling water or milk
Put a kettle on the stove containing water or milk, whichever you prefer the most. Place the kettle on the stove till the liquid starts boiling.
2. Putting in the cocoa
In a mug pour in 2-3 teaspoon of cocoa powder. If you have packets of cocoa powder empty two of them into the mug.
3. Mixing them both
Now fill the mug containing cocoa powder with hot boiled liquid. Stir the liquid and the cocoa till the powder has completely dissolved in the liquid.
5. Adding what you desire
Once the powder is completely dissolved in the liquid you can add the marshmallows if you like. Your hot cocoa is now ready to be enjoyed.
6. Microwave method of preparing hot cocoa
You can also prepare hot cocoa in microwave. Put in chocolate syrup at the bottom of a microwavable bowl. Now, add one teaspoon of cold milk and cocoa powder in the bowl and heat it for at least 30-40 seconds and pour it in a mug. You can now add some whipped cream and top it up with chocolate syrup. You can also add 1 or 2 peppermints if you like. Your hot cocoa is now ready to serve. Your family members and guests will surely praise your culinary skills.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you suggest some flavored cocoa variations?
You can go in for flavored creamers like Hazelnut or Irish cream etc that are easily available in markets to make your hot cocoa more tastier. Some people like to stir in a whole package of unsweetened dry mix of cherry or of raspberry flavor mix to their hot cocoa. You can also try them in your cocoa but only a part of the pack along with sugar. To add a nice flavor to your hot cocoa, you can just add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your hot cocoa.
Quick Tips:
You can use grounded cinnamon, peppermint, or vanilla to add more flavor to your hot steaming cup of cocoa. This would definitely enhance the flavor of your hot cocoa.
Things to watch out for:
- Be careful and see that you only hold the kettle with the help of its handle else you will end up burning your fingers.
- If you are using a microwave to make your hot cocoa, be sure that you use a microwave proof cup to make your hot cocoa.
