So I Make This Hot Chocolate Mix…
It’s not technically “real food” though. It is, however, one step above the pre-packaged, powdered yuck. And my kids love it. So much so that my youngest rancheroo came up to me, threw his arms around me in a big hug and whispered “Mom, your hot chocolate mix. It’s awesome. Don’t ever stop making it.”
That’s powerful praise. I think he was just grateful that I’m making something “from scratch” that he likes. I know he’s thrilled that I’ve given up on creating my own version of cheeseburger macaroni “helper.” That just wasn’t working out…
Made from Scratch Hot Cocoa Mix
Rating: 3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. of cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine dry milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt and cinnamon in a bowl and mix well. For optimal blending, combine ingredients in a food processor. Make certain the lid is on tight or it will look like Willy Wonka sneezed all over your counters.
- Mix 2-3 heaping Tbs. of mix to one cup hot water and serve.
Reality Check
Does this recipe qualify as “real food?” Umm, no. No, not at all. The dry milk and processed sugar would send real foodies packing. No, this recipe earned its three star rating simply because it’s NOT pre-packaged and full of maltodextrin. (Maltodextrin is a white powder made from rice. corn or potato starch and is often used in processed foods as a thickener or a filler.) {Source}
Let’s Get Real
If we substitute the white processed sugar with coconut sugar we’re going to be gaining real food ground quickly. Organic coconut sugar can be substituted cup for cup in most recipes that call for white sugar. I detect a slight nutty taste in coconut sugar and I think it adds to the flavor of this cocoa mix. Swap out the iodized salt for sea salt too, please.
Now, that powdered milk has to go. And we aren’t going to replace it with anything. Instead we’re going to add our new mix to a cup of warm milk. Organic milk. Raw organic milk. Now we’re talking real food! Toss in some homemade marshmallows (yes, you can make marshmallows) and you’re set!
See How Easy That Was?
Converting your favorite traditional recipes into real food recipes isn’t difficult. It may take a little trial and error, maybe some googling (“what’s an organic alternative to white sugar” as example) but once you learn a few basic real food substitutions you can begin to make all of your family’s favorite meals real.
Makes a Great Gift
Sticking with the notion that everything looks better in a mason jar… this mix in a clear pint jar tied with festive ribbon would be a welcome holiday gift.