Perfect cup of Hot Chocolate

Christmas is over and here in Southern Illinois we all know that the hardest and coldest part of the winter normally comes in January and February. So we need to be ready and learning how to make a perfect cup of hot chocolate will get us started

Recipe for Perfect Hot Chocolate

Step 1:

Open kitchen cabinet and throw away ALL packets of hot cocoa mix! Compost them, shred them—just get rid of them!

Step 2:
Gather ingredients (and an adorable helper). You'll need:

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1/4 cup half-and-half
• 2 tbsp malted milk powder
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup your favorite semisweet chocolate chips

Step 3:
In a saucepan, combine almond milk, half-and-half, malted milk powder, sugar, and vanilla. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Turn heat down to low.

Step 4 (the most important step, so pay attention!):
Slowly add the cocoa  powder by straining it through a sifter (I use silicon spoon to press the powder through). This not only prevents clumping, but it also gives my favorite hot beverage a richer flavor. Stir until completely dissolved. Remove the mixture from the heat and add the chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted. 

Step 5:
Pour into mugs, filling each cup halfway (leave room for whipped topping!).

Step 6:
Garnish.
Add marshmallows or fresh whipped cream.
Don't forget a pinch of cinnamon!

Step 7:
Enjoy!