Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa is a timeless and comforting beverage, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. This recipe takes the classic hot cocoa and simplifies the preparation by using a slow cooker. With this method, you can enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa without having to stand over the stove, continuously stirring. Let’s dive into the recipe and experience the nostalgia of hot cocoa just like the good old days.

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ½ cup (45 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (475 ml) boiling water
• 3½ cups (448 g) nonfat dry milk powder
• 6 cups (1.4 L) water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

PREPARATION:

1. In the slow cooker, combine the sugar and cocoa powder. Mix them together until well combined.
2. Add 2 cups (475 ml) of boiling water to the slow cooker. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and cocoa powder mixture.
3. Add the nonfat dry milk powder and 6 cups (1.4 L) of water to the slow cooker. Stir well to dissolve the dry milk powder.
4. Add the vanilla to the mixture and give it a final stir.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 1 to 1½ hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the hot cocoa to develop its rich taste.
6. Before serving, use a rotary beater or a whisk to beat the hot cocoa until frothy. This step will create a light and airy texture.
7. Ladle the hot cocoa into mugs and serve.

YIELD:

9 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 212 g water
• 150 calories (5% from fat, 26% from protein, 70% from carbs)
• 10 g protein
• 1 g total fat
• 1 g saturated fat
• 0 g monounsaturated fat
• 0 g polyunsaturated fat
• 28 g carbs
• 2 g fiber
• 25 g sugar
• 296 mg phosphorus
• 338 mg calcium
• 1 mg iron
• 153 mg sodium
• 527 mg potassium
• 625 IU vitamin A
• 187 mg ATE vitamin E
• 1 mg vitamin C
• 5 mg cholesterol

Hot cocoa is a beloved beverage that brings warmth and comfort, reminiscent of childhood memories and cozy moments. With this slow cooker recipe, you can enjoy a delicious cup of hot cocoa without the need to stand over the stove, stirring tirelessly.

The process begins by combining sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder in the slow cooker, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed. Boiling water is added to dissolve the cocoa powder and sugar, creating a flavorful base for the hot cocoa. Next, nonfat dry milk powder and water are incorporated, resulting in a creamy and rich mixture. Finally, a touch of vanilla adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.

The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and intensify over time. Cooking on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 1 to 1½ hours ensures that the hot cocoa reaches its optimal taste and consistency.

Just before serving, the hot cocoa is beaten with a rotary beater or whisk to create a frothy texture. This step adds a light and airy quality to the beverage, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Once the hot cocoa is ready, ladle it into mugs and serve. For an extra touch of indulgence, top the hot cocoa with marshmallows and sprinkle some cinnamon on top. These additions elevate the flavors and provide an extra layer of sweetness and warmth.

In terms of nutritional information, each serving contains 150 calories, with a minimal amount of fat. The hot cocoa is also a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin A. It’s worth noting that the nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

So, sit back, relax, and savor the comforting flavors of hot cocoa prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a gathering with loved ones, this hot cocoa recipe is sure to bring joy and warmth to any occasion.