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Monday, July 23, 2012

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate


Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

Have you ever mix your own Cocoa Mix at home?  Well, I haven’t tried until just a few months ago.  After tasting the 2nd batch (the first trial was too sweet for my liking) and I asked myself why didn’t I do that sooner?  Yes, the beauty of mixing your own cocoa mix is that you can adjust the sweetness in it and decide what ingredients to go into your mix.  My recipe is really simple, just a few ingredients and nothing that you cannot pronounced.  By the way, my first batch didn't go to waste, of course.  I simply add more cocoa powder into it to make it “right”.  I often find the store bought one from the markets is way too sweet.  The one that I really love with intense chocolate flavor from the chocolate specialty store is way too expensive.  So, here we go.  The perfect cocoa mix, made in your very own home.  You can get it done in less than a minute as well!

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

It’s super easy too mix your own cocoa mix, all you need are four ingredients.  1) Unsweetened cocoa powder.  Of course, I used my favorite Varlhona’s. 2) Caster sugar.  Super fine sugar is easier to blend well with the rest of the ingredients.  They are available in the baking isle.  Or, simply grind the granulate sugar in the food processer for 2 minutes.  3) Vanilla powder, and 4) Salt.  Put them all in a large airtight container and shake until well incorporated.  That’s it.  When you’re ready to use, simply mix 2 tablespoons of the cocoa mix in every 8 ounces of hot milk.  I know, I know, it’s in the middle of summer and who needs a hot chocolate, right?  That’s why,  we are having a Frozen Hot Chocolate instead.  Smile Also, if you’re into giving home made gifts in the holidays, book mark this for your future reference.  The holiday will be here sooner than you know.

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

Just one zip, I promise, you’ll be hooked.  It’s chocolate-y, creamy, and really cool.  It’s the perfect summer indulgence.  So, do share with your family and loved ones.  

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

To make sure your frozen hot chocolate is creamy and not too icy, the trick is to prepare some milk-cubes.  Yes, ice cube made from milk instead of water.  I used whole milk here but you can use low-fat milk or whatever you prefer. 

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Pour the milk into the ice cube trays (almost but not quite to the top, the milk cube will expand a little when frozen) and freeze them until ready to use.  I found these ice cube trays at Target for $1 each.  What’s neat about these trays is that the bottom of each cube is made with silicone.  So, all you need is a gentle push and your ice cube will come right out. 

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I simply topped my Frozen Hot Chocolate with some freshly whipped cream and a Maraschino Cherry, that’s it.  The baby size cups were for my kids.  Of course, they loved it, too.

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

You can enjoy your Frozen Hot Chocolate with a straw or a spoon.  See how chocolate-y and cool it is?  I have my milk-cubes freeze up ahead of time and store in a freezer safe container.  This will be my quick and easy go-to treat this summer. 

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate

What are some of your favorite summer recipes?  I would love to hear from you and try your recipes too. 

Home Made Cocoa Mix and Frozen Hot Chocolate


P.S.  Click here to see where to buy the Glass Jars




Home Made Cocoa Mix: (Printable Recipe)
Makes: about 2 cups

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup caster sugar
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon vanilla powder

Measure all the ingredients into a large airtight container, shake well, until all ingredients are well combined.  Store in a cool dark place. 

To make hot chocolate, stir 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix into 8 ounces of hot milk until dissolve.  Enjoy.
 
Frozen Hot Chocolate:
Makes 2 to 3 glasses (depending on size)


2 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
6 tablespoons of homemade cocoa mix
1/8 teaspoon instant coffee granulate
3/4 cup crushed ice, or ice cubes
fresh whipped cream
a few maraschino cherries

Pour 2 cups of milk into ice cube trays, cover the ice cube tray top with plastic wrap and freeze until the milk is frozen, about 2 hours. 

In a small saucepan, heat the remaining half cup of milk.  Whisk in cocoa mix and coffee granulate until dissolved.  Remove from heat and let it cool down.

In a blender, add the frozen milk cubes, cocoa mixture and crushed ice, blend until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture thickened with no large ice pieces.

Pour into your favorite tall glasses, top with whipped cream and a cherry.  Enjoy and stay cool.

31 comments:

  1. I used to drink Hot Chocolate when I'm staying in NZ...but after I came back to Msia, I totally forgotten about this delicious yummy drink. I have read with interest on the milk ice cube you have done. So creative and presentation is so beautifully done.

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    1. Thanks Mel. Yes, I love freezing milk and juice to use for iced drinks in the summer. That way the "ice" won't dilute my drink and make it too "watery". :)

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  2. Oh goodness, this is the best thing ever. I LOVE hot chocolate, but frozen hot chocolate? Sinfully delightful! The first time I had it was at Serenity in New York and it was amazing - expensive, but amazing. Love yours!

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    1. I heard about the frozen hot chocolate at Serenity (I think it was from Rachel Ray's travelling show) but I've never tried it. Hope I'll travel to NY again to taste that. :)

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  3. What a great idea! Frozen hot chocolate - never tried it but I want to now! Very nice blog Amy. Your photos are terrific!

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    1. Thank you for your sweet comment, Tricia. I'm glad you like my blog and pictures. You've got to give this Frozen Hot chocolate a try, it's amazing and perfect for the summer! :)

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  4. I am always looking for a good recipe for homemade cocoa mix. I can't wait to give this a try! And frozen hot chocolate? Even better! Thanks Amy!

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    1. You're most welcome. Yeah, the homemade cocoa mix is the best. I can't wait till the holidays comes around so I can give them out as homemade gifts. I know my friends and family will love it.

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  5. We love hot chocolate and I love frozen drinks...so it sounds perfect to me :o) (Oh, My hubby loves hot drinks like hot chocolate, hot tea, hot coffee...he is hot blooded. and here I am, someone who is always cold, but I love the frozen stuff...like frappe's, frappacinos, root beer floats, shakes!) I like to put in a blender: avocados, milk, sugar and crushed ice...an avocado milk shake?

    Blessings & Aloha!
    Hope you are doing well!

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    1. Hehe...I used to like hot drinks in the summer too, or at least warm. But in the past few years, I started to enjoy iced cold drinks a lot more in the summer. Hm....an avocado milk shake sounds wonderful...and healthy too. :)

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  6. Homemade hot chocolate mix would make a thoughtful holiday gift for sure. It's bound to put a smile on anybody's face.

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    1. I couldn't agree more, Carolyn. It's nice to give a warm, sweet and delicious gift in the holidays. :)

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  7. Yummy! Homemade chocolate mix sounds like a great idea.
    Those frozen hot chocolate are such a delightful summer treat.

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  8. Ooh so easy yet classy! They would make such a thoughtful, sweet dish.

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  9. This is simply wonderful! Frozen hot chocolate and cream topping....delicious!

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    1. Thanks. Yup...can't go without the cream on top. ;)

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  10. I love your simple idea of freezing milk in ice cube trays! I am currently excited about a vegan green goddess salad dressing I created yesterday with hemp hearts. Full of fresh herbs and garden flavors it made our salad last night divine!! And I stayed up too late last night in my excitement to get it on my blog!

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    1. Thanks for visiting. I love the green salad dressing on your blog. :) Can't wait to try.

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  11. This is the BEST idea! I sometimes crave a cup of cocoa in the summer but I don't make it because it just doesn't seem quite right. This is the Perfect solution and I am excited to give it a try!

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    1. Thank you, Shannon. I hope you'll love this frozen hot chocolate as much as my family does. Yes, it's perfect in the summer. I'll save the hot version for winter. ;)

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  12. The frozen version of hot chocolate looks delicious, Amy! Great idea!

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  13. Oh, yum! This frozen hot chocolate looks SO good! I love it.

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  14. Definitely going to have to give this one a go!

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  15. beautiful, today i'm gonna made this :D

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  16. I love the frozen milk cube idea! I freeze coffee that is left in the morning for when I want Iced coffee, so regular ice cubes won't dilute it. Have to try this! It is always hot in Florida :)

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  17. I love this recipe! There is a restaurant in Boston that serves this but yours look more appealing!

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    1. Oh yeah...I heard about the Frozen Hot Chocolate in Boston but haven't got a chance to try it out yet. :) Thanks for your compliment. It sure tasted wonderful.

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