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!



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.  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.



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.  



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. 



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. 



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.



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. 



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




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.