Or so she says...

Family Fun, Favorites, Food, and Faith

by

Gourmet Hot Chocolate & Popcorn ~ Made By You! (she: Rebecca)

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see the disclosure policy.
This is Mariel’s sister-in-law/beard man’s sister back for another post. I don’t know how Mariel continues to come up with such great posts! I’m constantly racking my brain and trying to think of fun ideas to add to this dynamic blog, but I rarely come up with any. However, I recently had a brainstorm of something fun I could share with all of you … how to make your own “gourmet” hot chocolate and popcorn.  It’s perfect for your New Year’s party!
Not only will these recipes create mouth-watering treats, they are much healthier than the store-bought versions. My 3 1/2 year-old and 21-month-old little girls can’t get enough of both hot chocolate and popcorn. There have been some “reports/rumors” going around about some harmful chemicals in microwave popcorn. My girls would eat this daily if they could, so I decided that any chemical in small amounts should be avoided. I also get a little boost of ego when I’m able to make something at home that’s better than what you can get in a store. And I promise the recipe below will not disappoint! It comes from a wise, older friend of mine here in Tennessee who knows her food. Try it; you’ll love it!
GOURMET POPCORN
Print

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 4 Tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon sugar try using maple syrup
  • 2½ ounces bittersweet chocolate 70-75% cacao chopped
  • Large pinch of kosher salt
  • 5 cups whole milk

Instructions

  1. Heat the cream, cocoa and sugar in a medium pot.
  2. Slowly add the chocolate and stir until melted.
  3. Add the salt and milk and heat to desired temperature.
  4. My friend also recommended adding Postum or Pero to the mix for a nice rich flavor. You could also add almond and/or vanilla extract.
  5. NOTE: The recipe is also still very good if you only have 1-2% milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. There are so many different things you can make this recipe your own. It's good regardless of what you do to it!

Another epiphany came recently when a “healthy” (not necessarily a title I’d give myself) friend pointed out that all store-bought hot chocolate (even my favorite Stephens) has hydrogenated oils in them, a.k.a. trans fat. I was so annoyed! I’ve looked at the labels of every hot chocolate brand I can find since then, but I haven’t come across one that’s managed to leave that ingredient out (try to find one … I dare you). So, here are two recipes that you can make yourself. The “gourmet” version is only good fresh, but it’s outstanding and very addictive … so consider yourself warned. The “everyday” version is one you can make ahead of time and have on hand when the little ones come in from playing in the cold (I would say snow but we rarely get any of that in Tennessee).

GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE

Print

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 Tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 4 Tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon sugar try using maple syrup
  • 2½ ounces bittersweet chocolate 70-75% cacao chopped
  • Large pinch of kosher salt
  • 5 cups whole milk

Instructions

  1. Heat the cream, cocoa and sugar in a medium pot.
  2. Slowly add the chocolate and stir until melted.
  3. Add the salt and milk and heat to desired temperature.
  4. My friend also recommended adding Postum or Pero to the mix for a nice rich flavor. You could also add almond and/or vanilla extract.
  5. NOTE: The recipe is also still very good if you only have 1-2% milk and semi-sweet chocolate chips. There are so many different things you can make this recipe your own. It's good regardless of what you do to it!
There you go, healthy (or at least “healthier) and tasty treats to help get you through the winter (I love winter by the way, so don’t take that as a complaint!!!).
~ Rebecca
Other hot chocolate posts:

Love Actually’s Guide Romantic Guide to Hot Chocolate

and

Fill Your Mug With the Best Hot Chocolate

Comments

  3. Cathie says

    I’m not positive, but I think non-dairy creamer has a bunch of nasty stuff in it, too. I’m sure I’ve seen a make-ahead mix that doesn’t use it.

  4. Rebecca says

    Cathie – wow, you’re right! I’m still learning about this “healthy” stuff, so I went and grabbed a bottle of non-dairy creamer that a guest left and it does have “partially hydrogenated palm oil” in it. Dang. I’m glad you pointed that out. I’ll have to modify my recipe somehow. And, please let me know if you find a make-ahead mix without trans fat. Thanks!

  5. Mariel says

    So, I made this. It was delish! I have a sweet tooth, so I actually added a tsp. of vanilla and like 3 more TBS of sugar.

    Thanks, Becc!

  8. cabotcoop says

    Oh my! Gourmet, indeed 🙂 These recipes sound amazing! I can’t wait to try them, thanks for sharing. The farm families who own Cabot appreciate your recommendation!
    ~Jacquelyn

Topics

The Rare Newsletter

It doesn't happen very often, but when it does... it's good!! Favorite things, great ideas, and all things "FAMILY."

My Beliefs

Free Book of Mormon Offer

10 Reasons I Love Being a Latter-day Saint

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Affiliate Disclosure

‘Or so she says…’ is a participant in a variety of affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Read more in the Disclosure, including info on Adthrive, the publishing network for this blog.

10 Most Popular Posts