FEEL-GOOD FOOD

Simple & Sweet Hot Cocoa Mix

November 24, 2020 · FEEL-GOOD FOOD

Cold weather is upon us again, and a good hot cocoa mix recipe is a MUST for brisk nights!

One of my favorite memories from childhood is playing out in the snow until it got completely dark. I'd run inside, kick off my boots and shed all my wet winter gear, and charge upstairs for a mug of hot cocoa with marshmallows to warm me up. There's just something about that seasonal warm drink that feels nostalgic. Every time I taste it, I'm transported to my childhood, and it feels like home.

Even as an adult, I still enjoy a cup of hot cocoa every now and then. Admittedly, I'm more of a coffee with peppermint creamer kind of gal, but sometimes hot cocoa can really satisfy a sweet craving after coming in from the cold. Actually, throw in some Bailey's Irish Cream and I'm sold! 😉

Instead of opting for store-bought packets, you can make your own hot coca mix for a fraction of the cost at home. It's much creamier in my opinion, and who doesn't like to save a buck, right?

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Mixing It Up!

Today I'm sharing a very basic hot cocoa mix that you can make in just minutes with simple ingredients from your pantry. You'll need to grab some dry milk powder if you don't already have it! Simply whisk, then sift all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in your pantry.

To drink, stir 1/3 cup of the hot cocoa mix with 3/4 cup hot water or milk. In my honest opinion, this mix is plenty creamy when made with water, but if you like a richer hot cocoa, try it with milk instead!

For a garnish, try adding marshmallows, whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, candy canes or even flavored coffee creamer to your hot cocoa. (Or for the adult version, a splash of Baileys, Kahlua or Creme de Menthe will do the trick!)

How do you like to enjoy your hot cocoa? Let me know in the comments!

Print Recipe

Sweet & Simple Hot Cocoa Mix

Make your own hot cocoa mix for a fraction of the cost! This DIY mix is delightfully simple & sweet.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time0 mins

Total Time10 mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Keyword: holiday drinks, hot chocolate, hot cocoa

Servings: 20

Calories: 71kcal

Equipment

sifter
mixing bowl

Ingredients

3 cups dry nonfat milk powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1.5 cups natural unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl.
Run the mixture of ingredients through a sifter and store in an airtight container.
To prepare hot cocoa, combine 1/3 cup with 3/4 cup hot water or milk.
Optional: Garnish as desired with marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint or cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Monster Cookie Energy Bites

August 26, 2020 · FEEL-GOOD FOOD

These monster cookie energy bites have been a staple in our home since our daughter was born!

I don't really have a lot of time to bake these days. (Heck, I got up for the day after baby's 4:30 AM feeding just to write this post. Helloooooo sleep regression!) But I've found that these monster cookie energy bites are the best to throw together on days when time flies.

I can make this entire recipe from start to finish in 15 minutes! Even though Ella takes incredibly short naps, I can still find time to fill a container with a batch of these.

Plus, since I've been breastfeeding, I've been craaaaazy hungry! These energy bites satisfy my hunger while also helping me retain my milk supply. They've got a good balance of fat, carbs and protein, and they're perfect to grab on the go.

Simply put - this recipe is a smart choice when you don't have time to put thought into your snacks. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and you're all set for smart snacking!

The Quick, No-Bake Method:

Besides the fact that these monster cookie energy bites taste amazing, they're also super fast to throw together. My fellow mamas will understand. What is personal time, anyway? Does it exist?

I use an electric mixer to combine all the ingredients (again - a huge time saver!), but you can hand mix if you want. Literally dump all the ingredients in a bowl, mix together, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, and store in the fridge. You're all set!

Like I previously mentioned, I typically make a batch of these at the beginning of the week and snack on them throughout the week. They can refrigerate well in an airtight container for about a week - if you can keep them around that long!

And that's really it! Super fast, super simple. Check out the recipe below!

Print Recipe

Monster Cookie Energy Bites

Satisfy your cravings and fuel your hustle with these super quick, easy and delicious monster cookie energy bites!

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: protein bites

Servings: 20 balls

Calories: 87kcal