Chrysalosity

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Simple & Sweet Hot Cocoa Mix

· FEEL-GOOD FOOD

Simple & Sweet Hot Cocoa Mix

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!)

 

Sweet & Simple Hot Cocoa Mix

 

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

Simple & Sweet Hot Cocoa Mix
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 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
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!

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Simple & Sweet Hot Cocoa Mix

 

This seasonal drink is a great way to kick off the holiday season! Keep a batch in your pantry to last you all winter through, and enjoy!

 

Happy Holidays!

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Quick & Easy Monster Cookie Energy Bites

· FEEL-GOOD FOOD

monster cookie energy bites

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!

monster cookie energy bites

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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!

monster cookie energy bites
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 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: protein bites
Servings: 20 balls
Calories: 87kcal

Equipment

  • electric mixer

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1/4 cup mini M&Ms*

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients except for M&Ms in a medium mixing bowl. (I used an electric mixer to blend well.)
  • Gently stir in M&Ms.
  • Roll mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch in diameter.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy on the go!

Notes

*If you don't have mini M&Ms, mini chocolate chips are a great substitute!

If you can't find mini M&Ms to fit the monster cookie theme, mini chocolate chips are an easy substitute. Also, peanut butter protein powder could be a tasty substitute in place of vanilla. Feel free to add more protein or less honey to your mixture - just be careful that it doesn't become too chalky, or the balls won't bond together well.

 

Love this recipe? Give it a share or let me know in the comments!

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Monster Cookie Energy Bites

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Easy Berry Instant Pot Oatmeal

· FEEL-GOOD FOOD

Instant Pot Oatmeal

Instant Pot oatmeal is a great way to sneak in a hearty breakfast in a fraction of the time!

I'll be honest - I go through phases with oatmeal. Sometimes I love it as a quick, warm and filling breakfast. Other days, I can't stand the texture of it. If you're currently in the "love it" phase with me, this Instant Pot oatmeal recipe is sure to hit the spot!

I've made oatmeal lots of ways, and truthfully, I've been burned by using my Instant Pot for it in the past (no pun intended). The trick is to spray the inner pot, add plenty of liquid, and to stir well before cooking to avoid the dreaded "burn" message.

The Instant Pot is a great way to make your oatmeal because it comes together and quickly cooks in just a matter of minutes. No need to make it the night before or stand over the stove! Y'all already know I'm a believer in all things Instant Pot.

This easy, delicious berry oatmeal is kind of a staple breakfast recipe - one definitely worth saving for your next pro-oatmeal phase! 🙂

This post contains affiliate links. Purchasing from these links doesn't cost you anything extra, but it does help me run my site and continue to provide free content. For more, read my Disclosure Policy.

 

Why Oatmeal?

Soluble fiber causes whole rolled oats digest slowly - which means you'll stay full longer. Or as my dad used to say when I was a kid - "It sticks to your ribs!" Either way you spin it, oatmeal is a great breakfast option because it'll keep you from snacking until lunch.

This Instant Pot oatmeal is also a great option for weekly meal prepping. Just make a batch, parse out into single servings, and store in the refrigerator throughout the week. If you're used to leaving the house in a rush in the morning, this can be a great option for a grab-and-go breakfast that you can microwave later on at work.

I use a 6-qt. Instant Pot Ultra, but the new Instant Pot Duo Plus is the most comparable new model. I've linked this model throughout this post for you to shop if you'd like!

Instant Pot oatmeal
Print Recipe

Easy Berry Instant Pot Oatmeal

This easy oatmeal recipe comes together quickly in the Instant Pot for a quick and hearty breakfast. Use fresh or frozen berries for a pop of fruity flavor!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time4 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Instant Pot, Oatmeal
Servings: 8
Calories: 240kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients

  • 2 cups old fashioned oats
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp sweetener of choice (I used honey)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen berries

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to Instant Pot, stirring to break up any clumps.
  • Secure the lid and make sure vent is sealed. Set pressure cooker to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 4 minutes.
  • Quick release when time expires.
  • Stir well and enjoy!

Notes

Note that it can take up to 10 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. In all, this recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Feel free to substitute 2 Tablespoons of any sweetener of choice for the honey.
You can also use mixed frozen or fresh berries. Fresh berries will break down more than frozen.

I strive to create balanced recipes with wholesome ingredients, and I think you'll find just that with this easy berry Instant Pot oatmeal recipe. You can use fresh or frozen berries and customize the type of sweetener you want to use based on your preferences. However you like it, give it a try and let me know how it went in the comments!

Enjoy!

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Instant Pot Oatmeal

 

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