When the weather gets cold, nothing screams coziness like a cup of irresistible hot cocoa. Yet, as simple as it is to prepare this drink, there are still a few tips and tricks worth mentioning. Let us explore them together.
What to Watch out for When It Comes to Cocoa
Most of us love hot cocoa, yet, it is important to take into consideration the following fact. Cocoa beans serve as the main source of income for over 14 million people. Nevertheless, only 6% of the selling price of each chocolate bar goes to the growers because the latter usually work for big corporations. On top of that, it is not uncommon in the chocolate industry to also witness the use of dangerous pesticides, as well as child labor.
Having all this in mind, we recommend that you pay attention to the cocoa you buy. If you want to make your first-class homemade vegan hot chocolate, provide yourself with fair-trade and organic cocoa. In this way, you will know that the cocoa farmers receive a fair share of the pie and that the working conditions were fair and humane. As a result, your cup of hot cocoa will definitely taste better.
Do’s and Don’ts
In addition to buying organic and fair-trade cocoa, we encourage you to follow these tips. First, do not drink hot cocoa before bedtime. Similar to coffee, cocoa contains phenethylamine and caffeine. Therefore, drinking hot cocoa in the evening might make you overexcited.
Next, we know how delicious hot cocoa with cocoa powder can be. Yet, you need to remember that chocolate is rich in theobromine. This active ingredient is a diuretic. As a result of this, it is possible to experience a stomachache or a headache if you do not take care of your hydration.
How to Make an Irresistible Cup of Hot Cocoa at Home
If you are looking for a simple, yet irresistible hot cocoa recipe, then try out this one. Step 1 is all about choosing if you want to drink hot cocoa with coconut milk, water, or cow milk.
Step 2 includes heating your chosen liquid in a pot.
Next, you need to add pieces of dark chocolate to your pot. Besides, it is necessary to stir constantly until the chocolate melts completely.
Step 4 is all about adding 1 tablespoon cocoa powder to the mix. Similar to the previous step, remember to stir until you reach a creamy, thick consistency. Finally, you can add more liquid, as well as sugar. Besides, remember to stir constantly as you slowly increase the heat.
Naturally enough it is possible to mix coffee and hot chocolate or baileys and hot chocolate. Some people also like adding spices such as chili, cinnamon, and black pepper. It is up to you to personalize your cup of hot cocoa so that it suits your taste.
