Now that the weather is cooler, it’s a great time to enjoy some hot cocoa! And for this time of year, why not add some pumpkin? I had read that pumpkin is a good source of fiber and melts right into your hot cocoa! So I experimented a little and came up with two different ways to make it. Both have cinnamon to give it a nice autumn spice, and the second version has some other spices added in too!
This first recipe is super-easy and you can make it a mug at a time. The recipe I’m giving makes one serving. If you want to make a larger batch, you can mix the cocoa up in a saucepan instead of a mug.
Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa I
PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA I by Nancy C
Makes 1 serving
6 ounces water, heated in a microwave-safe mug
1 packet of your favorite hot cocoa mix (I used the Nestle® brand)
2 Tablespoons pure pumpkin from can (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 1/2 Tablespoons mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 to 1 Tablespoon Half & Half (light cream)
Whipped cream and extra cinnamon for garnish, if desired
Heat up 6 ounces of water in your mug.
Add cocoa mix to hot water and stir, then add pumpkin and blend well.
Add in chocolate chips and stir until melted, then stir in the cinnamon.
Last, add the Half & Half and blend well. At this point, you may want to heat up your cocoa in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds if it has cooled down.
If desired, top with whipped cream and a light sprinkling of cinnamon, and serve.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
This second hot cocoa recipe that I came up with uses milk instead of water. It’s also made with cocoa powder and sweetened with honey!
Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa II
PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA II by NancyC
Makes 4 to 6 servings
6 cups milk
3/4 cup pure pumpkin from can (not pumpkin pie filling)
6 Tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
6 Tablespoons honey
Whipped cream and extra cinnamon for garnish, if desired
In saucepan, blend milk, pumpkin, cocoa, and spices.
Heat until mixture is hot and steaming (you don’t want it to get to the boiling stage), then add in the vanilla and honey. Blend well, then pour cocoa into mugs.
If desired, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with some cinnamon or nutmeg.
Recipe from NancyC | nancy-c.com
These are great ways to enjoy hot cocoa in the fall and winter months! Do you like adding anything special to your hot cocoa?
Sharing at Meal Plan Sunday, Farmhouse Friday, Weekend Potluck, Fiesta Friday, Full Plate Thursday, Thursday Favorite Things, Grace at Home, Wonderful Wednesday, LouLou Girls, Happiness is Homemade, Inspire Me Monday.
NancyC 