My girls are always hungry. The problem is that I don’t want them constantly snacking.
And, let’s face it, they are not always satisfied with fruits and veggies after a long day of school. But, that doesn’t mean I want to fill them up on cookies and chips and empty calories. Much to their dismay, I want them to eat healthy foods.
But, I do want them to enjoy their food thoroughly. Food should be both nourishing and enjoyable. And sometimes (more often than not!!!) chocolate is the perfect way to unwind after a long day at school.
A lot of the time, I think kids (and adults!) eat because they are bored or actually dehydrated. I know that my girls do not drink a lot of water at school despite the fact that they schlep their MASSIVE, ice water filled Stanley water bottles to and from school every day. Oh my.
So, when I pick my dehydrated girlies up from school, I am often greeted with “I’m starving mom!” to which I typically reply, “Drink your water!”
But, all moms know that after a long day at school, a nourishing snack or small treat is in the cards. So, I concocted Thick. Hot. Chocolate.
What is Thick Hot Chocolate, you ask?
Well, it’s hot chocolate with rich chocolate pudding vibes. It’s much more treat-like and decadent than your basic hot chocolate, but it’s made without the addition of heavy cream or tons of white sugar!
Best of all, it’s wholesome and satisfying. And while it is technically a treat, you can control the amount of added sugar and it will certainly fill up little tummies when served with a bowl of strawberries on the side!
Did I mention that this treat is made with only 4 ingredients that you are likely to have in your kitchen right now?!
That’s right. Milk, Dark Cocoa Powder, Honey, and Cornstarch.
The basic method is to whisk your dark cocoa powder and almost all of your milk together in a saucepan and cook over medium heat.
While you’re heating the milk and chocolate, whisk your cornstarch, honey, and remaining milk in a small bowl.
Once the cocoa milk begins to gently boil, add in your cornstarch slurry and continue to boil until the concoction thickens. Finally, add your honey and a pinch of salt if desired!
What are you waiting for? Let’s do this!!!
Thick.Hot.Chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup Milk divided into 1 cup and 1/4 cup. Preferably organic. I used whole milk, but you can use reduced fat milk if you wish.
- 1 Tablespoon of honey, preferably raw and unfiltered
- 1 Heaping Tablespoon of Dark Cocoa Powder. You can use regular dutch process cocoa powder, but you won’t get the same rich decadent flavor that dark cocoa powder provides.
- 2 Teaspoons of Cornstarch
- Pinch of Salt – optional
Directions
- Combine 1 cup of milk and 1 Tablespoon of Cocoa powder into a heavy bottom sauce pan and whisk a until combined and foamy, removing all lumps. Set over medium heat and stir constantly.
- In a separate bowl while the milk and cocoa are cooking, whisk1/4 cup milk, 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of honey.
- When the cocoa milk begins to gently boil, pour in the cornstarch slurry and cook until it begins to gently boil again and coats the back of a spoon. This should only take about 15 – 30 seconds.
- Add a pinch of salt if you wish and remove from the heat source. Pour into a cup and enjoy. The hot chocolate mixture will continue to thicken as it cools!
Elizabeth
This sounds so yummy, thank you!
Katherine
You’re welcome!!! I hope you love it is much as we do!!!