I preface this recipe with a story of regret:

I began my journey thinking I was going to make a super old school recipe I had for Blueberry Muffins. TERRIBLE IDEA. They were disgusting. Maybe I over-mixed? Not enough sugar? Should I have added apple sauce? I have no idea where I went wrong and quite frankly, I have put the nail in that coffin.

When it comes to muffins I need to stick with my own recipes. I have spent years trying new ways of making them and honestly, I‘m good at what I already know.  In any case, I was pretty upset. I made a delicious streusel topping and was so excited to share these muffins with my kids (they are muffin addicts). Unfortunately, I had failed. I actually get pretty down on myself when I don’t produce something delicious.

So I sat and stewed for a few days. I decided I didn’t want to try and redeem myself with another muffin recipe. I (GASP) bought muffins from the store. I KNOW. But I was desperate. Have you ever tried to go days telling a toddler over and over again “WE HAVE NO MUFFINS!”

A few days later I had a revelation.  What makes everyone happy? Chocolate. What is better than just chocolate? Chocolate mixed with sugar, love, warmth, and sometimes a little something extra.

What you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup sugar (less is fine too if you are looking for a semi-sweet option)
• 1/4 cup baking cocoa
• Dash salt
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 4 cups milk (I prefer 2% or Almond)
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• Something Extra: Miniature Marshmallows/Whipped Cream/ Bailey’s/ Bourbon/Sanity

Now what do you do:

1. In a medium saucepan combine sugar, cocoa, and salt.
2. Add water and bring to a boil.
3. Lower heat to medium, cook, and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in milk and heat to serving temperature (do not let it boil).
5. Remove from the heat and stir in almond extract.
6. Whisk until frothy.
7. Serve with your favorite garnish or spirit 🙂

 

Ugh, thank you Baby Jesus for chocolate. Chocolate never fails me. He never lets me down (chocolate is a he right?).  He never leaves me hanging. By all means, Chocolate is very loyal. Let us not forget another big star in this show, Almond Extract. You can try this recipe with Vanilla but… IT. IS. NOT. THE. SAME.

Ok, rant over. 🙂

Now go enjoy yourself some Hot Chocolate!