spiced cocoa, hot

image via thatcatcouldknit

In simultaneously trying to drink less coffee & drink more farm milk (for good baby weight), I am a sucker for the following. Please be warned that this beverage encourages indulgence & the preparation of large quantities.

Ingredients (to have mixed in advance)

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• .5 or .75 cup raw sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cayenne or white chili powder
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp sea salt

Preparation

• warm milk on medium until slightly steaming but not boiling (scalded milk is less tasty to drink)
• add 2 Tbsp dry mix per 1 cups milk, rapidly whisking powder into milk
• top with homemade whip, marshmallows or candy cane crumbles

Whip

• 8 oz organic heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract, or 2 Tbsp maple syrup if you prefer