Homemade Organic Hot Chocolate Mix--A Great Gift

"This tastes real!" That was my husband's review of it. It doesn't taste like the fake hot chocolate mix. The flavor is rich, chocolaty but not overly sweet. The coconut cream does add the slightest hint of coconut flavor, but it is not overpowering at all. If you would like the coconut flavor to shine through more, you can decrease the sugar. My kids helped me every step of the way and they have approved the final taste! They are brutally honest reviewers by the way!! I am drinking a cup as I write this, and I have to say...it's pretty delicious. I am having it with a bit of crushed candy cane and a dollop of whipped cream!

If you are not an organic purist, that is OK--No judgment here! We do organic when it is available and affordable. Sourcing all organic ingredients certainly adds to the cost of the hot chocolate. You can easily find these ingredients on Amazon, which is where I got most of mine. A few items like organic powdered sugar and organic cocoa were found at a local bulk food store. If you are fine with non-organic, then you should be able to find almost everything at your local grocery store. I did not pay for organic dry milk because I wanted whole milk. Plus, that option was crazy expensive. I chose this one and it feels like it was a good option.

Heat a 10 oz mug of milk. Add in 1/4 cup hot chocolate mix. Stir thoroughly and serve. Garnish with whipped cream or marshmallows. If you have a smaller mug, just add 2-3 TBS of mix.

Add-Ins

Candy CanesBack when I used to make the older version, one thing I added to the mix was crushed up candy canes. This makes the most delicious peppermint hot chocolate. I just use a food processor or handy chopper to crush up the candy canes. I would add 1 candy cane to each 12-16oz jar of mix, or you can add more if you like. You can actually find organic candy canes on Amazon, of course they are a bit pricey! However, on something that I am doing for a gift, I am willing to splurge a bit! If you add in the candy canes, you could decrease the sugar amount in the recipe.Instant CoffeeAdding instant coffee grounds makes this like a mocha, add in the crushed candy canes and it's a real treat!! Here is an organic instant coffee option.CinnamonAdd about two tsp of cinnamon to each 12-16 oz jar of mix. This adds an unexpected, but rich and satisfying flavor!

The cost may seem high at first, however, this is a huge batch of hot chocolate mix. You will yield about 12, 16oz jars of hot chocolate mix. I love to keep these on hand for neighbors, hostess gifts, or that unexpected guest.I am offering the labels for free, just visit my blog and you can have them! The link is below. I hope you enjoy!