This month’s Recipe Redux theme is Adding Merriment to Mixes: From hostess gifts to holiday gifts, it’s the season for DIY offerings from your kitchen. And homemade mixes couldn’t be easier! I love finding something new each year to bestow upon my friends and family and this one is certainly a keeper.
My inspiration for this recipe came recently because I realized I used the last of our store bought hot chocolate mix one chilly evening. It hit me that it should be super easy to make my own, and better yet I can control the ingredients as well as add flavor. I’m a total Chai fanatic so it was one of the first thoughts that sprung to mind. The combination of the dark cocoa powder and the Chai spices is a match made in heaven, leaving just the faintest hint of heat on your tongue after it goes down.
E interrupting photo session for a sip
(total coincidence her shirt matches the mug)
Most surprising of all was my children’s reaction. Both of them loved it! I was worried the Chai flavor would be too much for them, but it is subtle enough that it just adds a depth of flavor to the dark chocolate. In fact, C ,who is ever so wary of anything spicy, declared it “Perfecto!” E is my chocoholic and of course guzzled it without a problem, smacking her lips and asking for more.
Also, the mix of spices I used to create the Chai flavor would be a wonderful present on its own. I made up a large batch separately from the hot cocoa mix and will be using it in a variety of ways this holiday season. If you use your own Chai spice mix, add 2 teaspoons to the recipe below.
- ⅔ cup dark cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup dry milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend well. A pastry cutter or whisk may be used to help break up clumps.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To make hot chocolate, use 4-5 tablespoons of mix with 8 ounces of hot water or milk.
Loading InLinkz ...
Stay Connected with Ann