Homemade Hot Cocoa – Our fave winter treat

The story goes like this: One blustery winter day, we were craving a nice evening with a movie and some hot cocoa, but had run out of hot cocoa mix and didn’t feel like going to the store just for hot cocoa mix. Then I thought, “Hey, I bet we can just make it from scratch”. So, with some baking cocoa, sugar, milk, love, and a little help from google, I made hot cocoa from scratch. The result was absolutely shocking. Did you know that hot cocoa from scratch is pretty much the most amazing thing ever?? Well, it is. The rich and creamy and chocolaty taste can’t hold a candle to that instant stuff.  And now you can make it for yourself. Here’s the recipe!

Homemade Hot Cocoa:

1/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cups sugar
pinch of salt
1/3 cup hot tap water
4 cups whole milk
1 tsp vanilla

In a medium saucepan, stir together the cocoa, sugar, salt and water. Bring to a boil, stirring often, being careful not to burn. Add the milk and heat to just boiling. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into cups. Put on your sweatsuit. Turn on a good movie (such as You’ve Got Mail or Love, Actually). Wrap yourself up in a blanket. Drink the cocoa. Say “mmmmmmmm”.

Once you try this stuff, you’ll never go back, I promise.

Esperanza Spalding

I met up with my good friend Chris Paquette today while in Chicago for an audition, and he introduced me to the music of the incredible Esperanza Spalding. At just 24 years old, this bassist/vocalist is incredible.  Here is a video of her performance at the White House Poetry Jam on May 12, 2009. (By the way, did you know there was a White House Poetry Jam? I didn’t. Thanks, Obama.)