Do you love a steaming cup of hot cocoa on cold winter days as much as I do? It is especially tasty if you've just been outside playing in the snow! I didn't realize just how many different ways you could add variety to your hot cocoa! I also didn't know there were so many creative uses for cocoa! Maybe you'll be as inspired as I was to try a few out!
Things to Have at a Hot Cocoa Bar
marshmallows (of course!)
peppermints (crushed candies work well)
caramel
toffees
cinnamon
nutmeg
almond flavoring
vanilla
whip cream/Cool whip
crushed butterscotch and/or topping
chopped nuts
mint chocolate chips
cookie crumbles
instant coffee
Check out these yummy ways to use cocoa!
Cocoa Energy Balls
Cocoa energy balls are a nutritious and portable snack. They are easy to make and packed with energy to keep you going throughout the day.
Ingredients
Medjool dates 10 oz.
3/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup nuts finely chopped
2-3 teaspoons cocoa powder
1-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
You want soft sticky dates for best results. Put all ingredients in a food processor and combine until ingredients stick together. Add a little more oil if needed. Scoop out into balls and freeze or refrigerate. These will last in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 weeks and in the freezer for about 3 weeks.
Optional ingredients: different seeds and nuts, protein powder, chocolate chips, peanut butter, cinnamon, caramel, sea salt, shredded coconut
Classic Cocoa Smoothie
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
1. Peel and slice the banana.
2. Add the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, and honey to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve chilled.
Peanut Butter Cocoa Smoothie
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1 cup almond milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon peanut butter
Instructions
1. Peel and slice the banana.
2. Add the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, honey, and peanut butter to a blender.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Serve chilled and garnish with a drizzle of peanut butter.
Cocoa can be added to practically any dessert!
Have you ever thought of adding cocoa to these?
Oatmeal or overnight oats
Banana or Zucchini bread
Ice Cream
Coffee
Yogurt
Pancakes or Waffles
Chili
Stew
Gravy
You can even exfoliate your face with cocoa! Just mix 1 tablespoon each of cocoa powder, honey, sugar, and coconut oil together. Once it makes a paste, apply it to your face for 20 minutes and then gently massage your face as you rinse.
Turns out, you can do quite a variety of things with cocoa!
