fancy hot chocolate

I don't know about y'all, but I am beyond excited that it's finally cold! It's feeling like... well... honestly, winter. Texas kinda skipped out on fall this year, it went from a summery 80 to a chilly 40 overnight. Literally. So, even though I am missing out on crunchy orange leaves and sunny days with a crisp breeze, I'm kinda just happy it's not hot anymore. Having an extra-long summer makes you miss the most normal things about colder weather. For example, long pants. Jackets. Closed-toed shoes. Decorative scarves. Decorative hats. Have you ever tried wearing an accessory scarf in Texas summer? One word for you, DON'T. Something else I miss during hot weather is purely wintery treats, like chocolate and peppermint treats. Or hot chocolate with a mountain of marshmallows... kinda like this.

Mmmmm! Does that look delicious or what? I am not a big fan of coffee (unless it's a Starbucks Coconut Mocha Frappuccino that I got for free because my friend Emily works there and loves me), and I don't really drink tea, but hot chocolate.... ohhh, come to mama. This must be because I am seriously the biggest chocoholic ever! I do like my chocolate milk during the summer, but it is a sorry substitute for real cold-weather, piping hot, hot cocoa, with that yummy foam on top and mini marshmallows that get all melt-in-your-mouth-y and squishy after sitting in there for just a couple minutes. Yuuu-um. Soul warming, I tell ya. Is it cold where you live? Make this tonight. Much better than the stuff from a box, and your family will love you. P.S. You're welcome! :)

Fancy Hot Chocolate
Adapted from Sugar In The Raw
Yields: about 3 servings

3 oz. dark chocolate, grated
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch of salt
2 1/2 tsp Sweet N Low (or 1/3 cup white sugar)
2 cups skim milk
Optional: mini marshmallows and additional cocoa powder

Grab 3 cups and divide the grated chocolate evenly among them, set aside for now.
In a small saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, salt, and Sweet N Low or sugar. Add in a splash of your milk and whip into a paste. Add the rest of the milk, whisk to combine, and warm up over medium heat until it's the desired temperature. You want it hot enough to at least melt the chocolate shavings! Once hot, divide among your prepared cups. Top with marshmallows and a snowfall of cocoa powder. Enjoy!