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You know that feeling when you’ve been out in the cold morning air, tending animals, and all you want is something warm to wrap your hands around?
Several years ago, after a particularly blustery morning of chores, I craved hot chocolate. My little ones caught wind of it—suddenly everyone needed a cup. But here’s the thing: at the time, my toddler and I were avoiding dairy.
When Old Systems Don’t Fit Anymore
I used to watch my mom make huge batches of hot chocolate on the stove. But for just our small crew? That felt like overkill—more dishes, more waste, more time I didn’t have.
I dug through my recipe box looking for something I could adapt. Found two recipes: a mix that was too dairy-heavy, and a stovetop version that gave me an idea.
What if I could create a simple mix my older kids could make themselves when I’m out on the farm?
The Mix That Changed Our Mornings
Here’s what I landed on—a dairy-free hot chocolate mix you can make once and keep on hand:
Ingredients for the Mix:
- 6 parts sugar (coconut sugar works if you want something less refined)
- 1 part cocoa powder
- A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg
How to Make It:
Layer everything in an airtight container—sugar first, then cocoa, then spices. Fill it about ¾ full, seal it up, and give it a good shake.
That’s it. Now it’s ready whenever you need it.
Turning Mix Into Comfort
For One Cup (split in half for little ones):
- ½ cup water (or skip it and use all milk for something richer)
- ½ cup milk alternative (I used almond milk back then)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of your hot chocolate mix
Instructions:
Heat your milk alternative and vanilla on the stove. If you’re using water, bring it to a boil in the same pan—no need to overcomplicate it. Stir frequently so the milk doesn’t scald. Mix in a tablespoon of your chocolate mix, pour into mugs, and you’re done.
Simple. Doable. Even on the hardest mornings.
What’s Shifted Since Then
We still make this four years later. The only difference? Now we use raw A2/A2 milk from our family cow instead of store-bought alternatives. I also add a scoop of collagen to each cup for a protein boost—turns a simple treat into something that actually fuels us through the morning. And I’ve learned that a cup of hot chocolate is excellent currency when I need help finishing outdoor chores.
Creating small rituals like this—moments that feel nurturing even when everything else feels overwhelming—that’s what keeps us going. It’s not about perfection. It’s about finding what works for your family, right now, with what you have.
If you’re juggling farm stress, tight budgets, and kids who need you in twelve directions at once, you’re not alone. Sometimes the answer isn’t working harder—it’s finding one small system that brings a little peace back into your day.
Here’s to warm cups and warmer hearts, friend.
Looking for more simple systems that actually fit farm life? Join the Thriving Through Life group on Facebook for community support from women who understand what you’re walking through.
As I’ve grown as an entrepreneur, mom, gardener, and livestock owner, I struggled to find a planner that met my needs and kept me organized. So, I MADE MY OWN. You can look at it on the link below and buy it on Amazon.
Look inside the 2025 Planner 2026 is very similar
Don’t want the whole calendar part? I got you! I pulled the gardening and animal care pages out and put them in a book all their own.