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Winter mornings on the farm can be brisk, especially when you're out feeding the animals. After a particularly blustery morning, I found myself longing for some hot chocolate to warm up my soul. My little ones were all too eager to join in this cozy treat. However, there's a twist—at the time both my toddler and I need to avoid dairy.
A Simple Solution for Dairy-Free Comfort
In the past, my mom would make a big batch of hot chocolate on the stove, but with just the three of us, that seemed excessive. I rummaged through my recipe box, hoping to find something adaptable, and luckily, I found two gems—a hot chocolate mix and a stovetop recipe. The mix was too dairy-heavy, but the stovetop recipe? Perfectly adaptable!
Crafting the Perfect Dairy-Free Mix
Here's how I created a delightful dairy-free hot chocolate mix, just the right size for our little family:
Ingredients for the Mix
- 6 parts sugar (coconut sugar works great if you're looking for a healthier option)
- 1 part cocoa powder
- A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth and flavor
Instructions
- Layer the ingredients in an airtight container, starting with sugar, followed by cocoa, and then the spices. Fill until the container is about ¾ full.
- Secure the lid and give it a good shake to mix everything together.
This is excellent to keep on hand for my oldest to grab and make for herself or her siblings now if I'm busy.
Making the Hot Chocolate
Now, for the magic part—turning this mix into a comforting cup of hot chocolate:
Ingredients for One steaming Cup (split in half for small kids)
- ½ cup water (for a richer flavor skip the water and just use milk)
- ½ cup of your favorite milk alternative (I used almond milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of the hot chocolate mix
Instructions
- Heat the milk alternative and vanilla in a pan on the stove while bringing water to a boil. In hindsight, you can combine these steps to save time.
- Ensure the milk is hot but not boiling, stirring frequently to prevent scalding.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the mix into the pan and mix in.
- Fill the mugs with the hot milk mixture.
- Sip and enjoy!
A Cozy Treat for the Family
We still enjoy this recipe four years later. The only thing I have changed is we now use raw A2/A2 milk from our family milk cow instead of milk alternatives. I will bribe the kids to help me finish something outside in exchange for a cup of hot chocolate when we are done.
Creating moments like these is what makes the hard work on the farm worthwhile. It’s about finding small pleasures and adapting to our needs, without letting constraints hold us back.
If you're navigating similar challenges, know that you're not alone. Together, we can find warmth and comfort in the little things, even on tight budgets and busy schedules. Here's to sweet, nurturing moments with our loved ones.
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