Homemade Hot Cocoa

How many of you know where hot cocoa originated?  I was curious, and looked it up.  This is what I found:  The first chocolate beverage is believed to have been created by the Mayas around 2,000 years ago, and a cocoa beverage was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD.  The beverage became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World, and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was even used medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases. Today, hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations including the very thick cioccolata densa served in Italy, and the thinner hot cocoa that is typically consumed in the United States. Wow!  Isn't that cool?  I hope you all enjoyed these interesting facts as much as I did, because today's recipe is homemade hot cocoa!

Hot Cocoa

1/8 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup milk

1 T. sugar

unsweetened cocoa powder (to taste - 1/4-1/2 tsp.)

Directions

Heat milk in a small saucepan, whisking constantly until steaming.

Mix in sugar, whisking until dissolved.  Add vanilla.

Put desired amount of cocoa powder, more for a stronger chocolate flavor or less for a weaker flavor.  Whisk until dissolved.  Enjoy!

I loved this hot cocoa recipe.  I hope that in future, you will give my partner and I your favorites!