Tutoring Organizations Austin – Tots N Tutors
Cocoa comes from the cocoa bean, a crop developed in early cultures that has been around for thousands of years. Cocoa was first discovered in South America–it is most commonly known that it played a major role in the cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans. This plant is cultivated and included in the diets of people around the globe, in forms such as chocolate and cocoa powder. Now is the perfect time to celebrate cocoa because National Cocoa Day is right around the corner, on December 13, 2021. When most people hear the word “cocoa,” their first thought is of the sweet, chocolatey beverage served on winter days. There’s nothing like a piping hot cup of cocoa when the temperatures dip outside. So, gather the following ingredients and follow the directions to make yourself a batch! Read on for three enjoyable recipes to try.
#1 ESSENTIAL PIPING HOT COCOA
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ – ¾ cup white sugar
⅓ cup water
3 ½ cups milk
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the cocoa and sugar in a saucepan. Next, pour the water into the saucepan; stir while bringing the mixture to a low boil. Simmer for 1-2 minutes and then stir in the milk. Heat through (without returning to a boil). Add vanilla, remove from heat, and serve. (Makes approximately 4 servings)
#2 EASY PEPPERMINT HOT COCOA
4 cups milk
2 cup milk chocolate chips
2 large candy canes, crushed
Whipped cream
Pour milk into a saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium heat. When it begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and add the chocolate and one of the crushed candy canes to the milk. Whisk the mixture for approximately 3-4 minutes, until the chocolate and candy cane are melted. Remove from heat and serve topped with whipped cream and garnish with the remaining crushed candy cane. (Makes approximately 4 servings)
#3 ELEMENTAL HOT COCOA FLOAT FOR ONE
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder (or instant espresso powder)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
4 ounces dark or bittersweet chocolate
Vanilla ice cream
Combine milk, half and half, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan; mix well. Bring this mixture to a boil; once boiling, immediately reduce the heat. Stir in the chocolate and whisk until well-combined. To serve, pour the hot cocoa into a mug; then add 1-2 scoops of ice cream. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or both as desired. (Makes 1 serving)
Tots ‘N Tutors is a professional mobile tutoring company based in Austin, Texas that offers educational support to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and college, in all subject areas. Additionally, the learning guides at Tots ‘N Tutors help students hone foundational academic skills, such as organization and time management skills and study skills, so they can learn more efficiently and effectively. Contact Tots ‘N Tutors any time to discuss your needs and to schedule a meeting individually or in a small group, in person or remotely.