A family member was having a very special birthday and I knew that he likes homemade gifts in particular. Considering all the food that would already be at the big party I thought it would be nice to make him something that he could enjoy when life cools down and he wants to have spicy treat.
I am not a personal fan of spicy desserts but he is so I made sure to get the best quality ingredients and do my best creating the best damn spicy hot chocolate mix on the planet.
The Journey
This was the first time I walked all the way to the Bulk Barn since I injured my ankle. It was quite the trek but totally worth it.
Not only did I get spices there I also got fancy pants chocolate chips, chocolate curls, instant skim milk powder… AND the super special red cocoa powder.
The Mix
The challenging part was figuring out how much mix to make so there would be enough for the jar and all the toppings. Here is the recipe I came up with and a special shout out to my sister Shannon for helping me come up with the perfect ratio of ingredients.
The Mix
In a bowl whisk together: 1 1/2 cup cocoa, 1 1/2 cup instant skim milk powder, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tbsp + 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 3/4 tsp chilli powder, 3/4 tsp kosher salt and a hefty pinch of cayenne.
Putting It Together
You want to fill the jar at least halfway with the spicy chocolate mixture. We had some leftover mix too!
Top with at least 1/2 cup high quality chocolate chips and 1/2 cup marshmallows.
Serving
For one large serving add 1 mug of milk to small sauce pan. Add 3 heaping tbsp of mix and 1 tsp chocolate chips. Turn on heat to medium/medium high, whisking until dissolved and steaming. Do not boil.
Me and my sisters of course had to taste test this present before giving it away and can I say, wow?! I do not usually like this type of beverage. I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to my hot chocolate but there was so much depth of flavour even I swooned over it. It is not super spicy, just enough to make you feel all warm and comfy inside.
Feel free to add more cayenne if you want more POW to your mug of hot chocolate goodness!
A beautiful presentation of a thoughtful gift!
MMMMM…Off to bulk barn I go…
Thank you for your recipe!