Extra - Bonus Recipes

Autumn in the Midwest is a time of preparation.

We spend a lot of time outdoors, 

gathering the harvest,

watering newly planted trees or grass seed,

putting away summer furniture and lawn ornaments,

putting an extra layer of mulch on needed plants,

preparing the harvested gardens for next year,

cutting and stacking the firewood for winter...

In the wintertime, we are out snowmobiling, sledding, 4-wheeling, ice skating,
or just playing in the snow.

    

So anytime when it's cold and rainy or snowing outside,

and the temperatures start dropping,

a steamy, frothy cup of hot cocoa sounds so inviting. So I'm going to show you how I make my homemade hot cocoa. 

Is it healthy for you?

Probably not so much.

But it is healthier and tastes much better than a store-bought package or mix.

And remember, you've learned in this curriculum how to substitute healthier ingredients for lesser quality ingredients to make the foods you and your family love to eat.

Gather your supplies and ingredients:

You'll need:  

• 1/2 cup all natural, raw sugar substitute
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa
• dash of salt
• dash of cinnamon
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 4 cups organic milk (you could also substitute almond milk or rice milk)
• 3/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• medium size pan
• whisk
• measuring spoons and cups

Mix together the sugar, cocoa, salt, and cinnamon with a whisk.

Add the hot water and whisk until blended.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until boiling.

(This is also the base of chocolate syrup.

At this point, you could add it over ice cream or anything else that you would use

chocolate syrup for.  And this is much better than a bottle of store-bought chocolate syrup.

Compare the ingredients!)

Slowly add the milk while whisking.

Lower the heat.  Do not boil at this point.

Once the mixture is heated thoroughly, but not boiling,

remove from heat and add the vanilla.

For a variation, you could also add pure almond extract instead of vanilla extract.

Serve with real whipped cream and a cinnamon stick if desired.

Enjoy!

"What does it profit a man, my brethren,

if a man says he has faith but has not works?

...If a brother or sister is ill-clad 

(doesn't have enough or proper clothing to wear to keep warm or protected)

and in lack of daily food,

and one of you says to them,

'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,'

without giving them the things needed for the body,

what does it profit?

So faith by itself,

if it has no works,

is dead...

By my works I will show you my faith."

(James 2:14-18)

Do you know of anyone today who needs something that you could give?

Food?  Clothing?  Friendship?  An introduction to their Savior?