PREPPING FOR THANKSGIVING – HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX

Can I just start this by saying, “Thank goodness I am not hosting this year!” Don’t get me wrong, I love having people over and playing hostess, but holiday hosting is not really my thing. There is so much pressure, and I just can’t always reliquinsh my Monica Gellar ways to make it so everyone has a good time.

But I am very excited for Thanksgiving this year! The last two years have been absolutely FREEZING, and made for a pretty boring day. My husband’s family doesn’t do turkey dinner till late in the evening, which can make for a really long day, especially for kids.

The slightly warmer temps mean that we get to hit up the Macy’s parade this year! We have been before and it is always so fun. A very special memory. And now that my oldest is big enough to fully get it and remember, I have been really hoping going would work out.

There is some serious prep work that is involved if you want to go to the parade and not be completely miserable for the three hours you are waiting in dark and bitter cold. I am one to over plan and prepare to make sure it is fun and memorable, instead of a giant whine fest.

We are going to be going to stake out a spot EARLY – as in be at our desired location at 6:00 am. It seems a little over the top, but it is so worth it to be right up against the police gate with little kids. But that also means you are stuck outside for hours. The parade doesn’t actually start till around 9:00 or 9:30!

Which is where lugging camp chairs comes in clutch. Is it a total hassle? Sure. But would you rather be the person stuck sitting on a picnic blanket that strangers continually walk on all morning? Or cozied up? I rest my case.

I also pack homemade cinnamon rolls that I cook the night before and my famous homemade hot chocolate. There are a lot of things I am a snob about and homemade baked goods and quality hot beverages are just a few of them.

A few years ago, I splurged on a really nice thermos that keeps the hot chocolate piping hot all morning long. We pack a few games, some insulated mugs, and wear all the layers!

The hot cocoa is actually super easy to make! You just make up a quick batch of the mix at the beginning of the season, and then it is as easy as the packet versions, but 10000 times better!

You want to make sure you are using yummy chocolate, first and foremost. Once you make your first cup, you can adjust the sugar content to your liking. My personal preference is more of a semi sweet flavor, so add or reduce as you see fit!

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HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 bag of chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 1 tbs cornstarch
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of kosher salt

It is literally the easiest things in the world. Throw everything in the blender and pulse quickly until the chocolate chips are a fine powder. Be sure not to blend for too long, or it will start to melt!

To make a cup of cocoa, add 2 – 3 tablespoons of the mixture for every cup of milk, depending on how chocolatey you like it! I usually over scoop, because duh! Heat milk and cocoa mix on low heat, whisking until chocolate is melted and combined. Give it a little extra time than you think to make sure all of those chocolate pieces are fully melted!

Don’t forget to top with lots of marshmallows!