We’ve been lucky so far in Chicago this winter, but with December here, cold and snow are sneaking into town. Try these hot drinks, perfect for kids and adults, to pull you through.
CHOCOLATE MILK STEAMER
4 cups warmed milk (in a pot or in the microwave for 2 minutes)
1T vanilla
2T real maple syrup
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 3o seconds, until top is frothy. Drink immediately.
BANANA HOT CHOCOLATE
2 overripe bananas
1 cup milk
1T cocoa powder
1t maple syrup
1/2t vanilla
cinnamon to sprinkle
Blend the banana and milk in a blender until smooth. Mix the cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla in separate bowl by hand. Add the chocolate mixture to the banana drink and blend until smooth. Pour mixture in mugs, leaving room for it to foam, and microwave one minute. Sprinkle cinnamon on top and enjoy.
HOMEMADE HOT COCOA
1 cup milk of choice per person (real milk or vegan milk will all work)
1t cocoa powder per person, such as Trader Joe’s or Hershey’s
1/2t vanilla (or 1t if you’re making a lot of cups of milk)
1.5t maple syrup per cup of milk
Heat milk in a sauce pot on medium heat for a few minutes without letting it boil. In a separate bowl, stir together cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla and syrup. Once milk is hot, stir chocolate mixture into the pot.
dash cinnamon. If it’s bitter, add a little more syrup.
VANILLA ALMOND CHAI
2 bags chai tea
3 cups water
6 oz. milk
1/2t vanilla
1/2t maple syrup or honey
3 drops almond extract
dash cinnamon
Brew the tea for a long time, so it’s fairly hot. Heat the milk in a pot or microwave. Add milk, vanilla, honey or syrup, almond and cinnamon to a blender and blend a few minutes until frothy. Stir the milk mixture into the tea and serve.
