Dairy Free Old Fashioned-Style Hot Cocoa

As a follow up to my blog about the perfect GF and dairy free chocolate chip cookie, I offer a recipe for a terrific winter companion. Remember that wonderfully creamy cup of hot chocolate from your grandmother's stove? It didn't come from a packet, box, or bottle. Granny whipped it up with real dutch process cocoa, sugar, milk, and heavy cream. If sadly you thought that being lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy meant those days would live on only in your nostalgic memory, this recipe is for you. The best part? This one is quick, has about half the fat and calories, is also vegan and gluten free and very easy to make diabetic friendly.

Dairy Free Old Fashioned-Style Hot Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar (sub in Splenda or stevia to make it diabetic friendly)
1 pinch sea salt
1/3 cup boiling water
4 cups plain non-dairy milk (almond is my fave)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup non-dairy creamer (check labels for vegan varieties - soy and coconut are a good bet)

Combine the cocoa powder, sugar or sweetener, and salt in a medium saucepan. Blend in boiling water with a whisk. Bring to an easy boil, stirring constantly. Don't scorch! Stir in milk and heat until very hot, but do NOT boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla and/or other desired flavorings (peppermint extract adds a fun twist). Pour into mugs and top with a splash of creamer - just enough to cool the cocoa down to drinking temperature and to desired strength. Garnish with soy or rice whipped cream, GF marshmallows, vegan chocolate chips, or a cinnamon stick.

Get cozy!