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Cold-Weather Awesomeness: Lavender Hot Cocoa

We’ve still got beautiful fall leaves on many of our trees here in the DC area, but the clocks have fallen back and we’re officially in the midst of November.  That means that, no matter what, the cold winter weather (and Christmas!) is inevitably right around the corner.

With that in mind, I’d like to share a little extra-special hot cocoa recipe with you:

Lavender Cocoa. 

It may sound peculiar to you, but trust me:  Lavender is one of my favorite herbs to sneak into a surprising number of foods.   When you mix chocolate (Especially dark chocolate) and Lavender, the results are amazing.

If you’re a chocolate lover who’s always settled for the cocoa that comes in Just Add Water packets, do yourself a favor and just snag a little cannister of “gourmet” cocoa mix next time you’re at the store.  I recommend the mix from Lake Champlain Chocolates,  Equal Exchange (fair trade) or else Godiva or Ghirardelli.

Yes, this recipe takes a smidge more work than the Just Add Water method, but it’s so worth it.

Here’s what you’ll need:

**Real hot cocoa mix (like the examples above)

**Milk

**Dried (or fresh) lavender buds

You can also use lavender oil, if you prefer, but be sure that it’s suitable for food use!

 Here’s how to make it:

1.  Pour a mug of milk into a saucepan.  Add 3-5 dried or fresh lavender buds.  (A pinch, essentially. I never measure.  If you use the oil instead, just add like 1/2 drop.)

2.  Slowly warm the milk to a simmer and add the appropriate amount of hot cocoa mix.  (See container for details.)

3.  Stir as you simmer the cocoa, making sure all of the powder gets mixed in and dissolved.

4.  Pour into a cup and garnish with mini marshmallows and/or whipped cream, if you so desire.

Voila!  If you try this at home, please let me know what you think!

What’s your cold-weather drink of choice?

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7 Comments

  • Reply Lauren @ Our Big Fat Farm Wed at 10:03 pm

    This looks super nummy. I really like Bailey’s Irish cream mixed with coffee during the colder months. Obviously something I don’t drink while I am working or anything…but it sure is delish on a Saturday night at home! 

  • Reply craftosaurus at 11:52 pm

    That sounds interesting … you promise it doesn’t taste like soap? 🙂

    I’m a big fan of cinnamon infused simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, simmered with a cinnamon stick) in coffee and hot cocoa.

  • Reply Juarolynn at 3:31 am

    Yum! This looks great! Very creative! If I get to sip this, I don’t mind sharing the couch. 🙂

  • Reply Leigh at 4:38 am

    Yum! I love hot chocolate but have never had this combo.

  • Reply mikalah at 4:55 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever actually tasted lavender! I really need to give this a try. Sadly, I am one of the “just-add-water” cocoa drinkers, but I will definitely give the gourmet hot chocolate a try too. =) 

  • Reply Funnelcloud Rachel at 8:07 pm

    This was delicious – thanks for the recipe, Jane! I’m a big fan of culinary lavender (and hot chocolate!) and am always looking for more recipes that use it. It pairs beautifully with blueberries – I’ve made Blueberry-Lavender Crisp and this Blueberry-Lavender Cream Pie: http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/dessert/recipe-blueberry-lavender-cream-pie-048583 Both delicious!

  • Reply Juleen Kenney at 3:49 am

    That sounds amazing!  I bet it would taste delicious in hot tea as well!

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