Don't you just love cold bitter days that allow you to curl up with a great hot chocolate? Okay, it's a Tuesday in December so most of us are at work, running around frantically figuring out what to get our family's for Christmas, juggling the million and 1 holiday events of the season, and making sure our kiddos are wearing coats … or at least a sweatshirt with their shorts to school because it's freezing. (Good luck with that, y'all). So the possibility of curling up on the couch with a blanket and steaming cup of hot chocolate is probably a pipe dream. 

National Cocoa Day stems from a long chocolate history. Long ago, people used the chocolate beverage mixed with spices like vanilla during praying rituals. Gradually, as people and lands developed, so did the history of cocoa. 1828 marks the year that the cocoa bean became well known through chocolate bars and instant mixes!

Several years ago, I had the amazing opportunity to be in Belgium during the week between Christmas and New Years. It was there that I had my first hot chocolate experience. Chocolate bars (and we know European chocolates are the best!) melted, mixed with cream, into a lovely hot chocolate cup full of warm goodness that soothes the soul is amazing. 

Here in the USA, we have a tendency to like things the quick and easy way. This means that Nestle's and Swiss hot chocolate mixes are prevalent in our culture. There's nothing wrong with that, but I tell you, making hot cocoa from chopped chocolate bars is the best!

Check out this recipe from the Simpler Kitchen for some great ideas… and ways to spice up your hot chocolate! Don't forget the whipped cream and marshmallows. Be prepared for the sugar crash later!

Happy National Cocoa Day!