National Hot Chocolate Day
With the winters approaching, what is better than a steaming glass of hot chocolate stirring up an aroma that makes your home feel warmer?
You do not need to wait any longer because National Hot Chocolate Day is approaching on January 31st so gather your loved ones, cozy up by the fireplace, and indulge in the rich, creamy goodness that brings a smile to every face.
How to Make a Delicious Creamy Cup of Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
- Milk
- Cocoa powder
- sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream/ marshmallows/ grated chocolate (for toppings)
Procedure
- Take a saucepan add cocoa powder, some sugar, and a bit of salt, and whisk them well together.
- Gradually whisk in the milk over medium heat. Keep stirring to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is well combined.
- Keep the stove on till the mixture becomes warm but make sure to not heat it too much that it starts boiling.
- Next, add some chocolate chip and a splash of vanilla extract and keep heating it.
- That's it! Your hot chocolate is ready. Garnish it with some marshmallows, whipped cream and grated chocolate if you want.
Who Started National Hot Chocolate Day
There are no clear origins or history as to who started National Hot Chocolate Day since it is an informal holiday but it is evident that they were a hot chocolate lover much like the rest of us.
Let's delve into the history of hot chocolate instead.
The Mayans were among the first people to cultivate cacao trees and make the first bitter chocolate drink with cacao beans, water, chilies, and spices called xocolātl.
The Aztecs adopted this drink and modified it a little by adding honey.
Spanish explorers like Hernán Cortés and others encountered the drink during their expeditions. They were the ones who introduced the drink to the Spanish court after returning to Europe. The Spanish began to sweeten the drink by adding sugar, vanilla, and other spices, and they heated it, making it more recognizable as hot chocolate we know today.
How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day
Of course, making yourself and your loved ones a cup of hot chocolate on this day is mandatory but there are many other ways to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day.
- Host a Hot Chocolate Tasting Party: Invite friends over and serve a variety of hot chocolate flavors, from classic milk chocolate to rich dark chocolate and unique infusions. Provide toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, caramel, and sprinkles to make each cup customizable and fun.
- Hot Chocolate and Movie Night: Pick a cozy movie and settle in with blankets and mugs of hot chocolate for everyone. This is also a great idea for date night!
- Make Hot Chocolate for Breakfast: Kickstart the day with a breakfast twist by adding hot chocolate as the main drink. Pair it with pastries, pancakes, or even hot chocolate waffles to make it a sweet morning celebration.
- Take Pictures and Post: Capture the cozy vibes of the day with photos of your hot chocolate creations. Share them on social media with festive captions and hashtags like #NationalHotChocolateDay to spread the love!
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