Poor Girl's Coffeehouse Hot Chocolate

Bundle and I went trudging about in the blustery cloudiness to run some errands and (of course) ended up at our favorite local coffee shop. It has the cutest play area for kids in the back, so I figured Bundle could run off some energy with a few other kiddos. I thought seriously about ordering something warm to sip and share with my daughter -- she LOVES to eat all the whipped cream off the top of anything I usually order -- but, as aforementioned in this blog, our family is on a pretty tight budget.

After greeting all her toddler friends and making certain the colored chalk and train tracks were well-loved, we left, sans warm, whipped topping, fall drink. And there is nothing about that I regret!

I'm learning quickly that there is far more value (and joy!) in contentment than want.  From the comfort of our messy sweet, warm home, Bundle and I worked together on creating a hot chocolate masterpiece. Bundle helped measure and pour the milk, and in no time we were wrapped in blankets on the couch, watching Elmo and sipping our special mother-daughter treat together. This in itself was priceless -- a homemade gift that I am thankful to have received as well as given.

<3

Any time I crave something with Starbucks-worthy steamed milk, I use this method. It seriously couldn't be easier, and NO fancy barista equipment is required.



Enjoy -- with homemade, heart-warming love, in your own home, with your own dearly-loved.


Poor Girl's Coffeehouse Hot Chocolate

I even found the perfect little coffeeshop cup with a kid-friendly lid for Bundle!

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1/4 c. chocolate syrup
1 tsp. vanilla
whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, heat milk and vanilla on high setting, constantly stirring with a whisk. Once milk is steaming, add chocolate syrup and turn down to medium heat. Continue stirring until almost boiling. (You will begin to see tiny little bubbles floating to the top.)

Pour immediately into desired mugs and garnish with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon. Serves two, and just a little extra. :)

Craving something with a little more caffiene?? Try this.


<3