The Quick Version:
Heat 2 T pumpkin puree and 1 T
whipping cream in a mug (Microwave 20 sec.) or if you are making a bunch warm
it on the stove in a pan. Mix together
1/3 C. cocoa mix (I like Stevens Dark Chocolate for this but a milk chocolate
would surely be good) and 1 rounded T. Ultra gel for thickening if using. (see
below*) Add: ¼ tsp. Cinnamon, 1/8 tsp.
Nutmeg and Allspice for each cup. Stir
everything together in the cup or pan and top with whipped cream or
marshmallows in the mug.
I froze 2 T clumps of pumpkin so I
can get one or two out when I want to make this and not open a can of pumpkin
every time. (see photo)
If you want to make your own Cocoa
Mix here is a recipe:
SPICED HOT COCOA MIX
Mix together in a large bowl:
6 Cups Powdered Sugar
1 ½ C Non Dairy Creamer
1 ½ C Instant nonfat milk
1 1/4 C. Cocoa powder
Scant 3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Nutmeg
1 tsp Allspice
For every one cup of boiling
water add:
2 T. pumpkin puree
1/3 C of the dry cocoa mix
1 T. whipping cream (optional but it makes it more creamy. Or you can use 1 T. more of the nondairy
creamer if desired.)
I traveled in Europe last year and
died for the thick hot chocolate we had everywhere. I have discovered that a product called * Ultra
Gel works good for thickening hot chocolate. I add 1 slightly rounded T. per
cup. I also use Ultra Gel for making
frozen jams thicker and to stabilize whipped cream. It thickens like instant pudding thickeners. I buy it locally at Kitchen Kneads in Ogden. (If you go there make sure you get the one that can be used in hot or cold liquids) Here is a place you can order it.
Because I usually only make a cup or
two of this hot chocolate and don’t want to open a can of pumpkin every time I
froze a cookie sheet filled with 2 T. plops of pumpkin and then put them in a
plastic bag to drop in the hot chocolate when I want it. Heat the pumpkin a little longer in your cup before
adding the other ingredients.
