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By Cara Beth Lewis

Hot chocolate, hot cocoa, or whatever you choose to call the warm, chocolate-y winter beverage, is a staple this time of year. Whether you serve it with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a candy cane for stirring – this drink is sure to fuel your Christmas spirit. Today, December 13th is a day set aside to appreciate and enjoy this yummy treat.

Recently, BladenOnline shared a recipe and video tutorial for delicious, creamy, and rich hot chocolate.

Watch the video here: Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe – BladenOnline

Read the article here: Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe – BladenOnline

The great thing about this recipe is you can add your own touch to create YOUR perfect hot cocoa. You can add more chocolate or less chocolate, substitute 2% milk for whole milk, add different flavors like peppermint or caramel for a little extra “pizzazz” – or whatever you want! The options are endless.

Hot chocolate, or hot cocoa, has a long history. According to nationaldaycalendar.com, “The Mayans are credited with creating the first chocolate beverage around 2000 years ago. Culturally, cocoa became an essential part of the Aztec civilization by 1400 AD. After the drink found its way from Mexico through the New World, Europeans popularized the chocolate drink. However, it has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, drinkers used hot chocolate medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases.”

You’d probably be glad to know that this delicious drink offers health benefits to its consumers! Hot cocoa is typically made with cocoa powder. Cocoa powder, made from cocoa beans, contains naturally-occurring antioxidants. These antioxidants have been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced inflammation, better blood flow, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Be sure to try out BladenOnline’s recent hot chocolate recipe that is linked above. Let us know what you think!

Here are some topping ideas from nationaldaycalendar.com: