This blog post is in partnership with American Dairy Association North East.

This is the season for the holiday memories and while this year will be different in many ways, it is a perfect time to revamp favorite traditions and build new holiday memories. A holiday tradition at our house is enjoying a glass of creamy cocoa during celebrations, especially to warm up after playing in the cold.

THE TRADITION

I always have the staples on hand to make a glass of hot cocoa! In fact, I’m not sure the last time I bought a cocoa mix? We always make our own using one of our grandma’s tried and true recipes and it is really quick and easy to make. I really love coming in a few minutes ahead of everyone to get the hot cocoa ready while they finish playing in the snow. One thing I love about the nostaglia of hot cocoa is that making it with milk delivers not only creaminess but nine essential nutrients, including: calcium, protein, B vitamins, and vitamin D. Here is the classic recipe that we enjoy every winter.

Classic Hot Cocoa (Image source: iStock)

Classic Hot Cocoa
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 - 3 teaspoons sugar
pinch of salt

Directions:

In a small to medium pan (depending on how many servings you are making, warm the milk. Then whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Continue to whisk until smooth and chocolatey. Serve with any toppings you or your family desire!

HOT COCOA BOARD

This year to build on the hot cocoa tradition and make new memories, I have gathered supplies to create cocoa boards (See example pictured above) with goodies to stir into the cocoa and enjoy along with it.

What is fun about this is you can switch up what you serve on the board from time to time, and everyone in the family gets to make their own personal cup just the way they like it! While we look for ways to enjoy this extra time indoors together, a hot cocoa board is a new way to mix it up.

Here are some of the goodies that I have picked up to serve on the cocoa board: yogurt covered snowflake shaped pretzels, peppermint puff candies, peppermint sicks, peppermint granola bark, cookie sticks, graham cracker squares, chocolate nonpareils, wafer cookies, and remember the star of the platter - warm milk!

You can adjust what you add to the board depending on how many are enjoying the cocoa and what yo uhave on hand if trips to the store are limited! If time permits, bake your favorite homemade cookies for milk dunking.

COCOA BOMB

With the explosion of the cocoa bomb, I had to check this out! I do have to say that the really fun part about these is that it makes hot cocoa even easier because you can make the cocoa bombs ahead of time. Or even easier still - you can purchase them, if you can find them! To enjoy the hot cocoa bomb, all you have to do is place it in a mug and pour in warm milk - watch the ball disolve into a mug of creamy hot chocolate.

I can definitley see cocoa bombs becoming a new staple and winter tradition at our house. Of course, you can serve up the cocoa bombs with the cocoa board goodies too!

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season during this crazy time! And hope you can make your own milk moments to create new holiday memories with your family.

WHAT ARE YOUR MILK MOMENTS? SHARE THEM AND ENTER TO WIN PRIZES, INCLUDING A GRAND PRIZE OF $500, SEE THE DETAILS BELOW.

ENTER TO WIN: From now through January 3, 2021, post a special “milk moment” photo, video or short description on Twitter or Instagram highlighting your their family enjoys milk. Include the hashtag #MakeMilkMoments and American Dairy Association North East’s Twitter or Instagram handle, @AmericanDairyNE. The winning entry will receive a grand prize of $500 plus a nostalgic gift basket complete with classic board games, an instant camera, and more. For more information, visit AmericanDairy.com/makemilkmoments .