#MakeMilkMoments and Holiday Memories

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

Hot Cocoa Board (Image: Molly Morgan)

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:

1. 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.

2. 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 .

Grilled Vegetable & Chicken Alfredo

Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Alfredo (Image Source: Molly Morgan)

Grilled Vegetable & Chicken Alfredo

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 red bell pepper, cut into thick slices/pieces
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into thick slices/pieces
1 sweet onion, cut into thick slices/pieces
1 cup baby carrots, cut in half
2 chicken breasts, grilled and cut into strips
½ pound whole wheat pasta, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
Sea salt
Pepper

Directions:

1.       Preheat the grill and add the sliced vegetables to a grill basket. Grill the vegetables over medium heat for 25 – 30 minutes, until the vegetables are charred and tender. Grill the chicken until the chicken is cooked through and reaches and internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Or roast the vegetables and chicken: place the vegetables and chicken on a sheet pan, drizzle lightly with olive oil and roast at 425 degrees F for 30 - 40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

2.       In a sauce pan melt the butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour. After the flour is well combined, add in the milk. Stir with wire whisk throughout, until the sauce starts to bubble evenly. Then cook for 1 minute more to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese and season with sea salt and pepper.

3.       Serve the grilled vegetables and chicken over cooked pasta and divide sauce among plates. Top with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 490 calories, 13 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 70 milligrams choleterol, 360 milligrams sodium, 62 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 6 grams sugar, 33 grams protein

Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy Tomato Soup (Image Source: iStock)

Creamy Tomato Soup
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 cup low fat milk
3 cups canned tomatoes (with juice)

Directions:

1. Melt the butter in a medium-size soup pot over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour. Then whisk in the garlic and garlic powder.

2. Add the milk and whisk frequently until the mixture is bubbly, about 5 minutes. Cook for 1 minutes more, or until the sauce thickens.

3. Add the tomatoes to the sauce and cook for 7 - 10 minutes, or until heated through.

4. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is smooth OR puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. (Note: If using a blender remove the center piece from the top of the blender and cover with a cloth, since the pressure can cause the top to fly off and make a huge mess!). Serve the soup at once.

Nutriiton Facts (per serving): 110 calories, 4 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 10 milligrams cholesterol, 70 milligrams sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar, 4 grams protein

DIY Queso Dip

DIY Queso Dip (Image Source: iStock)

DIY Queso Dip
Serves 10

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups low fat milk
6 slices American cheese
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup salsa
2 teaspoons hot sauce*
Salt and pepper

*Adjust to your spice preference

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and then add in the flour and whisk together. Once combined add the milk and whisk, continue to cook over medium heat, whisking throughout.

2. Once the mixture starts to bubble, let it boil one additional minute. Then remove it from the heat, add the sliced cheese and shredded cheese. Once the cheese is melted, stir in the salsa, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

Serve with whole grain tortilla chips and your favorite taco toppings like black beans, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, sliced olives, and diced onion.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 130 calories, 9 grams fat, 6 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 250 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams fiber, 0 grams sugar, 7 grams protein