The Warmth and Joy of a Simple Hot-Chocolate

I have been soaking in these true fall days - where the day is crisp, golden and bright.

Oh the delights! Jack Frost has trailed his Intricate designs, and autumn has danced behind, her laughter the sweetest sound of the wind catching gold, ruby and butter yellow leaves.

The snuffling equine, on these frigid, fall mornings, have a thick coat which gleams in that cool golden light, there soft call as the dawn breaks.

The cozy delight of a hot tea, before the daybreak, a book in hand, curled under a blanket in the peace only early morning holds.

Fall is a time of change, creativity and most of all whimsy, beauty and truth.

Fall is the time of warmth and connection and when the cold creeps in, a strong desire, even excitement fills me and bubbles out around me. For the loveliest, simplest of things.

The richest, creamiest hot chocolate, filling my favourite blue mug, a thick foam on top. Nothing warms my soul quite like it.

I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to hot-chocolate - something which started nearly three years ago. I'll stoop, occasionally, to carnations, but the particular recipe I have perfected is what I wait each day for - when I can slowly and intentionally make my Stove-top hot cocoa.

You see, it has become a bit of a ritual, as the early evening of October slowly bleeds over the land, through the woods, pulling the mists heavy in the fields and forests. The warm lights of home, glow into the dark of night, and I carefully measure each spoonful of cocoa, sugar and each cup of milk.

But I will stop nattering on now and share with you the warmth, joy and love I find in the sweet, rich hot cocoa.

What you will need:

- a pot

-Whisk

- Your Favourite Mug!

Recipe:

2 Tsp unsweetened cocoa power

1 1/2 tsp of sugar

1 cup of whole milk

1 cup of almond milk

Instructions:

Place cocoa and sugar in a pot, with a cup of milk - on low heat bring to a simmer, whisking continuously to stop the chocolate from burning.

When the Cocoa mixture has heated thoroughly add the rest of the milk, continue whisking until hot. (I occasionally add more milk, when I don't want something as rich)

Topping:

-Whip cream and chocolate shaving are my favourite

- Marshmallows!

Additional ingredients:

This particular recipe is amazing with Cinnamon, nutmeg and a small pinch of Cayenne pepper

This has been a heart drink for many years, connected to memories of friendship, love and joy, family and peace.

I hope, you too can find the same love and joy this simple drink can bring. And that you are able to connect this timeless recipe to memories of family, Christmas, cold and cozy evenings - and this recipe will see you through many years, ups and downs, and will always be a comforting constant to you and yours.

There is memory connected to each cup, as fanciful as that sounds - I have learned to never underestimate the power of a hot drink.

I worked for three years in a small local coffee shop, a place that was more of a home for so many souls. The smiles that came with a remembered order, pulling down their favourite mug, the soul filling that it gave, during the wet, dreary winter months.

Sometimes, that hot drink was all they had, was what reminded them of warmth, which brought a smile to their lined faces. I learned so much from that time, connections and community built.

I encourage you, my dear friend, put everything down this evening, before you switch on that TV, pull out a pot and move through the ritual of a sweet, hot drink to fill the soul and warm the heart.

There is memory connected to each cup

With love,

Faye Wilde