It's the first day of autumn!
A time of hot chocolatey mornings,
and toasty marshmallow evenings,
and best of all, leaping into leaves.
~ Winnie the Pooh ~
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
At the very first flicker of autumn in the air, I begin to incorporate all the cozy things back into my life. Those things that are best enjoyed during the autumn and winter months. Things that, yes, you could certainly enjoy any time of year (and I definitely do!), but there's just something about "that" time of year that makes them extra special. For me, one of those things is a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.
I grew up with the little packets of Swiss Miss hot cocoa with those tiny, dehydrated sorts of marshmallows. As a child, I loved that! But as I got a bit older, I wasn't crazy about the flavor and the overly-sweet attack that came after just a few sips. I searched high and low for a healthy and actually nourishing recipe for hot chocolate for years, trying this one and that, but never liking any of them. Some were downright awful! I'm of the belief that you shouldn't have to sacrifice flavor for healthiness. And this recipe proves that to be true!
On top of that, I began making marshmallows last year that actually have health benefits and are totally nourishing to your body. Yes! There is such a thing as good-for-you-marshmallows! After some trial and error, I've finally nailed down the perfect recipe, which I'm sharing here today. Making marshmallows may take a time or two to get it down pat, but once you do, you'll wonder why you didn't make them before.
When you combine a perfectly sweetened, velvety smooth hot chocolate and fluffy, cloud-like marshmallows...you can only get one thing...cozy perfection! And on top of all that, this is actually a very nourishing drink to enjoy on those cold autumn or winter mornings and evenings. It's my favorite drink for this time of year!
By the way, if you're curious about the health benefits of this drink, just read up on raw cacao powder and organic beef gelatin. You'll be amazed! Add in some adaptogens, and it's even better!
Nourishing Hot Cacao
1 cup milk of your choice (I use either whole milk or almond milk)
1 Tbsp. organic, fair-trade raw cacao powder (to get the health benefits do not use regular baking cocoa)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1-2 Tbsp. maple syrup, depending on your sweetness preference
Combine all of the above in a small pot on the stove. Whisk gently, but vigorously until thoroughly combined. Allow the hot cacao to warm up over low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until very warm. Do not bring to a boil.
Pour into your favorite mug and top with fluffy marshmallows.
Note: I often add some mushroom or adaptogenic powder to my hot cacao for added benefits. You can't even taste it!
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluffy Marshmallows
1 cup water
3 Tbsp. organic, grass-fed beef gelatin (This is not your typical grocery store gelatin. I find mine on Amazon)
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Add water and gelatin to a small pot and whisk thoroughly until completely mixed. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom. It will become a very thick, jelly like texture.
While you are waiting for your gelatin to bloom, get out a 7x11 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Do NOT spray your dish with nonstick spray or use any oil, as you do not want greasy marshmallows. The parchment paper will work just perfectly to prevent them from sticking.
Once thickened, turn the heat to low and allow the gelatin to melt down. Once melted, add in your honey or maple syrup and vanilla. Continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes, or until very warm, but not scalding hot or boiling. Cook it on a lower heat.
Once hot, transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Using your hand beaters, on medium speed, beat the heck out of your gelatin mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until it gets very whippy and fluffy and looks like a soft meringue consistency. If it looks like thick whipped cream, you've over-beaten it.
I do not recommend using a stand mixer and letting it work without you in control of things. I've done this and completely messed up the whole thing. It's best to use an electric hand mixer so you can be sure to keep your eyes on it as well as feel how thick the mixture is getting as you beat it.
Once the mixture gets to the right consistency, quickly pour into a 7x11 inch parchment paper-lined baking dish. Quickly smooth out the top, if needed. You must work very quickly with these steps as the marshmallows will begin to set.
Then stick your dish in the fridge for at least 6 hours, or overnight. You can then cut your marshmallows into squares or use cookie cutters to get cute shapes or designs.
Keep the marshmallows in a container in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
One thing I am so excited to try *very* soon is adding a couple drops of peppermint extract to the hot cacao and marshmallows for a festive touch. I can't wait to see how it turns out!
And, for something fun, you can pour your hot cacao and marshmallows, too, into a travel cup and take it on the go. This photo is from last Christmas, but you get the idea. I love having a warm drink to take with me when I go out, but no way am I going to buy an overpriced drink full of sugar and bad-for-me ingredients. I'll happily take this hot cacao, some herbal tea, or even a homemade latte (decaf for me), in my cute little owl travel cup. I found mine at Marshall's years ago, but I see them often there and at other stores, and they are definitely worth picking up.
What are your favorite warming drinks to enjoy this time of year?