{"id":13322,"date":"2022-12-12T09:06:45","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T14:06:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/?p=13322"},"modified":"2026-02-17T16:05:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T21:05:47","slug":"13322","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/extension.umaine.edu\/food-health\/2022\/12\/12\/13322\/","title":{"rendered":"Mainely Dish: Hot Cocoa Convenience Mix"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2014 By<\/span><\/i> Alex Gayton<\/span><\/i><\/a>, Assistant EFNEP Coordinator & Social Media Coordinator, Expanded Food Nutrition and Education Program (EFNEP), University of Maine Cooperative Extension<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I love this simple <\/span>Hot Cocoa Convenience Mix<\/span><\/a>, once you make it, all you have to do is measure out a serving and add hot water or milk. Using milk or a fortified milk alternative instead of water can help boost your calcium, vitamin D intake, and protein. Calcium is beneficial because it helps build and maintain strong bones, while vitamin D helps maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels. You can read more about the benefits of dairy on <\/span>MyPlate<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

This recipe also uses unsweetened cocoa powder, which more closely resembles dark chocolate flavor rather than milk chocolate. If you have more of a sweet tooth like me, you can increase the sweetness by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar, mini marshmallows, your favorite creamer, or whipped cream right before drinking. I personally like adding a New England staple, like marshmallow fluff, to mine!<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a great last-minute homemade gift to give for the holidays. To make it a complete gift, simply add a fun winter-themed mug and mini marshmallows with it. For more food gift ideas go to our <\/span>Gifts from the Kitchen<\/span><\/a> blog post.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit EFNEP’s recipe website for the <\/span>Hot Cocoa Convenience Mix recipe and recipe video.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Resources:<\/span><\/h3>\n