Hot Chocolate And Hot Cocoa: There's a Difference

So the difference the between Hot Chocolate and Hot Cocoa is pretty simple. One uses cocoa powder and the other a bar of chocolate, like a heresy's bar or something of that. When I made both there was a difference in taste and texture. 

Hot Cocoa or Breakfast Cocoa is more like a more like a chocolate milk at was heated up and made better. I made this to last me all week long or at least 3 days. It was made to serve 6. My experience is it's creamier, I will never go back to packaged cocoa. Not that I drink most common cocoa mixes anyway. (Most contain milk)

It may separate or settle after a while, but nothing a good stir could fix. I did put this in a large thermos and I drank though out the week. It's texture and flavor lasted, all I had to do was shake up the thermos before pouring into my coffee cup. I did keep that thermos in the refrigerator to preserve the freshness of the almond milk. 

Hot Chocolate is a little bit more bitter then Breakfast Cocoa. Mostly because you are using unsweetened chocolate solids. But the flavors are richer and deeper. I would definitely try pairing this with a fruit or berry. But I would not store it for more a day. This doesn't sit very well after it's cooled down for more then a day. The chocolate just gets more bitter and tries to become solid again. There for making it a bit difficult to reheat with out over cooking it. The recipe for this also makes a better big serving, so I thought I could make it last. Boy was I wrong, it tastes like spoiled chocolate milk, but please don't let that discourage you from trying the recipe! It was still super yummy! Just needs to be drank THE day you make it.

Once again I got these recipes from the super old Home and Gardens Cook Book from my Great or Great Great Grandma. And it's easy to make vegan, just use a alternative milk (almond/soy) and use a raw sugar (beet/agave/turbinado). So go out and entertain!    I know the weather is getting warmer, but for those of you who still have it a little chilly or have cold nights. This would be the perfect thing to make your night or morning.