Penzeys Spices: Hot Chocolate Mix, with a hint of mint.

I just love chocolate and mint. I'd be happy to replace a regular cup of hot cocoa with this any time. And it has very simple ingredients, which I appreciate.

Their website is not the easiest to navigate, I think might be geared more towards the retailers. http://www.penzeys.com

On the side of the jar, they recommended adding a spoon full of this mix to your morning coffee, which I did try, very yummy.

And you can actually see the sugar granuals in this.

Special Teas; Cocoa Cardamon Tango

In my Grandm's kitchen there is a basket full of small packages of teas from this Special Teas company, I'd never heard of them before, so I checked out their website and found they sell all kinds of different loose-leaf teas, among other tea related things.
Grandma had some larger packages and some of the smaller ones, which I really liked. Just the right size to try a blend out, without committing to a bunch of it.

Cocoa Cardamon Tango is the one I decided to try first. I would say that it was more on the cocoa side, then the cardamon, and I liked it that way. When sipped plain it's kinda bitter, I liked it best with plenty of cream and sweetener.

Recipe Review: Columbian Chocolate

I would give this recipe at least four out of five. Often hot chocolate is just too sweet for me. But this was really nice. And when I was melting the chocolate with the coffee and cinnamon, the smell was simply wonderful.

Columbian Chocolate
Betty Crocker's Cookbook, Text Edition
1 pkg. (60z) semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup strong coffee
1 t cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 t vanilla
In lg saucepan heat chocolate, coffee, cinnamon and salt over medium heat, stirring until chocolate is melted and liquid is smooth.
Add milk, heat through, stirring occasionally, but do not boil. Stir in vanilla. Just before serving beat with hand mixer until foamy.
10 servings, about 2/3 cups each.

Recipe Review: Hot Mocha Drink

This was probably the best tasting homemade mocha drink that I've had yet. And I think the difference is the use of un-sweetened chocolate.

Now, I would tweak the recipe a bit, less chocolate, more sugar, and skip the water and instant, using fresh brewed coffee in it's place.

Hot Mocha Drink

Companies Coming Cookbook

2 cups water

1 - 1oz. Unsweetend Chocolate Baking Square

1/4 cup Instant Coffee

2 T Sugar

2 cups Milk

1/2 t Vanilla

Some sort of whipped topping (I chose to use the kind that comes in a can) or marshmallows

Chocolate curls (garnish)

Stir first 6 ingredients in small saucepan. Heat slowly, stir often, until chocolate is melted and mixture is steaming hot. Pour into mugs. Add more sugar if desired.

Top with a dollop of whipped topping. Garnish with chocolate curls.

Makes 4 cups.