If you are looking for a luxurious non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy during a winter weekend with your girlfriends, check out this lavender hot cocoa recipe.

Ingredients —

• Four (4) cups of Whole Milk (I actually prefer vanilla soy milk because it’s a little easier on the stomach and a little bit sweeter)
• 1/3 cup of Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 3/4 cup of White Granulated Sugar
• One (1) pinch of Salt
• 1/3 cup of Boiling Water
• 3/4 teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup of Half-and-Half Cream
• One (1) tablespoon of Dried Lavender, plus a little more for Garnish
• Toasted Marshmallows for Garnish

Directions —

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Combine and mix the cocoa, sugar, lavender, and salt in a saucepan.
3. Blend the boiling water into the mixture in the saucepan.
4. Bring this mixture to a boil while constantly stirring it.
5. Simmer and stir the mixture for approximately three (3) minutes. Be careful not to scorch it.
6. Stir in the milk and heat it until it right before it comes to a boil.
7. Remove it from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract.
8. Divide the cocoa between four (4) mugs while straining out the lavender, then add the cream. Allow it to cool to a temperature comfortable enough for drinking.
9. Top the cocoa with the toasted marshmallows and a light sprinkle of dried lavender.

Because of the sweetness of the hot cocoa, I recommend serving this hot cocoa with a savory, buttery croissant. (I’m a fan of the Williams Sonoma mini croissants!)

Enjoy!  Love & Soul Always, Kawania