Midwives and Creamy Hot Cocoa

Monday afternoon.  I had my bi-weekly appointments with the chiropractor and midwives today.  Matthew took some sick time and stayed here with the kids.  With all the sickness around and the fact that the roads were covered in ice, I didn't want to take them out with me.  I'm very glad he was able to stay with them, because there were a lot of kids in the waiting room at the midwives office... sneezing all over the toys.  Not that my kids don't sneeze all over the place from time to time, but it's not yucky when MY kids do it.  lol.  So anyway, I got in and everything still looks good.  Baby is head down and low.  Heart rate was about 140ish.  The good news is we've hit the point where they wouldn't try to stop labor if it started.  They'd much prefer if baby got at least 2 more weeks of solitary confinement, but chances are baby would be fine it born now.  :)  Yay!  

After nap, I made hot cocoa while Joshua ran circles in the kitchen yelling "cocoa!  cocoa!".  Nice to know I have my own little cheer team when it comes to the intricate task of cocoa making.  :)  I'll go ahead and share my recipe... cuz it's good and I'm generous like that.  Everyone should have a recipe for yummy cocoa.  I used to like the packet stuff.  But it always took 2 packets per mug  to make it not taste like watery chocolate.  Now?  Now I can't even drink the packet stuff.  I refuse to order it in restaurants because I know it's going to be Swiss Miss served in a fancy cup.  I'd rather have yummy cocoa in a plain old mug at home... if I really wanted to I could put it in my own fancy mug.  :)

Creamy Hot Cocoa

serves 4

1/3 c. cocoa

1/2 to 3/4 c. sugar, depending on taste

pinch salt

1/3 c. hot water

3 1/2 c. milk

1/2 tsp vanilla (or almond extract - my fave, or mint...)

1/2 c. cream (or just more milk)

Yes, the milk jug is empty.  I had my priorities straight.  I made the cocoa... then took pics!

Mix first 4 ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Let boil, whisking constantly to prevent scorching, for a minute or two.  Slowly add the milk while stirring.  Heat until hot, but not boiling.  While that's heating up, pour a little cream into each mug.  Once the cocoa is hot, stir in the vanilla and pour carefully into the mugs. 

It seems I always end up with at least some on the counter.  (Or, like today, all over ME.  I'm going to say it's just because my belly is sticking out so far... totally not my fault!)    

This is my view looking down... see my toes?



Then enjoy.  I was going to get a picture of Joshua too, but his was already gone and he was wandering around trying to find some more.  :)

I especially like using whipping cream for the little bit of milk in the mug... because then I have some to whip and put on top too.  :)  

To keep Joshua away from Brielle while she drank her cocoa, we snuggled in the glider.  He is quite a good little snuggler when he wants to be...

And 30 seconds later he's back to this...  :)  I love my little man.

HAHA!  As I was typing, Matthew came out to get some cocoa too.  He drank it then headed to the office with a mug of water.  Joshua saw it and asked for a cup.  Matthew got him a cup and poured some of his water into it, gave it to Joshua, and went back to the office.  joshua sat down and drank a bit.  Then Brielle came into the living room.  He stood up and carried it over to her, saying "Bey-o, wa mm?"  which obviously means, "Brielle, do you want some?"  She said "No, thank you." and he immediately dumped the rest of the cup of water down her back!  (She was still in her nap attire - just panties.)  lol.  What a little stinker!