National Cocoa Day is on December 13th, 2023!

Do you love a steaming cup of hot cocoa on cold winter days as much as I do? It is especially tasty if you've just been outside playing in the snow! I didn't realize just how many different ways you could add variety to your hot cocoa! I also didn't know there were so many creative uses for cocoa! Maybe you'll be as inspired as I was to try a few out!

Things to Have at a Hot Cocoa Bar

• marshmallows (of course!)

• peppermints (crushed candies work well)

• caramel

• toffees

• cinnamon

• nutmeg

• almond flavoring

• vanilla

• whip cream/Cool whip

• crushed butterscotch and/or topping

• chopped nuts

• mint chocolate chips

• cookie crumbles

• instant coffee

Check out these yummy ways to use cocoa!

Cocoa Energy Balls

Cocoa energy balls are a nutritious and portable snack. They are easy to make and packed with energy to keep you going throughout the day.

Ingredients

Medjool dates 10 oz.

3/4 cup old-fashioned oats

1/4 cup nuts finely chopped

2-3 teaspoons cocoa powder

1-2 tablespoons melted coconut oil

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

You want soft sticky dates for best results. Put all ingredients in a food processor and combine until ingredients stick together. Add a little more oil if needed. Scoop out into balls and freeze or refrigerate. These will last in the fridge in an airtight container for about 2 weeks and in the freezer for about 3 weeks.

Optional ingredients: different seeds and nuts, protein powder, chocolate chips, peanut butter, cinnamon, caramel, sea salt, shredded coconut

Classic Cocoa Smoothie

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

1 cup almond milk

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the banana.

2. Add the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, and honey to a blender.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Serve chilled.

Peanut Butter Cocoa Smoothie

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

1 cup almond milk

2 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon peanut butter

Instructions

1. Peel and slice the banana.

2. Add the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, honey, and peanut butter to a blender.

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Serve chilled and garnish with a drizzle of peanut butter.

Cocoa can be added to practically any dessert!

Have you ever thought of adding cocoa to these?

• Oatmeal or overnight oats

• Banana or Zucchini bread

• Ice Cream

• Coffee

• Yogurt

• Pancakes or Waffles

• Chili

• Stew

• Gravy

You can even exfoliate your face with cocoa! Just mix 1 tablespoon each of cocoa powder, honey, sugar, and coconut oil together. Once it makes a paste, apply it to your face for 20 minutes and then gently massage your face as you rinse.

Turns out, you can do quite a variety of things with cocoa!