Mama Camel's Homemade Hot Chocolate [plus a free recipe download!]

With the chill of winter in the air and the call for snow this weekend, every bone in my body is saying "hot chocolate, please!"  Growing up, my mama always fixed homemade hot chocolate when the threat of winter weather closed in on North Carolina, and it's still one of my favorite memories of wintery days.  Blankets, movies, and a warm mug of chocolate goodness?  Yes, please!  

By now, I'm guessing you know that I am a firm believer in celebrating every day.  Celebrating doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive - just an intentional choice to find happy in the ordinary.  Can I get an amen?!  Whether it's a mug of hot chocolate or goodies for your neighbors on their front porch every once in a while, it is the small, simple ways we make the days count that matter most.

Since the wind is howling and there is a definite snow sky outside, I'm sharing my mama's world famous slow cooker hot chocolate recipe today.  I hope you'll make a pot this weekend and share it with the people you love!  Whether you're a newlywed or a mom of three or a new graduate living with her gal pals, you can choose to spread joy in simple but significant ways.  I pinky promise this one will win you wife/mom/friend of the weekend! 

Mama Camel's Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate 

Ingredients:

• 8 cups hot water 
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (my mama swears by Hershey's!)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Pour water into slow cooker.
• Whisk in cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla, and whisk well until combined.  
• Cover with lid and set on low heat for two hours.
• Serve with whipped cream and fun toppings - peppermint, cookie crumbles, and sprinkles, of course!

If you'd like to snag a free copy of this recipe to add to your recipe book, click here!  

I hope you'll whip up a pot of this snow day favorite this weekend, even if snow isn't in the forecast for you!  If you do, be sure to tag us on social media at @theredheadedcamel.  Enjoy, and stay warm, y'all!