Who doesn’t love a cup of tasty homemade hot cocoa? There’s just something about wrapping your hands around a warm mug that feels like a hug from the inside. 

While those store-bought hot cocoa packets are super convenient, once you try making it from scratch, you’ll never go back. Homemade hot cocoa is richer, creamier, and completely customizable—plus, it’s easier to make than you think!

Now, you can absolutely take this up a notch by adding a splash of whiskey for an adult version, tossing in some marshmallows, or sprinkling in a pinch of cinnamon. But today, I’m sharing the classic version—the one I make for my husband, who I lovingly call Santa because the man loves his hot cocoa. 

It’s a winter staple in our house, especially on chilly days when all you want is something warm and comforting.

This recipe is low-carb and sugar-free since we don’t consume regular sugar, but you can easily swap in granulated sugar if that’s your thing.

Either way, it’s an indulgence that feels completely guilt-free—and I’m here for it.

Fun fact: Did you know cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants, flavanols, and polyphenols? So, if you ever needed an excuse to enjoy a cup, consider it healthy (at least in our mind, haha).

I love making it all year long, but it hits the spot the most during snowy winter days.

Feel free to get creative with add-ins—cinnamon, peppermint extract, or even a little cayenne for a spicy kick. Let me know how you like it!

If you make this tasty beverage please tag me on social media, and share it with your friends.

Hugs!

Sanna

Cocoa Powder I would recommend:

BetterBody Foods Organic Cacao Powder

You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality & Pinterest @MugOfReality

Latest Recipes:

• Sunday Supper: One-Pan Herb Crusted Roast Chicken and Vegetables

• Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnut Holes

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This recipe has no ratings just yet.

Tasty Homemade Hot Cocoa

February 15, 2025

Servings: 1 Serving

Prep: 2 min

Cook: 8 min

Total: 10 min

Difficulty: Easy

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Feel free to get creative with add-ins—cinnamon, peppermint extract, or even a little cayenne for a spicy kick. Let me know how you like it!

By: Sanna

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole milk, or any milk of choice
• 2 tbsp heavy cream, optional for extra creaminess
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 tsp powdered sweetener
• monk fruit, or stevia
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt
• Cinnamon, marshmallows, whipped cream or grated dark chocolate for topping, optional

Directions

• Step 1 In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm milk and heavy cream (if using) until hot but not boiling.
• Step 2 Whisk in the cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt until fully dissolved.
• Step 3 Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
• Step 4 Cinnamon, Marshmallows, Whipped cream or grated dark chocolate, if desired

Let me just say, shortcut meals are my lifesaver. But meal prepping? That’s another story. It’s not that I’m against it, but honestly, prepped meals don’t last long in my house.

With my kids either done with school or no longer attending traditional school, and me working from home, I’ve started using these lunch containers—for myself!

They’re perfect for portion control and a reminder to pause for an actual lunch break.

Let’s be honest—life can feel repetitive sometimes. I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years, and then, out of nowhere, I found myself running a website, working 16+ hours a day while raising three kids, and having a husband who works nights.

It’s a juggling act, to say the least!

Back when my kids were little, I made small changes to keep life interesting: sneaking off for coffee breaks, taking 30-minute after-school drop-offs for a jog or walk, or showing up at school to have lunch with my kids. These little moments kept me grounded and added some spark to my day.

Fast forward to now—I’ve been working from home for almost 15 years, running my blog and social media. It’s not always easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Being my own boss fits me perfectly, even if I’m constantly learning to navigate the ups and downs of the blogging world. It’s a business, so even though it’s fun and you’re home, you have to take it seriously!

So, I’m excited to kick off this new series: Lunch Box. It’s part of my new blog, a space where I’ve packed all my passions into one place.

This series is all about practical, delicious meal ideas you can pack for on-the-go or enjoy at home. Some recipes will be completely from scratch, while others—like today’s—will lean on handy shortcuts.

I always make two portions: one for myself and one for my husband. Sharing a meal makes it even more special!

Why I Don’t Meal Prep, but Food Prep

Here’s the thing—I don’t meal prep, but I’m all about food prep. It’s a game-changer if you want to eat at home without the stress. Here’s how I make it work:

1. Prep your produce: Wash, dice, or slice veggies and store them in containers.

2. Prepare your protein: Cut, season, and marinate your meat before storing it. That way, it’s ready to sauté, grill, or air fry when you’re ready.

3. Plan your week: Make a list of recipes before you grocery shop. Buy only what you need, which saves time, and money, and reduces food waste.

Food prep takes less than an hour, but it sets you up for a week of quick, home-cooked meals—no pricey meal kits required!

Air-Fried BBQ Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, and Potstickers

Ingredients (2 servings):

• 12 frozen chicken and vegetable potstickers
• 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
• 6 hot honey BBQ bites, or any on hand
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ponzu sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions:

Steam the broccoli and potstickers:

• Add 1/2 cup of water to a wok or large skillet.
• Place the potstickers in the skillet and cook over medium heat.
• When the potstickers are halfway done, add the frozen broccoli. Cover and steam for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are bright green and crisp, and the potstickers are cooked through. 
• Drain any excess water, return the skillet to the heat, and add ponzu sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil. Toss everything to coat, then let it marinate off the heat for a few minutes.

Cook the BBQ chicken bites:

• Air fry the chicken bites at 400°F for 12-13 minutes or until fully cooked.
• No air fryer? No problem—bake them in the oven following the package instructions.

Assemble the lunch box:

• Divide the chicken, broccoli, and potstickers between containers.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little extra flavor.

What do you love to pack in your lunch box? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for fresh ideas!

This series is all about making lunch exciting and practical, whether you’re on the move or working from home like me. Stay tuned for more fun ideas, and happy cooking!

Sanna <3

You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality & Pinterest @MugOfReality

Latest Recipes:

• Sunday Supper: One-Pan Herb Crusted Roast Chicken and Vegetables

• Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnut Holes

• Caramel Milk — A Balkan Remedy for a Sore Throat

This recipe has no ratings just yet.

Air-Fried BBQ Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, and Potstickers

February 6, 2025

Servings: 2 Lunch Boxes

Prep: 3 min

Cook: 12 min

Total: 15 min

Difficulty: EASY

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This series is all about making lunch exciting and practical, whether you’re on the move or working from home like me.

By: Sanna

Ingredients

• 12 frozen chicken and vegetable potstickers
• 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
• 6 hot honey BBQ bites, or any on hand
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ponzu sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

• Step 1 Steam the broccoli and potstickers:
• Step 2 * Add 1/2 cup of water to a wok or large skillet.
• Step 3 * Place the potstickers in the skillet and cook over medium heat.
• Step 4 * When the potstickers are halfway done, add the frozen broccoli. Cover and steam for about 3 minutes, or until the broccoli florets are bright green and crisp, and the potstickers are cooked through.
• Step 5 * Drain any excess water, return the skillet to the heat, and add ponzu sauce, soy sauce, and olive oil. Toss everything to coat, then let it marinate off the heat for a few minutes.
• Step 6 Cook the BBQ chicken bites:
• Step 7 * Air fry the chicken bites at 400°F for 12-13 minutes, or until fully cooked.
• Step 8 * No air fryer? No problem—bake them in the oven following the package instructions.
• Step 9 Assemble the lunch box:
• Step 10 * Divide the chicken, broccoli, and potstickers between containers.
• Step 11 * Sprinkle with sesame seeds for a little extra flavor.