WINTER RITUALS

     Growing up in Canada means long, cold and snowy winters. Ice skating and sledding. And hot chocolate. Just the mere thought of a hot cup of cocoa makes me nostalgic. Good memories of mom showing us how to make it from scratch, our cheeks red and rosy from all that fresh winter air. It's so simple to make your own hot chocolate, I have a hard time understanding why there's even a market for instant. The best part too is that you can use ingredients that make this chocolatey treat a little bit healthier than usual.

HOT CHOCOLATE

1 1/2 cups milk (almond, coconut or cow)

1 Tbsp cocoa powder

1 Tbsp raw honey

optional: cinnamon, Dandies brand marshmallows, whipped cream

Method: Heat the milk in a small saucepan until hot. Meanwhile, put the cocoa powder and honey in your mug. Add a bit of warm milk and stir into a moistened paste. Pour in hot milk and stir. Top with optional ingredients and enjoy!

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     Now, I limit the amount of refined sugar the kids eat, but ever since a non-GMO marshmallow hit the market they are hooked, and it's hard to say no to s'mores on the campfire and ooey gooey melted marshmallows in their hot chocolate. A rare, but fun treat for sure.

     Every Friday my youngest son and I are home alone while my eldest is at school. This winter I've decided that Fridays will be a special baking day for the two of us. Today we baked up some yummy (and addictive) Chewy Chocolate Chip & Oatmeal Cookies. Tasty little tidbits I can't seem to stop eating.

CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP & OATMEAL COOKIES

(Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free/Egg Free)

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

6 Tbsp nut butter of choice (I used almond)

1/3 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy-Life brand because they are non-GMO)

pinch of sea salt

2 tsp ground cinnamon

Method: Preheat oven to 350*F. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, and then drop by the spoonful onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes.

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