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November 11, 2012 35 Comments

Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate (reduced fat)

to my older sister, Mini
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

As I sit back and reflect on my relationship with my sister, Mini, I realize the first half of my life she completely overshadowed me with her intelligence which was really no fault of her own.  She was my parents’ vision, a diligent and hard-working child who went on to fulfill all their expectations.  Growing up with a sibling that I was constantly being compared to was anything but easy due to my parents’ incessant lectures on how smart she was (is), and how her report card was always outstanding, and why I couldn’t be more like her.  To be honest, it was just way too much work on my part to kick her ass, and so I accepted the fact very early on that my sister was brilliant, and I was A-OK with it.  🙂 

Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate

One would think these lectures would have a deep impact on me, and maybe they did… for like 5 minutes, however the competition that people around us created never quite affected me.  Ever!  At some level I believe this had a lot to do with my nonchalant attitude about things in general, and ultimately my parents’ lectures would just go way over my head.  Additionally, my sister is almost 7 years older than I am, and I saw her more as an annoying older sister, rather than someone who was competing with me since it was never in her nature to compete.  She was, and still is, naturally bright and someone who enjoyed learning, and I was just the opposite. 

DSC_0175_399

So yes, growing up in my sister’s shadow was not always fun for me, not until I was 18, a freshman in college, and she was 25, a resident physician.  It was around that time I matured a little and she was able to talk to me, she also started earning (finally) and I was in need of a Sugar Mama.  It was a win-win!  She took me shopping, took me to the movies, and our tea & dessert moments at Applebees soon became a ritual where we talked about everything.  I loved those days, mainly because I was so happy being spoiled by someone, that someone being my sister.  It was nice.  It was really nice that my sister was able to do that for me before some guy, and for that I will always be eternally grateful to her.   

Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate

Fast forward the years, now that we “actually do” get along, Mini lives 3000 miles away.  Even though she no longer takes me shopping or takes me to the movies, but she still pays for my dessert, I am very fortunate our relationship has blossomed in the right direction and I seriously credit my “aloof” attitude for that.  Think about it, had I been overly sensitive and competitive, things may have been a lot different.  I bet my parents are happy now I didn’t let their painfully boring lectures get to me.

Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate

So Mini, on this 11.11, I wish you a very Happy Birthday.  I hope your life is filled with an inexplicable amount of love, surely a lot more than you have given me.  You have always been there for me when I needed you most, and now it is my turn to lift that weight off your shoulders.  It is my turn to take you shopping, take you to the movies, and treat you to Applebees Afternoon Tea dates.  Just keep being you and the wonderful person that you are… smart, funny, confident, nurturing, and strong-willed, and watch “magic” unfold.  For only another beautiful pair of eyes, just as beautiful as yours, can begin to behold your brilliance, and understand the beauty that is there.

“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.” ~ShaktiPumpkin_Hot_Chocolate




NUTRITION: Milk is a very good source of Calcium and Vitamin D. It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamins A and K.  Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and Fiber. Bittersweet Chocolate Chips add some Antioxidants to this beverage. 

This recipe isn’t the healthiest given the amount of chocolate in this recipe, however it isn’t too overindulgent either.  Live, Enjoy!




INGREDIENTS (makes 2 normal servings, or 1 very large):

* NOTE: you can use 3/4 tsp of Pumpkin Spice if you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger powder.

  • Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 1 cup
  • Libby’s Pure Pumpkin – 3 tbsp
  • Pure Vanilla – 1/2 tsp
  • * Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
  • * Nutmeg – 1/8 tsp
  • * Ginger Powder – 1/8 tsp
  • Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa – 2 tbsp  (for best results, use Godiva Dark Cocoa – amazing)
  • Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 2 tbsp  (for sweeter results, try semisweet chocolate chips)



DIRECTIONS:
1. Start with a small pot on medium heat.  Add milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder.   Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate_165

2. Add vanilla, hot cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate_166
3. Use a whisk to mix.  Allow the hot chocolate to really heat up so bubbles can form.Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate_170
4. This is what you should have, a thin layer of skin may form, just whisk it in quick.  Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate_172
5. Turn off the stove.  Pour and serve.  Should be thick and smooth.  DELISH!Pumpkin_Hot_Chocolate_179

p.s. Please DO NOT add any sugar, Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa is already sweetened enough in addition to the chocolate chips. 



TELL ME: Have you ever tried Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?  Thoughts?



Recipes You Will Love:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Blondies… Inspired by Martha Stewart! (REDUCED FAT & 148 Calories) Low Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte… Inspired by Starbucks! Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Sweet & Spicy Mayan Hot Chocolate (reduced-fat)

Filed Under: Beverages, Chocolate, Pumpkin, Recipes, Uncategorized Tagged With: Chocolate, Cocoa Powder, Fall Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Milk, Pumpkin, Recipes

Previous Post: « Afternoon Tea @ The Wolseley | London, UK
Next Post: Friday’s Favorite Things – 11.16.12 »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Khushboo says

    November 12, 2012 at 6:20 am

    A very happy birthday to Mimi! Your relationship with her sounds wonderful and as a younger sister, I could not agree more! As much as I may argue with my sister, my bond with her can never be replicated!

    Besides roasted pumpkin, all these pumpkin dishes/drinks are all so novel to me…canned pumpkin isn't easily available in Mumbai so I can't say I've barely ever tried it in sweet form. Hopefully the Starbucks here keep to their word and introduce the pumpkin spice lattes soon :)!

    Reply
  2. Dixya says

    November 12, 2012 at 2:52 pm

    many many happy birthday to your sister. I do not have a sister but being a olde sister, I am blessed to have a great relationship with your younger brother.

    I have tried making my own pumpkin spiced hot chocolate minus the pumpkin puree but i think adding pumpkin will add a lot more to this drink.

    Reply
  3. Pam says

    November 12, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    That looks and sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  4. Ameena says

    November 12, 2012 at 9:39 pm

    Happy Birthday to your sister…I wish my sister was as close but we unfortunately are not. 🙁

    "Sugar Mama." I love it. Too cute.

    Reply
  5. Parita says

    November 12, 2012 at 10:11 pm

    So sweet! Happy Birthday to your sister! Here's to many more years of hot chocolates!

    Reply
  6. [email protected] says

    November 13, 2012 at 1:48 am

    What a wonderful birthday tribute to your sister! I got stuck with brothers. Your hot chocolate looks divine!

    Reply
  7. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:06 am

    @Khushboo – thanks.. you are right, certain bonds can't be replicated. I would imagine Pumpkin in a can would be available in one of those NRI stores in Mumbai. I'm sure people there are celebrating thanksgiving. 🙂 I can't wait for you to enjoy Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks.

    Reply
  8. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:10 am

    @Dixya – It's nice that you can have that kind of relationship with your younger brother. Next time you make Pumpkin Hot Chocolate, definitely add the pumpkin, adds lots of depth. 🙂

    Reply
  9. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:14 am

    @Pam – thank you.

    Reply
  10. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:19 am

    @Ameena – awww.. I'm sorry to hear that, but hey, you get along with your MIL. 🙂 Yes, Sugar Mama. 🙂 Thanks.

    Reply
  11. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:20 am

    @Parita – thanks. So sweet.

    Reply
  12. honeywhatscooking says

    November 13, 2012 at 4:21 am

    @Christin – you are hilarious! Your comment made me laugh.. awww.. brothers can be cool too.

    Reply
  13. Guru Uru says

    November 13, 2012 at 7:57 am

    Happy birthday to your sis my friend your hot chocolate looks incredible 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  14. Nicole says

    November 13, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Happy Birthday to your sister! 🙂

    You have a great blog and I follow you now! It would be great if you follow me too!

    Kisses from Hong Kong,
    Nicole

    Reply
  15. Jen @ The Scrumptious Pumpkin says

    November 13, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Considering I can't think of any better pairing than pumpkin and chocolate – I think this pumpkin spice hot chocolate is pretty much genius! The perfect warm drink for the holidays 🙂

    Reply
  16. eatgood4life.blogspot.com says

    November 14, 2012 at 5:00 am

    This looks really comforting! Perfect for the cold days ahead 🙂 I need to whip some of this ASAP! Happy bday to your sister…

    Reply
  17. Asmita says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:40 am

    Hi Nisha,
    What a lovely post! I have an older sister and am also very close to her. I can completely relate to this. It's so wonderful to have a sister.
    This looks so warm and comforting! Love it.

    Reply
  18. Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    What a sweet post about your sister! Happy birthday to her. And the fact that your tribute includes hot chocolate makes me even happier – and makes me miss both my sisters! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    November 15, 2012 at 5:17 pm

    I love the twist in regular hot chocolate. Love anything and everything pumpkin!

    Happy Belated Birthday to your Mini 🙂

    Reply
  20. Kitchen Queen says

    November 15, 2012 at 8:56 pm

    perfect for cold day.
    http://realhomecookedfood.blogspot.com

    Reply
  21. Cathleen says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:57 am

    Hoppy birthday to your sister!
    I think I need to make this. I LOVE pumpkin, one of my favorite parts of fall

    Reply
  22. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:31 am

    @Jen – yeah, it's pretty yummy and perfect for the holidays

    Reply
  23. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:33 am

    @eat4goodlife – thank you. it is very comforting and perfect for cold days.

    Reply
  24. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:35 am

    @Asmita, yes it is awesome having an older sister. Definitel.

    Reply
  25. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:36 am

    @Bianaca – haha, thank you. Hot chocolate makes me really happy too.

    Reply
  26. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:36 am

    @Kiran – thanks. i'm a big fan of chocolate and pumpkin too.

    Reply
  27. honeywhatscooking says

    November 19, 2012 at 3:38 am

    @Kitchen Queen
    @Cathleen
    @Guru Uru
    @Nicole

    Thanks guys!

    Reply
  28. Rayna Bryan says

    January 6, 2013 at 11:17 pm

    Dark chocolate & pumpkin are 2 of my favorite ingredients! I'm glad i'm not the only one who still wants to use pumpkin in recipes. I thought it was weird that when I first heard some places only supply canned pumpkin around the holidays where as in Texas we have it available all year around.

    Reply
  29. honeywhatscooking says

    January 7, 2013 at 1:55 am

    @Rayna – I see Pumpkin available all year in the NYC/NJ region all year as well, but they don't have tons of it.

    Reply
  30. Unknown says

    February 7, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I just tried pumpkin hot BEVERAGE (pumpkin latte is still on my have-to-try-this list) for the first time, and this recipe was just beyond amazing. It's actually the most delicious, creamy and filling hot cocoa I've ever tried. I added another two cups of milk, a tbsp pumpkin purée (we had a butternut squash at home so naturally I made my own, by the way most Swedish stores don't sell the canned ones) and som extra cocoa powder. A pinch of chili powder went in there too. This recipe is really a winner! I'll never go back to my standard one haha…

    Reply
    • honeywhatscooking says

      March 6, 2016 at 6:29 am

      Thanks for your feedback. I'm happy to hear this worked out for you. Thanks!!!

      Reply
  31. honeywhatscooking says

    September 4, 2016 at 8:28 pm

    Thanks for the feature!

    Reply
  32. honeywhatscooking says

    February 2, 2019 at 3:12 am

    Thanks for sharing. Glad this made the cut. 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 5 Healthy Desserts to Eat During the Fall Season | Better Daily Wellness says:
    September 1, 2016 at 8:58 pm

    […] Ditch the pumpkin spice latte, and make this delicious hot chocolate with an Autumn twist. Recipe. […]

    Reply
  2. Guilt-Free Skinny Hot Cocoa Recipe: Quick and Easy! says:
    January 23, 2019 at 11:17 pm

    […] Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate Honey, What’s Cooking […]

    Reply

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A foodie who is passionate about living a healthy-ish lifestyle, cooking, and traveling. I moved from Jersey City leaving behind my family & friends to beautiful Southern California for love. I'm adjusting to the laid-back SoCal lifestyle and learning a lot about myself along the way. Come join me on a soul searching journey and I'll tell YOU "what's cooking" through my love for food, fashion, and travel.

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BAKED STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST
🔺INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp light brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup strawberries, sliced
8 slices @stpierrebakeryus brioche bread, 1-inch cubes
1 tbsp sugar, for topping
Powdered sugar, for garnish
Maple syrup, for garnish
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2. Cube 8 slices of brioche bread - this should yield roughly 5 cups.
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8. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
9. Top baking dish with 1 tbsp of sugar.
10. Place in the oven for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11. Serve hot. Top with powdered sugar and maple syrup. #brunch
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