The sun is shinning and although it’s still a little chilly at the moment, once we are tucked inside the beach hut wrapped in blankets it feels like summer isn’t far away.  Our boys are now big grown ups/nearly grown ups and spending precious moments together even if it’s a quick hot chocolate or bite to eat before they head off to do their thing are like gold and treasured.  As a family, hot chocolate is something that enhances those cherished moments, brings us together and makes us smile.

I’m always seeking out new ways of making hot chocolate, new recipes and new ingredients.  Real chocolate is a must; the darker the better and new to us, we found adding coconut oil adds a hint of flavour and gives a rich deep thick texture without adding cloying thickening powders.

Now we use coconut oil down at our beach hut for lots of uses, not only it is good for cooking with (no messy spills of oil) but it’s also great on wind chapped lips and hands, not to mention calming frizzy sea-air hair.  Check out their website to more tips  www.swearbyit.com

Spiced Coconut Hot Chocolate (serves 4)

2 teaspoon Vita Coco’s coconut oil (solid form)

2 teaspoon mixed spice powder (or mix together your own blend of ground cinnamon, coriander, caraway, nutmeg, ginger and cloves like I did here but ready mixed works better I think)

1.2 litre semi skimmed milk

250g plain chocolate, chopped

Place the coconut oil, spice and milk in a saucepan and bring to just below boiling, add the chopped chocolate and keep stirring to melt the chocolate without boiling this should take a couple of minutes.  This not only prevents the chocolate catching and burning on the bottom of the pan but ensures a smooth well blended hot chocolate.

Pour into mugs and drink with cupped hands.

This recipe is an entry into the #Swearbyit challenge with Vita Coco. Find more great coconut oil recipes and tips on using coconut oil at www.swearbyit.com