Snow and hot chocolate

Snow and hot chocolate

Have you ever had the impression that hot chocolate is so much better after a winter outing? With rosy cheeks and fresh air in your lungs, taking the time to warm up inside with a cup of hot chocolate is a real treat. Hot chocolate is part of my winter ritual. In fact, this article was inspired by my recent winter vacation. During the Holidays, my children and I spent a lot of time outside, despite the very cold weather. Every outing ended with a cup of hot chocolate. This has been a tradition for many years now. Hot chocolate has become the ideal conclusion for all our weekend activities and outings during wintertime.

Enjoying a cup of hot chocolate is fun for everyone, even very young children. Spending time outside provides many benefits and can have an impact on your health…and your morale. Today, I would like to encourage you to plan special moments such as enjoying a cup of hot chocolate within your busy schedule. Whether it’s once a week, once a month, or just once during winter, share this simple yet special experience with the children in your group. They will cherish every second. Have I convinced you to give it a try? Read on for a few tips.

To begin, pick a day when it’s not too cold and spending time outside will be enjoyable for all. This is especially important if you want to prolong the duration of your outing. Your outdoor playtime could be your main morning activity.

Next, determine the ideal time to serve hot chocolate to your group. It could be after snack time, before or after lunch time, or at the end of the day. Reserve enough time in your daily schedule for your hot chocolate activity. Inform parents that you are planning on enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with the children in your group. Some may like to join you to make the activity even more special.

Organize a variety of outdoor activities. For example, you can build a fort, go sledding, create an outdoor obstacle course, go snowshoeing, go for a walk in a nearby forest, etc. No matter which activities you offer, your goal should be to make sure children are given the chance to be active.

When you come inside, prepare your favorite hot chocolate recipe with your group. Here is my recipe:

• 1 cup of milk (cow’s, soy, or other)
• 1 tsp of cocoa
• 1 tsp of maple syrup (or more to taste)

In a pot, combine all three ingredients over medium heat. The mixture must not come to a boil to ensure the hot chocolate isn’t too hot for young children. Once the preparation is homogeneous, pour it into small cups.

Garnish each child’s hot chocolate with whipped cream and miniature marshmallows. Sprinkle cocoa on top.

What a treat! Young and old will ask for more. Have fun playing in the snow with your group!