For a long time I kept cocoa in the pantry and didn't do much with it. Lately, I have been trying my best to cook with the most basic of ingredients. In other words, I am working toward reducing our use of packaging and reducing our dependence on boxed cakes and such.
When I did use the cocoa in my pantry, it was most often to make myself a good cup of hot cocoe with hot milk. I can't go back to the kind that comes conveniently packaged in a packet with tiny marshmallows. No, I want the real thing made easily with a couple tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa, a couple tablespoons of sugar and a cup of milk cooked on the stove or in the microwave. With the cold winter nights upon us, it's a perfect warm treat for such nights.
Now, on a regular basis, I'm using the cocoa to make brownies from scratch. It takes only a little more time and the results are a richer, more moist brownie. So, this week the pantry item of the week is cocoa. Get it out. Play with it. Make something delicious and chocolatey. It's the time of year to enjoy the warmth of hot chocolate and the confections of a good homemade brownie.
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