The First Snow

At 5:30A this morning we woke up with sleepy eyes and staggering steps to look out and see a snow covered field outside our bedroom window. The first sparkling blanket of snow has graced the ground this season and it always seems magical. That first snow, truly brings everything together in a small snowball form and causes us to stop and listen and play and laugh and rest; all in one day. I had a feeling that today was going to be a good day.

I snuck to the kids’ rooms to turn off their alarms and then I crawl back into bed; cozy under the covers I started thinking of what the day would bring. A little later I heard pattering feet, hitting the wood floors, running towards our bedroom yelling, “It snowed!”. A few minutes later those little feet were already back in my bedroom and ready for the snow-filled day. Dressed from head to toe in snow gear and ready to play in the wonderland she skipped off singing “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” My husband echoed the same thought I had had earlier, “Y’all are going to have some fun today!”

And he was right.

Memories of my childhood started flooding back. Snowdays were some of the memories I have always kept tucked in my heart. Maybe that’s one reason the first snowfall is so magical when I see it. Those were days where there were no expectations. There was just the snow, my brothers, and myself, and we were always ready to experiece the freedom that snow brought. Sled rides down the hills at Freeman Lake, snow men competitions between my brothers and I, snow angels, snowball fights, and then after hours and hours of snow play, with red noses and frozen fingers, we would almost relunctantly, head home. Then with widened star-bright eyes we would notice the homemade hot cocoa that would be waiting for us.

This simple cocoa recipe is like childhood in a cup. It’s sweet and creamy, and well, fun. To add an adult touch give it a dash of cinnomon and nutmeg, but it can stand on it’s own just as well. Absolutley, mandatory is to top with your choice of marshmellow or whip cream, or if you’re feeling crazy go with both. Whip cream for me, but the kids always go for one large marshmellow. We sometimes even stir it with a candycane around the holidays.

If you have the chance today stop and take a minute to make this, but more than anything take a minute and soak in the beauty that the first snow fall brings.

Simple Homemade Cocoa

3 cups of whole milk

6 tbsp 100% cacao powder (We like Hershey’s special dark)

3 tbsp granulated sugar (my kids like 4 tbsp for a little sweeter)

Add all ingredients to a suace pan on medium heat. Whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and serve with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy!

XO,

LE