Coconut Water Hot Chocolate/Chocolate Milk

The other evening I decided to do this really stupid thing and go to the grocery store at 5 p.m. with the girls. It wasn't like a 'quickie' trip, but more like a 'we haven't gone grocery shopping in weeks, this may take a while trip.' Meanwhile we were all hungry and grumpy, Sweet Pea was strapped to my chest, and Boo begged me to let her wear some new flip flops for the first time ever.

I was in no mood do deal with tantrums, so I knew I had to grab what I could and get out of there before things went from bad to really freaking bad.

As we strolled through the produce section, Boo noticed bags of marshmallows on display.(Why produce and marshmallows were together...no clue.) She BEGGED, screamed, and yelled to have them, and since I was trying to avoid any drama I told her she could 'hold' the bag while we shopped. Minutes later as I was throwing things in the cart, I glanced at Boo and noticed her cheeks nice and plump...

Lo and behold...

She had dug right in.

I quickly took them away, explained to her about paying for food before eating it, and within moments flip flops were flying through the air, chewed marshmallows were being spewed about, and Boo became one hot mess.

Now, I'd like to point out a few things first. One: I have no idea where she learned to like marshmallows. (Cough-Grandma) Two: I will never go grocery shopping with my children again. Unless I need food. And three: marshmallows are the devil.

Well...Not all marshmallows are evil. Peeps are the exception. And if I could, I would put a peep on top of hot chocolate any day.

Coconut Water Hot Chocolate/Chocolate Milk

*This drink is super indulgent, and in my opinion better than hot cocoa made with milk! This is the perfect drink to give to your kids when they ask for chocolate milk. It's a great source of electrolites when the littles are sick, full of potassium, and tons of other nutrients. It doesn't have any flavor of coconut whatsoever!*

Ingredients:

1 liter plain coconut water

2/3 c. good quality cocoa powder

4 TB. maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

1. In a pot over the stove, add all of your ingredients and turn on heat to medium low.

2. Whisk ingredients quickly together while it warms. Once ingredients have dissolved, heat to desired temp and serve.

3. For chocolate milk: Follow the same steps, but only cook until all ingredients are dissolved. Store in a pitcher in the fridge, and drink cold!

If there is one thing that marshmallows, grocery trips, and having children has taught me it's that...

...Even when marshmallows are involved.