It was a welcome pleasure.
As I got down from the car, the winds hit me in my face at 60 mph (at least it felt like it). My hair was flying everywhere. I hadn’t read or listened to the news. After picking up the boys, my older one went on and on about how there is going to be a big storm coming our way. Not knowing the severeness, I turned on the radio station. There was a storm coming to the San Francisco Bay Area, and it was going be the worst in 5 years. I was quite happy, yet scared, and wanted to punch myself for not preparing much. I got home in a hurry and started checking our flash lights (torches) and emergency kits. I also started cooking to last us a couple of days, just in case. It was late evening, and we did not even see droplets. Still, I was startled by the call I got from the school saying it would be closed for a day. The kid jumped as the younger one whined. He had school. Well, the hubster got home and I convinced him to work from home the next day. The four of us decided to stay in. Night time came and we went to bed only to be awakened by heavy winds.
The creeks were dry, the mountains are brown, now they could drink it all in. There was rain, a lot of it. It’s been long since we saw it pour. It did slow down by the end of the night. The lights were intact, the phone lines were perfect. The traffic was a bit slower than normal. Messages kept flying back and forth. Everyone was safe.
In fact it became a fun event in the Bay Area. The boys kept 2 buckets to check how many inches we would get. There were puddles of water everywhere. We saw on TV parking lots filled with water, and people using their canoes and having fun. There were kids dancing in the heavy rains. Parts of the area just became gigantic swimming pools.
We got a record rain (yay!).
As far as we were concerned, we stopped and ENJOYED THE RAIN.
Winters in Cali are shorter in comparison to many other places; in fact, I would go to the extent of saying that it is perfect weather in the Bay Area. When it is cold, we make the most of the cozy weather. A classic cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream is enjoyable at any time, but hold on, this is not any classic cup………..
A bit of deviation sometimes is nice, and here’s my spin on hot cocoa.
A delicate touch of white chocolate with hot coconut milk is like none else. It’s exotic in a way. Imagine sitting on a beach on a very cold night finishing up your meal with this warm dessert. It also feels perfect in our hands, sitting near a fire place looking at the Christmas tree with a blanket, watching a favorite movie. It’s comforting.
It’s not very heavy—more elegant than indulgent.
- 2 cups coconut milk(light)
- 2 cups regular milk
- 4 ounces or ½ cup white chocolate chips /chopped white chocolate bark
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- a pinch of sea salt
- Bring coconut milk and milk to a light simmer, use a froth maker or just whisk it to get some foam.
- Take the milk off the heat and add the chocolate, vanilla extract. Mix well and serve with a touch of sea salt on top.
You can get the organic coconut milk in a carton.
If you use the canned coconut milk, make sure to use a light kind.
Serve it with marshmallow and some cocoa powder if you like.
My brother lives in Vallejo and works as a rescue boat captain on the bay and he’s always complaining about how brown the hills are between Vallejo and the bay. It must be nice to see everything green again.
It’s the height of summer here in Australia but I’m sure I could enjoy some white hot chocolate like this.
Maureen, it’s so nice to hear from you.
We are glad to be seeing some greenery and getting out of the drought.
I absolutely adore coconut milk in hot chocolate! That is actually how I usually have it because I’m a bit obsessed with coconut. But using white chocolate and coconut together is a new one that I should try! 😀
White chocolate AND coconut milk??? I’m in!
Oh thanks for the idea! I bet the coconut milk makes this richer and creamier!
Oh is it that dry over there? I never imagined it that way.
So after all, the rainy storm announcement wasn’t that bad, glad to hear and that you guys even enjoyed it.
Sometimes in the monsoon here we get sh** scared but we do enjoy those days.
I always wanted to try using coconut milk instead of cow milk in hot chocolates, you even used white chocolate. Nice one Ash and I am so glad to see you back in action here on your lovely blog.
Thanks Helen, I’m glad to be back too.
We didn’t get good rains for almost 3 years and even before that during the summers, the mountains are brown. It’s still pouring.
My parents live in California and mentioned the rain has been coming down in buckets! I’m glad it’s coming down but wish that things happened in moderation in Cali!
I can only imagine the freeways…
In fact Ameena the freeways weren’t as bad as we anticipated. After a week of rain, yes, moderation would be good:).
Nice to hear from you.
Looks delicious! You have a nice blog and I love the pictures!
Thanks for stopping by Mira.
Love the idea of coconut milk in hot chocolate! Such lovely flavor — terrific idea. Glad you finally got some rain — your drought has been brutal. Anyway, thanks for a fun post, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
We are so glad we are out of the drought.
Have a fabulous holiday!!
I totally love the idea of using coconut milk in hot chocolate! Wish I was holding that cup of warming goodness:-))
Wish you were here too.:)
I have the same espresso cups as you do! Haha! Love your photography, these pics are gorgeous!
Thanks Sharon..Oh, you do. Don’t you love those cups…?
I love your deviation on hot chocolate, Asha! Totally loving your use of coconut milk! This would be perfect for a chilly evening – glad y’all made the most of the rain and didn’t fret too much!
xxs
Hugs Sashi. Enjoy the Holidays!! xoxo
The perfect cup of hot cocoa! I love to make mine with coconut and almond milks for a non-dairy version. I’m looking forward to trying your ratio of ingredients, Ash. It’s funny…I thought of you when I made my Parisian Peppermint Hot Cocoa for the blog! (I’ll be adding the recipe soon. I found some cute peppermint mugs and plates that inspired me.) Thank you for sharing, my friend. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! xo
I can’t wait to check out your peppermint mugs. Wishing you a great great year ahead my dear friend.