This is my new favorite mug...a gift from my very sweet mom!
The other day I was at Walmart with Mike who absolutely hates to shop. Because of this I can only take him with me when I have a very short list…so this basically means I was running in (literally) for just a couple things and he was in the electronics department patiently waiting for me while I raced through the aisles at warp speed. I happened to be sprinting through the baking aisle (surprisingly, they have a really extensive selection of Bob’s Red Mill products at Walmart) when I spotted a new (to me) extract: caramel! Of course, being the junkie I am for new products, I bought a bottle.
I’ve been making skinny hot cocoa quite a bit this winter, since it’s a great way to satiate chocolate cravings without any damage to the waistline (I have to save the calories for more important splurges, like Cream Puffs). On its own this hot cocoa is fantastic…but add a splash of caramel extract and it’s transformed into something I’d happily choose even on special occasions when “skinny” isn’t required in the title of my hot cocoa. ;)
A Note on Watkins Caramel Extract: This is the first time I’ve had caramel extract so I don’t have anything to compare this brand to, but it is amazing stuff. It’s a rich, dark color and thick in a velvety sort of way. The smell is out of this world…I’m half tempted to dab it on my wrists and neck and call it perfume. And its flavor is extremely caramel-y…I know it is an “imitation” extract, but they did a pretty great job imitating.
Skinny Caramel Hot Cocoa (Inspired by The Fromagette’s recipe for Super Skinny Hot Cocoa)
Serves 1
1 cup milk (I use 2%)
¼ cup water (or milk)
1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch sea salt
⅓ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
⅓ teaspoon caramel extract (I use Watkins)
1-2 packets Stevia or other sweetener of your choice (more or less to taste)
Whisk together the milk, water, cocoa powder, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat; cook until the milk starts to steam and small bubbles form along the outside. Turn off heat and whisk in the vanilla extract, caramel extract, and Stevia. Serve hot.
Please note that I was not compensated for this post in any way; I recently discovered this product on my own and have been enjoying it ever since, and I thought you might enjoy it as well. As always, opinions stated are my own.
Veronica says
Dennis and I are on the last part of our first phase in the 17 day diet and have sworn off all carbs that don't come from fruits, veg, and fat-free dairy, so I knew I was going to have to get creative with our Valentine's Day dessert. We finally agreed that rather than some frozen yogurt (homemade w/ Greek yogurt, fruit, and stevia), we'd like something hot for our Valentine's day dessert (too cold for frozen yogurt!) and I made this tonight for a trial run to see if it's good enough for our Vday dessert. Well, it passed the husband test! Thanks for helping a sister out! We'll be enjoying this after a lovely meal of zucchini spaghetti and salad. :)
Magic of Spice says
Caramel extract sounds wonderful, and this hot cocoa is delightful! Love the photos :)
balvinder ( Neetu) says
You are right caramel extract does completely change the taste of cocoa. Sometimes I pamper myself with hot cocoa.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
a great excuse to further indulge in hot cocoa :)
grace says
caramel extract? never heard of it, however, i can tell you that within 2 nanoseconds of seeing it here, i decided to hunt some down for myself. :)
Mimi says
Perfume!
The hot chocolate sounds delicious too.
Mimi
Katerina says
My husband hates too to shop. I buy everything for him. The hot chocolate is ideal for me now. It is very cold and it rains since morning! Mmm, a cup of hot chocolate, one can dream, isn't it?
Veronica Miller says
Oh nice! I have pinned that recipe you adapted this from, I think I must have seen it through your pin maybe. I love your addition of the caramel extract-what a great idea! I need to try this!
BeadedTail says
I haven't had any hot cocoa yet this winter but that is going to have to change! We don't have a Wal-Mart in our town but I'll search for that caramel extract anyway!
Reeni says
This sounds absolutely divine Faith! A great treat to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Katie@Cozydelicious says
Oh, this looks awesome! You had me at Skinny! And Caramel! I have to find this extract. Yum!
Lisa says
Wow----caramel extract! It sure sounds amazing. I've always been a caramel fan, and I'm really into the skinny hot chocolate idea for a snack.
Thanks for sharing this---I can relate to the racing around walmart thing too, but generally joe stays in the car. He can't handle it :)
Alyssa @ Everyday Maven says
That sounds yummy Faith! I love Watkins - they have great products.
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Caramel extract?? Awesome! I've never seen that before but I'll have to keep my eyes open for it. Have you tried it in oatmeal? That would totally be the first thing I try, haha. Your hot cocoa looks great, even without the caramel I bet it's delicious :)
Diane says
Sounds wonderful, now where can I get that caramel in France? Diane
Joanne says
Gah! I totally wish we had a Walmart here! Maybe I can find this online because I've wanted to try the caramel hot chocolate at Starbucks but up and down refuse to use my cupcake-eating calories on it. Priorities.
Erica says
Josh is the same way! I feel like I'm in a super race when I bring him with me! Caramel extract? How delicious. This is the perfect afternoon treat (IMO!)
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
Ohhhh I can't wait to get some caramel extract! I've never seen this in Melbourne :) and I totally agree with you! Save the calories for something else :)
I'm gonna make the skinny hot cocoa soon ~ need a good fix of chocolate!
Roxana GreenGirl {A little bit of everything} says
Last week I went to Walmart and saw the Bob's Red Mill products. I don't recall seeing them before.
On my next trip I have to look for this caramel extract. Thanks for the review
Nicole, RD says
I don't think I've ever seen caramel extract, either! Now, it's a mission - this looks too good! And I still have a few homemade agave marshmallows leftover from the holidays :)
Coco says
sounds like a great product, I will look for it! :)
cute mug and so unique!
Priti says
Looks very inviting and loved that cup
Rosa says
A lovely hot cocoa!
Cheers and happy Monday,
Rosa
notyet100 says
Slurp :)