Tuesday, November 2, 2021

By the Numbers: the Search for a High-MVTR Waterproof Breathable Shell Jacket

A high MVTR waterproof-breathable shell jacket may be the holy grail that can replace both a wind shirt and a rain jacket. Do they exist, and where do we find them?

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The Blue Lights of the San Rafael Swell

Sometimes we backpack to get a taste of the unknowable: blue lights and pictographs in the San Rafael Swell.

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Thursday, October 28, 2021

Minimalist Footwear and Trail Running Shoes for Hiking and Backpacking

A curated guide to Backpacking Light resources about minimalist footwear (e.g., trail running shoes for hiking and backpacking) - gear, skills, podcasts, forums, research, education, product recommendations, and more.

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Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Episode 48 | Waterproof Breathable Fabrics

Andrew and Ryan chat with Backpacking Light contributor Stephen Seeber about layering and waterproof-breathable fabrics.

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Friday, October 22, 2021

Ultralight Rain Mitts for Backpacking: Reviews & Gear Guide

In this gear guide, we review 16 models of waterproof mitten shells ("rain mitts") weighing less than 4 ounces (113 g) within the primary context of 3-season backpacking.

The post <span class="membersonly"></span> Ultralight Rain Mitts for Backpacking: Reviews & Gear Guide appeared first on Backpacking Light.

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Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features

In this article, we make the case for spending some extra weight on rain jackets and rain pants that offer more ventilation features (and durability) than typical ultralight rainwear styles.

The post <span class="membersonly"></span> Why You Should Spend a Few Ounces of Pack Weight on Rainwear Ventilation Features appeared first on Backpacking Light.

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Monday, October 18, 2021

Homemade Hot Chocolate

When the weather turns from summer to fall, the leaves change from green to red, and the air is crisp, this recipe for decadent, rich, and delicious homemade hot chocolate will leave you feeling cozy, warm, and happy.

homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with marshmallows

Homemade Hot Chocolate History

We all know hot chocolate as the warm, rich drink we enjoy on a cold night by the fire, or after engaging in winter activities such as ice skating and skiing.

But have you ever thought about this delicious beverage’s origins?

Hot chocolate’s history goes quite a way back, and the drink has changed over the years, evolving from cold and spicy to warm and sweet.

homemade hot chocolate ingredients in bowls on a counter

It Started in Mexico

As early as 500 BC, the Mayans were drinking chocolate made from ground-up cocoa seeds mixed with water, cornmeal, and chili peppers (as well as other ingredients)—a much different version from the hot chocolate we know today.

They would mix the drink by pouring it back and forth from a cup to a pot until a thick foam developed, and then enjoy the beverage cold. Although the chocolate drink was available to all classes of people, the wealthy would drink it from large vessels with spouts, which later would be buried along with them.

homemade hot chocolate in a pot on a counter with chocolate chips

Then Made its Way to Europe

In the early 1500s, the explorer Cortez brought cocoa beans and chocolate drink-making tools to Europe. Although the drink still remained cold and bitter-tasting, it gained popularity and was adopted by the court of King Charles V as well as the Spanish upper class.

After its introduction in Spain, the drink began to be served hot, sweetened, and without chili peppers.

The Spanish were very protective of their wonderful new beverage, and it was over a hundred years before news of it began to spread across Europe.

homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with marshmallows

When it hit London in the 1700s, chocolate houses (similar to today’s coffee shops) became popular and very trendy, even though chocolate was very expensive.

In the late 1700s, the president of the Royal College of Physicians, Hans Sloane, brought from Jamaica a recipe for mixing chocolate with milk, which made the drink more palatable in his opinion.

Others agreed and the English started adding milk to their chocolate; it was then enjoyed as an after-dinner beverage.

homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with marshmallows

Hot Chocolate Today

Up until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used as a treatment for stomach and liver diseases as well as a special drink. Today, however, we simply treat this warm concoction as a beverage to sip and savor.

In America, hot chocolate is somewhat thin and often made by combining hot water with packets of powder, although you can find more authentic and gourmet varieties in restaurants and cafes.

Hot chocolate has become so popular in the United States that it is available in coffee vending machines. The powder is sold in packets and canisters, and coffee houses often have rich, somewhat thicker varieties on their menus.

homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with cookies

Frequently Asked Questions:

What supplies do I need to make homemade hot chocolate?

To make this homemade hot chocolate, you will need the following supplies:

  • measuring cups and spoons of various sizes
  • medium sized pot
  • whisk
  • toppings such as marshmallows, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, etc.
homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with cookies

Can I refrigerate leftovers of this homemade hot chocolate?

Yes, you can refrigerate this homemade hot chocolate in a sealed food-safe container for 3-4 days. You’ll have to reheat before serving.

Add the toppings right before you’re ready to drink the homemade hot chocolate.

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips in this homemade hot chocolate recipe but it will alter the taste – it will be sweeter.

homemade hot chocolate in a glass mug on a counter with cookies

How can I make this homemade hot chocolate creamier?

To make this a creamier hot chocolate, stir 1 teaspoon of corn starch in with the milk before adding the other ingredients. Whisk the corn starch into the milk until no lumps remain.

Continue on with the recipe as written.

Do you have any other recipes that go with this Homemade Hot Chocolate?

Homemade Hot Chocolate
Yield: 4 servings

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Decadent, creamy, rich homemade hot chocolate is perfect to warm you up on a crisp Fall day. Top with whipped cream, marshmallows, fudge, and everything in between.

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • optional toppings: whipped cream, mini marshmallows, fudge ice cream topping

Instructions

  1. In a medium pot, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, and cocoa powder.
  2. Place pot on the stovetop over high heat, stirring often until mixture starts to simmer. Watch this closely as milk can boil over quickly and you don’t want this to come to a full boil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium then add in chocolate chips and stir until melted.
  4. Remove pot from heat then stir in vanilla and salt.
  5. Serve hot in heat-safe mugs.
  6. Top with your choice of toppings.

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