December 13 is designated as National Hot Cocoa Day.

According to the National Day Calendar website, there are health benefits from drinking hot cocoa. Cocoa powder holds antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. The cocoa bean helps with digestion. The cocoa flavonoids are linked to positive arterial health.

Please note there is a difference between “Hot Chocolate” and “Hot Cocoa”. Hot chocolate is richer, made from melted real chocolate, resulting in a thick, decadent drink. Hot cocoa is lighter, made from cocoa powder, sugar, and milk/water, offering a sweeter, simpler flavor.

Hope you will join me in a cup of hot cocoa today! And then again on January 31 for a cup of hot chocolate to celebrate its national day!

~ Gram

Reference: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-cocoa-day-december-13