Powered by Blogger.

A Critical Snowy Day Question...Hot Cocoa or Hot Chocolate?

It is snowing and it is now seventeen degrees. I had two plans for today and one was cancelled and I cancelled one. My only commitment was to hot cocoa. But then I pondered... I referred to the hot drink made with milk and chocolate as hot cocoa, but what was the more popular term, hot cocoa or hot chocolate? Yes, there are more demanding questions in the world, but this is where my mind wandered on a winter afternoon.

The Swiss Miss folks call it hot cocoa, but do you? This is one of my favorite mugs, with happy memories of sunny days on an Italian vacation. Snowy New York day in the background. 


This is the scene from my front steps later in the afternoon. Usually there's a lot more traffic.

But a little -- or a lot -- of snow won't keep me from announcing the winners of  the Fifth Blogaversary giveaway. The winner of "Living Well One Line a Day" is Mary and the winner of the "surprise" book, "I Love Being a Mom," is Ida. I'll follow up to get your addresses. Thanks, all, for being part of the blogaversary fun. I'm excited about my sixth year of blogging. It gets better every year.  

I have another giveaway on the top right corner of the blog. It's a great one -- two kindles, two iPads and two nooks -- and the book that's sponsoring it is a very enjoyable read. It's a really sweet Amish story and I'll be writing about it later this week. 

Thanks so much for stopping to visit. If you're in snow land, too, keep warm and cozy. If you're somewhere warm, please have an iced tea and think of me. Take good care!


23 comments

Anonymous said...

I love seeing the view from your window and the front of your building. It turned much colder and very windy here today.
I usually say "hot chocolate." I adore your beautiful mug. Have a very restful evening.

Congrats to the winners!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

I say hot chocolate, but hot cocoa sounds richer and tastier. :-) We got a little snow here, and it's getting really cold. It looks so pretty in your photos!

The Cranky said...

I use the two phrases depending on how I make the drink...if I do it the old way with heated milk, Hershey's, and a pinch of cinnamon then it's hot cocoa. If, on the other hand, I do it the lazy (but still tasty) way then it's hot chocolate.
What a beautiful street scene, even outwith the snow.

Lynda said...

I agree with Jacqueline about the phrasing. BRRRRR on the weather. So glad you are staying in. We saw on the weather that the coast is getting hammered. We have very cold but clear weather. My brother decided to escape NYS today - - headed south to our sister's house in GA. He lives in Jefferson and is coming down through PA on 81 and thus far has not seen any snow.

Pondside said...

What a pretty city snow scene!
When I was growing up it was always called Hot Cocoa, or just Cocoa and it was made with unsweetened cocoa powder, hot milk and sugar - make a paste of that and then gradually add more hot mild, stirring all the while. It was delicious!

Kate said...

I keep checking my iPad to watch the temperature sink. We are at minus 17 and will probably continue to drop. It was 26 below zero in Massena NY according to my friend when she left for work this morning. The wind really nips at your face outdoors. To all the geese who contributed to my coat, thank you. Where would we be without our down coats and blankets. My heart goes out to all those struggling tonight whether with cold or snow.

TARYTERRE said...

Stay warm. I grew up calling it hot chocolate. Nothing quite like it on a cold winter day to warm your insides.

It's me said...

What a snow !!! ...please stay warmmmm.....love from me...x !

It's me said...

What a snow !!! ...please stay warmmmm.....love from me...x !

It's me said...

What a snow !!! ...please stay warmmmm.....love from me...x !

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

It's hot chocolate at my house. And it is always a cold weather treat. Glad you made the decision to stay in. If it's not an emergency I stay in these cold snowy days too.

Theresa said...

We call it hot chocolate:) SOUNDS yummy on this VERY COLD day! I love seeing the snow pics! I have been watching GMA and all of the pretty scenes in your city! Have a blessed, warm and cozy day dear friend, HUGS!

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

On days where we are forced inside, we tend to ponder life's deep questions. Of course, cocoa vs. chocolate is one of those that comes to mind. My take is that so many things are called chocolate, including chocolate milk, that something so special and warm should be given the more elegant term, cocoa.

I love your picture of "snow in the city".

Linda said...

What a pretty view!!! How do you deal with the daily traffic noise? (I know, being nosy)--I have never given it a thought..we have always called it both. Hmm..interesting. I think I should ask my husband. lol--Blessings

Nellie said...

It's "hot chocolate" here, Buttercup. Either way, it's a welcome drink, especially on a cold, snowy day like you have had! Congratulations to the winners! Stay safe and warm!

Grammy Staffy said...

Ahhh Carol... Hop on a plane and come stay at Staffy's spa . You can bask in the warmth of our 84 degree days and read your kindle in our patio. We would love to have you.... And just to make you feel at home I can make you hot cocoa any time you want. What time can I pick you up at the Ontario, Ca airport? Hugs, Lura

Ida said...

Either one is fine by me and very welcome on a cold, wintery day like you have going on there.
Oh how fun to be one of the blog winners.

Dee said...

Dear Carol, I just use the term "cocoa," which, I guess, in my mind implies "hot." And lately with all the cold weather--unseasonable here in Missouri--I've been having more and more cups of cocoa! It's so comforting and it warms the innards. Take care of yourself back there where we keep hearing you are having a foot of snow one day and then more the next week. Here in Missouri it's cold--a wet cold that invades the bones--but not snowy. Peace.

Melinda said...

We pretty much stick with Hot chocolate here.
That Swiss Miss looks yummy.

M :)

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It sure looks cold with the snow flying! I always say Hot chocolate! And a cup sounds good tonight! Hugs!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hot Chocolate for me… Is that a 'southern' thing? I have called it cocoa --but don't think I've ever said Hot Cocoa… Anyhow--I love it, whatever it is called… ha

Beautiful view --and I love your gorgeous mug.

Hugs,
Betsy

Gypsy Heart said...

That photo is gorgeous! You're probably sick of all the snow now. :) I grew up with the term of "hot chocolate" and most people still refer to that. Maybe it's a Texas thing...maybe from the South?

Thanks for stopping by! I wanted to respond via email but could not find one here and it seems you're a "no reply blogger".

Hope you stay warm and enjoy your cocoa!

xo
Pat

White Lace and Promises said...

Hot Chocolate:) French Vanilla? Never tasted that. Sounds yummy!