Classic Combo: Cocoa and Toast

While we're definitely ready for warmer weather, we have to admit that winter has its perks. Like cocoa and toast! We've been re-discovering our love for this childhood treat in the past few weeks, though our tastes have definitely grown up...

We've been going through a package of artisan cocoa mix with frightening speed. But it makes such a thick and creamy cocoa that we can't help ourselves! Pair it with a slice of toasted sourdough and we're in heaven. We're even thinking about serving this for dessert at an upcoming dinner party!

As kids, we definitely would have turned up our noses at such decadent fair. Honestly, cocoa and toast is excellent in just about any incarnation - as long as there's plenty of marshmallows in the cocoa and butter on the toast.

How do you like your cocoa and toast these days?

(Image: Emma Christensen for the Kitchn)

Comments (13)

That's a favorite evening snack of mine. I usually have a mocha or a milk steamer with some sprouted grains bread.

When I have hot cocoa, I usually steam milk with the steamer wand on my espresso machine and then pour it over some good chopped chocolate...the hot milk is more than enough to melt the chocolate, resulting in some tasty hot chocolate.

posted by laetitiae on March 9th 2009 at 8:57am
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Never had that combination before (growing up in a Taiwanese home), but I love hot chocolate and French fries now thanks to some really cold winter nights at Cornell and the Hot Truck.

posted by joyosity on March 9th 2009 at 9:13am
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I've recently re-discovered cinnamon toast (on nice whole grain bread)...might be amazing with Mexican hot chocolate/coffee. Yum!
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posted by Lauraevz05 on March 9th 2009 at 9:50am
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fabulous combination! I also love to have homemade hot cocoa mix with homemade s'mores!

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posted by reggiesoang on March 9th 2009 at 10:01am
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How cruel that this is posted this morning. I'm currently trying to kick this for healthier breakfast alternatives. I've been indulging in it all winter. What a tease.

posted by adamwa on March 9th 2009 at 10:15am
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Boy, that brings back memories of my childhood. My siblings and I use to go through a whole loaf of bread on the weekends. We loved to spread peanut butter and jelly on our toast then dunk it in our hot chocolate, and you had to cut the toast in little sticks like you have done. YUM!!! Thanks for the warm memory.

posted by jafish39 on March 9th 2009 at 10:31am
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I love whole wheat toast with fig and/or raspberry jam. And I love hot cocoa with everything breakfast. And lunch and dinner. All cocoa, all the time!!!

posted by OneWallKitchen on March 9th 2009 at 10:43am
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I like ovaltine with my toast.

For "treat" toast I melt some chocolate chips on it, or butter it, then add some cinnamon and brown sugar.

posted by angorian on March 9th 2009 at 10:45am
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I like Mexican Hot chocolate with skillet toasted buttered baguettes, which I dunk in the chocolate.

posted by Benny's Dad on March 9th 2009 at 11:02am
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"A Very Long Engagement" has a great scene where the young soldier requests hot cocoa and toast with honey as his last meal before battle.... my favorite combo too. That's one for the Celluloid Pantry!

posted by SisterRae on March 9th 2009 at 11:19am
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When I was young, I remember making hot cocoa with the recipe from the back of the Hershey's Cocoa box (cocoa, sugar, hot milk) and then toasting up some bakery fresh rye bread (with seeds) and lightly buttering it. It is not your traditional toast and cocoa combo, but I loved it. My mom didn't allow us to have a lot of sweets and this was a great snack for us. I think it still is.
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posted by charmedbynancy on March 9th 2009 at 3:31pm
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Ghiradelli's hot chocolate powder is my cocoa of choice. Sourdough or whole grain toast is a spectacular accompaniment, all year long.

posted by Sydney on March 9th 2009 at 8:26pm
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I have never heard of this! I love hot cocoa (especially a good thick one) and I could eat a whole loaf of toast and not be tired of it, but I've never put the two together!

I imagine it's the perfect blend of bittersweet/savoury...so looking forward to trying it out.

posted by loverachel on March 10th 2009 at 3:49pm
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