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Not helping with this little sugar monkey on my back issue I seem to be having

December 14, 2010

Not helping with this little sugar monkey on my back issue I seem to be having

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I discovered something last week that apparently, people in Utah have known about and reveled in for years. No, it's not the secret to making Ned Flander's Hot Cocoa, but it's completely related:

Stephen's Gourmet Hot Cocoa.

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Is it hypocritcal to lament the holidays and my battle with the sugar demons and yet come on here and shamelessly promote a heavily sugared product?

So be it.

I picked this up on a whim at my local Rainbow Foods while seeking out something other than Swiss Miss or Nestle cocoa mix. I thought, "We'll give this one a go."

I'm not exaggerating when I tell you it tastes like the cocoa that you would be served by angels.…in Heaven…while having hot chocolate with Jesus. It's THAT good.

I'm still very focused on Moving More these days and if I come in from a 2 degree day of shoveling 20 inches of freshly fallen snow, I'm thinking 8 ounces of cocoa ain't killin' no one.

This one agrees.

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Mmmm. Come on in from the cold, Cole. Mama's got some cocoa for you. And probably for me too.

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Comments

  1. Dana says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:08 am

    Oooh, that looks so yummy! Sometimes, you just have to indulge. And after all the snow you guys have gotten and the subsequent shovelling, you can afford a treat. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Kendra B says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:22 am

    YUM!!!!! And after shoveling snow you DESERVE some warm yummy goodness 🙂

    Reply
  3. Barb says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:41 am

    You and me both, Cathy! I’m having a hard time staying away from all things sugary this time of year too. But I figure I can survive in damage-control mode (eat treats, keep exercising) to be social and enjoy the holidays and then return to a more disciplined approach to eating and exercising in the new year.

    In the meantime, enjoy your cocoa! 🙂

    Reply
  4. dawn says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:42 am

    You deserve it, indulge and enjoy it. We had swiss miss here yesterday after shoveling. Today kids are home again for 2nd snow day in a row. So there will be more cocoa and thinking maybe to surpriese them with smores from the microwave as a special treat. Enjoy your day.

    Reply
  5. Jennifer Larson says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:58 am

    With as cold as it’s been, you have to burn those extra calories shivering.

    Sorry if that helps you rationalize something you were trying to avoid!

    Reply
  6. SusanL says

    December 14, 2010 at 6:10 am

    I’ve found a way to have my hot chocolate and (not) eat the sugar too! It’s Chocolate No2 from montezumas (www.montezumas.co.uk). This is dark chocolate with chilli. It’s quite spicy and not very sweet, so I add sweetners rather than sugar. So I get the chocolate, the heat and the kick without the sugar rush. Once you try this you’ll never go back to the powdered chocolate mixtures. A luxurious treat for a cold day.

    Reply
  7. Kerri Bradford says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:00 am

    Cathy dear…I just have to say….you are spot-on about the Stephen’s Hot Chocolate! It’s so good that I just put it in my package to send to my boy who’s out in Washington DC right now. There’s nothing better.

    Do I even dare tell you that the Vanilla and the Peppermint Chocolate are good too? 😉

    Enjoy it! It is divine!

    Reply
  8. Korey Lindberg says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:05 am

    Dang you and you’re wonderful tasting food items you like to tempt us with…LOL! Just so you know, there is a batch of your “sex muffins” baking in my oven right now AND I have gestational diabetes right now so I’m actually going to have to practice some self control when their deliciousness pops out of the oven this morning. And now this hot chocolate looks divine! I will have to look for it the next time I’m out at the store…I mean, who doesn’t like to drink heaven cocoa with Jesus! ;D

    Reply
  9. Jane says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:18 am

    Cathy your storm is headed my way in the east!

    question for you…I love the pictures you take of objects like the mug etc. Can I ask what settings/lense you use?

    Reply
  10. Loydene says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:32 am

    I found ONE canister of Stephens peanut butter cocoa — to DIE for! While searching out more, I found a Stephens Carmel Apple Cider mix … in a green canister. Very good — but not the butterfinger candy flavor of the other cocoa mix! Just a bit of enability since I’m struggling with my own “sugar” (and fat, and quantity) issues!

    Reply
  11. Jenny A says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:43 am

    Ok – I MUST have that hot cocoa. I want to have a drinking hot cocoa with Jesus moment too! lol!

    Reply
  12. Dar says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:48 am

    Mmm, can’t wait to find some and try it. My DH and I never learned to like coffee, so hot cocoa is our drink of choice, especially in the winter. And we have plenty of snow outside, too, so this is great timing! Thanks for the recommendation.

    Reply
  13. Dorothy F says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:02 am

    28 degrees in South Florida today – I am living on Cocoa. Trust me I understand. I can not imagine being this cold and having snow too? Cocoa is the only thing that warms me up so I will just do 30 more minutes of aerobics.

    Reply
  14. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:04 am

    Thanks Jane. I shoot almost exclusively with my Canon 24-70 L Series lens. Pricey, pricey lens for sure, but I am truly in love with the images I get with it. I was shooting probably at 800 ISO on that shot, with a 3.2 f stop.

    Reply
  15. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:05 am

    Okay, Loydene,

    So yesterday I went to get some more at my local store and they were SOLD OUT, so… they had some of the peanut butter cocoa. Okay, YUM! Still like the other better, but it’s pretty darned good!

    Reply
  16. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:06 am

    Dar, if you can’t find it, you can order it on Amazon. I did, last night. 6 canisters of it, mostly because my local store does a horrible job of stocking anything! LOL!

    Reply
  17. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Kerri, it really is like Heaven on Earth! I also bought some of the Peanut Butter cocoa (because they were out of the basic one). To. Die. For.

    Reply
  18. Sheryl says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:15 am

    Yummy! It almost makes me wish it would not be warming up around here (in Dallas). It is going to be in the 70’s tomorrow. Ugh, so not Christmas.

    Reply
  19. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:16 am

    I know. Here I am, moaning about sugar, but pushing it on others. HA! Take it easy Korey!

    Reply
  20. Sheryl says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:48 am

    Cathy, I need your help. I have been trying to find these Have a Holly Jolly Christmas circles that I used as gift tags last year. I thought I got them from your site last year. I cannot find them here. Am I crazy? Did you do post these last year? If so, where can I find them again?? Thanks Cathy!!!!

    Reply
  21. Angela says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:49 am

    Really thought I had found the most divine cup of hot chocolate in Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate. I will search for some Stephens, do the taste test and let you know…

    Reply
  22. Kristyn G says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:52 am

    Wow at the snow! and that my friend is why I will NEVER live north of the mason dixon line! This southern girl is freezing in our 28*F this morning!
    Stay warm 🙂

    Reply
  23. Cricket says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:57 am

    oh my heck! I’m on my way to the store to pick some up! I’ve seen it but never gave it a second glance! Can’t wait to indulge myself this afternoon with a little hot cocoa!!

    blessings,

    Reply
  24. Alicia says

    December 14, 2010 at 9:42 am

    When I moved away from Utah last year, I stockpiled this heavenly powder and now take the process of rationing it VERY seriously. 🙂 I haven’t found a substitution in over a year…

    On Christmas (when calories don’t count), try it with milk. Mmmmm!

    Reply
  25. Anna says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:05 am

    LOL “I’m not exaggerating when I tell you it tastes like the cocoa that you would be served by angels.…in Heaven…while having hot chocolate with Jesus” – okay my off to pick up some Stephens. I live in Utah so it shouldn’t be hard to find – right? Thanks for making my day and upping my calories!!!

    Reply
  26. Vickie says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:05 am

    I didn’t realize that Stephen’s was a Utah thing. Last year my daughter gave us a case of Chocolate Raspberry. It was delicious. But- when I peeled the label off there was another label underneath. Archer Farms (isn’t that a Target brand?).

    Reply
  27. Rita says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:10 am

    OK – not only do you have the heavenly cocoa – you make it extra-special with the whipped cream & chocolate shavings – GO GIRL! You are Mama-special!

    Reply
  28. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:22 am

    Hmmm. Im drawing a blank. Are you thinking of Alis gift tags?

    http://www.designerdigitals.com/digital-scrapbooking/supplies/product_info.php/products_id/8603

    Reply
  29. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:22 am

    do report back, because i havent tried the TJ brand. Now i may have to!

    Reply
  30. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:24 am

    and i would gladly RUN in that 28 degrees! unlike the minus 3 we have right now. Ugh! ; )

    Reply
  31. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:24 am

    you will never forgive me for your new addiction. ENJOY!

    Reply
  32. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:25 am

    What? That is crazy! I wonder whats up with that?

    Reply
  33. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:25 am

    Yeah, it kind of makes it. Its a Cole thing.

    Reply
  34. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:30 am

    Alicia, you can buy it in 6-canister packs from Amazon!

    Reply
  35. teri says

    December 14, 2010 at 10:50 am

    Goodness gracious he is looking like his Daddy in that shot!! (you know, judging from all the times I’ve hung out with you guys- ha!) But really!!

    Reply
  36. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:07 am

    We call him mini me.

    Reply
  37. Ann says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:09 am

    OMG and the way you present it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings…..do you do that with EVERY cup? If you do, I’m coming over for Cocoa!

    Oh, and man! Cole is looking quite like a young man now these days! your little boy is GONE. Hate to tell you that.

    Reply
  38. Luv2talk says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:29 am

    You. Crack. Me. Up.

    ’nuff said.

    🙂

    Reply
  39. Andrea A says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:40 am

    I have a friend here (in Virginia) who used to bring it back from Utah with her when she visited friends, and she used it as Christmas gifts. I got a canister one year, and I immediately started searching for more. After amazon was sold out for what seemed like forever to me, the commissary started stocking it. I could hardly believe it. Bought 2 cans this morning to have around for the holidays. I don’t do the chocolate shavings, but I do use Redi Whip or, if you like peppermint, a peppermint Peep star marshmallow on top. (it really does flavor the chocolate, so if you don’t like peppermint, don’t bother) It’s a good change of pace for me. I LOVE the stuff.

    Reply
  40. Mary says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Thank you for that post from one sugar addict to another. I too have been enjoying the more than occassional Hot Cocoa this month. It’s nice to know I’m in good company. I try to tell myself it’s better than having the eggnog. I have tried this brand and agree it is wonderful.

    Reply
  41. Ann says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Sheryl…I remember them and found them for you here…

    http://www.writeclickscrapbook.com/files/holly-jolly.pdf

    Have fun!

    Reply
  42. Nancy May says

    December 14, 2010 at 12:08 pm

    Has anyone tried the no sugar added milk chocolate? I am sure it isn’t as good as the sugary option but maybe it is good.

    Reply
  43. Susan says

    December 14, 2010 at 12:09 pm

    If I had shoveled all that snow I would indulge in some hot cocoa. How many points does this one cost? I have found that I really enjoy the 25 cal Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa with a squirt of Lite Redi-Whip – ok two squirts.

    Reply
  44. Sheryl says

    December 14, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    That’s it!!! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I have been racking my brain trying to remember this. Getting older is so much fun 🙂

    Reply
  45. julia spencer says

    December 14, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    Well if you put it that way… I’m thinking I need to have a cup. 🙂

    Reply
  46. Yvonne says

    December 14, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    ok seriously, you put whipped topping and shaved chocolate on his Cole’s hot cocoa!? or did you do it just for the photo! 🙂 you are the best mom ever! I’ve said it before… i really want to be you when I grow up!

    Reply
  47. Sonja says

    December 14, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Cathy, speaking of Amazon, they have a Stephen’s Gourmet Milk Chocolate that is sugar free. I haven’t tried it, but next time I order from Amazon, it’s in my cart!

    Reply
  48. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    I do it EVERY time. He demands it. ; )

    Reply
  49. ArlaMo says

    December 14, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    Best indulgence – Stephen’s Candy Cane Cocoa, topped with Peppermint Whipped Cream and crushed candy canes.

    The cashier looked at my kinda funny when I had my cart loaded with Stephen’s canisters this summer on our vacation to Utah. It was 100 degrees outside, but I was stocking up!

    Reply
  50. Mary Ann says

    December 14, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    If you really want to add some calories try putting some coffee mate powdered creamer in there. My husband does this and it’s sublime!

    Reply
  51. Lori says

    December 14, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    Love Stephen’s Hot Chocolate! Favorite flavor is roasted hazelnut. Yummy!

    Reply
  52. Pilbara Pink says

    December 14, 2010 at 5:50 pm

    Seriously – you are breaking my heart, I cannot find anywhere that will ship this cocoa outside of the US, including Amazon. And there is a candy cane flavour -Puleesse!!!! I may have to have it sent to you Cathy and make you forward it since you started this 😉 Mind you it is over 30degC here in Western Australia right now (8am) and heading for around 45degC today so you wouldn’t think cocoa would be so appealing would you? But I figure if I crank up the aircon ….. No outdoor exercise going on here at the moment either!

    Reply
  53. Kathi says

    December 14, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    So sorry as to not have spread the Stephens word sooner. I love the stuff. I have a cup almost every morning year round. They even have different flavors, but plain chocolate is my fav.

    Reply
  54. Kathi says

    December 14, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Have you ever thought of having your store order it for you. Then when a case of it comes in they call you and you go pick it up. It is just for you.

    Reply
  55. cathy says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:09 pm

    hmm. now thats a good idea!

    Reply
  56. Teresa says

    December 14, 2010 at 7:52 pm

    OMGosh! We can’t wait for hot chocolate season here. It doesn’t even have to be really cold. Cool will do. And we fix it like you do with cream and cinnamon on top. But we found something new to add this year, Kraft has some little chocolate covered marsmallows. We add a couple of those in too!

    Reply
  57. Margy Eastman says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:24 pm

    I can’t believe all the snow – and the Metrodome! It’s -30 here, but we only got 2″ of snow this weekend.

    Have fun diggin’!

    Reply
  58. Kathleenb says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:40 pm

    “I’m not exaggerating when I tell you it tastes like the cocoa that you would be served by angels.…in Heaven…while having hot chocolate with Jesus. It’s THAT good.”

    LOL!….so funny! Seriously – I laughed out loud! Funny!

    Reply
  59. Molly says

    December 14, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    mmmm… really yummy with peppermint schnapps too 🙂

    Reply
  60. Nitasha says

    December 15, 2010 at 5:08 am

    Thank you for feeding my choco habit…I don’t drink coffee and I can no longer indulge with a Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate since I know how many calories, sugar, and sodium that it contains! So I’ve been searching for a sub and Nestle and Swiss Miss do NOT hit the spot! So, hopefully this is available in TX!

    Reply
  61. Jewel says

    December 15, 2010 at 9:59 am

    Ok, I had to immediately make myself a cup of hot chocolate after reading this post! My MIL sends down a canister of Tim Horton’s hot chocolate every year. It is good so am anxious to compare it to Stephen’s. Have to look for it today!

    Reply
  62. Angela says

    December 15, 2010 at 10:21 am

    Having a hard time finding Stephen’s in IL. Will continue the search but I just want to say, ingredients in Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate=cocoa powder, cane sugar, chocolate liquor and cocoa butter. With less fat and a LOT less sodium than Stephens…
    Ingredients in Stephens=Sugar, Sweet Whey, Maltodextrin, Partially Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Corn Syrup Solids, Non-fat Dry Milk, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Sodium Caseinate (A Milk Derivative), Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Soy Lecithin.
    But, you’ve gotta make TJ’s with milk and I use less than the recommended amount-I use 1 1/2 TBSP to 1 cup skim milk.

    Reply
  63. Molly says

    December 15, 2010 at 10:34 am

    So, Cathy- since you are a Penzy’s gal, how does Stephen’s Cocoa compare to the Penzy’s cocoa mix? I can’t imagine anything better than the Penzy’s cocoa- but I will hunt down Stephen’s if you say I should!!!

    Reply
  64. cathy says

    December 15, 2010 at 11:18 am

    Angela, I just realized the amounts of Partially Hydrogenated EVERYTHING in the Stephens. Calories are one thing, but yikes! Okay, I will pick up the TJ Sipping Chocolate on my next TJ run!~ : )

    Reply
  65. cathy says

    December 15, 2010 at 11:20 am

    Molly, I like it SO, so much more. But, its loaded with bad stuff. Sigh. Partially hydrogenated everything. But like i said, its Jesus Cocoa!

    Reply
  66. K says

    December 15, 2010 at 11:46 am

    It’s all we drink here in Utah. Have you tried the Hazelnut? Or maybe it’s best you not . . . I’ve nearly been tempted to replace the water in my faucet with a tank of this stuff during the holidays.

    Reply
  67. K says

    December 15, 2010 at 11:48 am

    And, just in case the chocolate doesn’t have enough of a calorie punch, we mix in a little nog. Mmm.

    Reply
  68. Katie says

    December 15, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Cathy,

    REALLY? So unfair to start tempting me when I am just in the midst of working my way (slowly, very slowly) back to Weight Watchers! 😉 But if it IS like cocoa they drink in heaven, I feel like I can pass it off as a religious experience and justify it… right?

    Reply
  69. cathy says

    December 15, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Katie, i know. Its bad. Trust me. I dont mean to be the pied piper of sugar!

    Reply
  70. carol in seattle :) says

    December 15, 2010 at 3:49 pm

    Having grown up in Utah, I well know the bliss that is Stephen’s. Try the Hazelnut variety…it’s my most favorite!

    Reply
  71. Lori says

    December 15, 2010 at 10:41 pm

    At Costco, they sell HUGE canisters of Stephen’s. It’s so good, I drink it year round. My monthly goal for January (I do monthly instead of yearly goals…yearly is too hard!) is to cut out refined food products. Goodbye, Stephen’s. For one month, anyway.

    Reply
  72. Deirdre says

    December 17, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    I’ve had a hard time finding any cocoa mix without the dreaded PH ingredients.
    Thanks to you, Cathy, I’ve been running this year and finally got a nike+ for my nano:) Love it, but as someone who also quit WW (due to cost), I was hoping there’d be place to track weight at nikeplus web site. I’ve searched and sent them the question, but thought I’d try you too:) I can count points on my own, but I miss the visual graphs of WW (but not enough to fork over $$ every month).
    Thanks for all the inspiration!

    Reply
  73. cathy says

    December 17, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Deirdre, I just realized how much PH stuff is in there, and i think thats why ive been getting some headaches this week. UGH! I guess ill have to wean off.

    : )
    c

    Reply
  74. Mandy P says

    December 18, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    I LOVE the Stephen’s hot cocoa. The candy cane is hands down my favorite. It’s also really good to use as a coffee creamer. I live in Alabama and usually place an online order every winter.

    Reply

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