It shatters my heart when my little boy puts my hand on the door knob to signal that he wants to head outside on a wet day.  I’m stumped because there is only so long that T.V. and toys will keep him occupied inside before he longs for the fresh air on his face and a few laps around the front yard.  I say “Sorry sweetie, you can’t go outside today, it’s raining and it’s super cold out.”

Now mind you, he’s only two years old, and doesn’t see my reasoning clearly.  I think to myself  “I’ll whip up a nice batch of hot chocolate for us to enjoy while we play with another puzzle or read a book, just like my Mom use to do with me.”  Not only will it make up for the fact that he can’t have his day in the sun, but it’s a positive experience for me and my boy.  Rain gifts us another opportunity to bond on many levels.  Milk makes our delicious hot chocolate the best thing to drink on a cold day.  For these two things…..  I am a thankful Momma.

The Master Of The Glass Half Full will surely love this rainy day custom I have passed down to my son.  I think I’ll share it with him over on his facebook page or tweet him a message so he could know all the wonderful memories milk is bringing me and my family.

All photos taken by: Nicole Presley and Mando Lopez

Ingredients for Mexican hot chocolate:

3 – cups water

1 – stick of cinnamon

2 – disks of mexican chocolate ( I use Ibarra)

2 – cups milk

1/4 – cup mini marshmallows (optional)

In a sauce pan add water and cinnamon over a medium flame.

Bring to a boil. Then add chocolate disks and allow to melt in water.

Stir to assure all chocolate dissolves.  This will take a few minutes. Once chocolate is completely dissolved, remove cinnamon stick from water chocolate mixture.

Lastly add in  milk and give a good stir.

Serve hot in a cup and top with marshmallows. Enjoy the cold day with your delicious hot chocolate!

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor’s Board and Latina Mom Bloggers.