December 13 – National Cocoa Day

National Cocoa Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL COCOA DAY STEP-BY-STEP

•  21 delicious hot cocoa recipes.
•  Try some hot cocoa bombs.
•  Make some hot cocoa gifts.
•  Host a hot chocolate bar party.
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Cocoa is truly a treat for the heart and soul! Those who love cocoa know it’s an indulgence like no other, whether savoring it warm on a chilly winter day or enjoying it on a thick and chilly ice cream sundae. From its first use by the early Mayans of South America to its wide appreciation around the world now, cocoa has been a source of joy in many cultures, one that symbolizes comfort, connection, and even luxury. Waking up to the fragrant smell of cocoa brewing can give even the dullest of days some much needed delight. So here’s to your mug of delicious cocoa – cheers!

NATIONAL COCOA DAY:  A BRIEF HISTORY OF DRINKING COCOA

Drinking cocoa is far from a modern phenomenon. In fact, cocoa beverages date back as early as 500 BC, where the Mayans are believed to have first made a beverage out of cocoa beans, chili peppers, and water – though with far less sweetness than the cups of hot chocolate we know today! Ancient Aztecs also created their own versions of cocoa drinks flavored with vanilla and other spices that they regarded as luxury items only meant for nobles and royalty.

Fast forward to when Christopher Columbus brought coca beans back to Spain in 1585 AD – and by the 1600s cocoa beverages had spread throughout Europe and quickly become popular amongst many cultures as an energizing treat. And who can forget when chocolate became all the rage in 1815 after Van Houten invented a pressing technique that allowed for easier production of chocolate? A drinking cocoa revolution had begun!

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE HOT COCOA DAY

1. Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a hot cocoa bar with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings for guests to customize their drinks.
2. Cocoa Tasting Party: Host a cocoa tasting party featuring different types of cocoa powder or chocolate bars from around the world, paired with complementary snacks.
3. Cocoa Painting: Use cocoa powder mixed with water to create edible paint for a fun and tasty art activity.
4. Cocoa-infused Bath Bombs: Make homemade bath bombs infused with cocoa butter or cocoa powder for a luxurious and relaxing spa experience.
5. Cocoa-inspired Poetry Reading: Gather friends for a cozy poetry reading session featuring works inspired by cocoa and chocolate.
6. Cocoa-themed Movie Marathon: Watch classic movies with cocoa or chocolate themes while sipping on delicious hot cocoa.
7. Cocoa Scrub DIY: Create homemade body scrubs using cocoa powder, sugar, and coconut oil for a luxurious skincare treat.
8. Cocoa-infused Cocktails: Mix up cocktails featuring cocoa liqueur or cocoa-infused spirits for a festive and indulgent drink option.
9. Cocoa-inspired Art and Crafts: Get creative with cocoa-themed art and crafts projects like painting with melted chocolate or making cocoa-scented candles.
10. Cocoa Cooking Class: Attend a cooking class focused on making cocoa-inspired dishes and desserts, led by a professional chef.
11. Cocoa Meditation Session: Practice mindfulness while sipping on hot cocoa, focusing on the warmth and flavor of the drink to enhance relaxation.
12. Cocoa Bean Roasting Demonstration: Learn about the process of roasting cocoa beans and sample freshly roasted beans for a unique sensory experience.
13. Cocoa-inspired Storytelling: Share stories and anecdotes related to cocoa and chocolate while enjoying cups of hot cocoa around a cozy fireplace.
14. Cocoa-themed Board Games Night: Host a board games night featuring cocoa-themed games or simply enjoy your favorite board games while sipping on hot cocoa.
15. Cocoa-infused Dessert Contest: Organize a dessert contest where participants create their best cocoa-inspired desserts to be judged and enjoyed by all.
16. Cocoa Scented Candle Making: Make homemade candles infused with cocoa fragrance for a delightful and aromatic DIY project.
17. Cocoa-inspired Yoga Session: Practice yoga poses that evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, accompanied by sips of hot cocoa for added relaxation.
18. Cocoa Bean Planting Workshop: Learn about cocoa cultivation and plant cocoa beans in pots or gardens for a hands-on gardening experience.
19. Cocoa-themed Photo Shoot: Have a photo shoot featuring cocoa-inspired props and backdrops, capturing the warmth and richness of cocoa in images.
20. Cocoa-themed Storytime for Kids: Read children’s books with cocoa or chocolate themes to kids while they enjoy cups of warm cocoa milk.
21. Cocoa-infused Facial Masks: Make homemade facial masks using cocoa powder, honey, and yogurt for a nourishing and indulgent skincare treatment.
22. Cocoa-inspired Music Playlist: Create a playlist of songs with cocoa or chocolate references to enjoy during your cocoa-themed celebrations.
23. Cocoa Bean Art Workshop: Create artwork using whole cocoa beans as a unique and tactile medium, exploring different textures and shapes.
24. Cocoa-infused Cooking Class for Kids: Teach children how to make simple cocoa-infused recipes like chocolate chip cookies or cocoa pancakes in a fun and interactive cooking class.
25. Cocoa-themed Storytelling Circle: Gather around a cozy fire pit or fireplace to share stories and memories while sipping on cups of delicious hot cocoa.
26.  Cocoa Bean Guessing Game: Fill a jar with cocoa beans and have players guess the number of beans inside for a fun guessing challenge.
27. Cocoa Trivia Quiz: Test your knowledge of cocoa and chocolate with a trivia quiz covering history, production, and fun facts.
28. Cocoa Pictionary: Play a round of Pictionary using cocoa and chocolate-related words and phrases as drawing prompts.
29. Cocoa Tasting Challenge: Blindfold participants and have them taste different types of cocoa or chocolate to guess the flavors and origins.
30. Cocoa Bingo: Create bingo cards featuring cocoa-related items such as cocoa powder, chocolate bars, and hot cocoa mugs for a sweet twist on a classic game.
31. Cocoa Word Search: Challenge friends and family to find cocoa-related words hidden in a word search puzzle.
32. Cocoa Memory Game: Lay out pairs of cocoa-themed cards face down and take turns flipping them over to find matching pairs.
33. Cocoa Bean Relay Race: Set up a relay race where participants carry cocoa beans using spoons and transfer them to a designated container.
34. Cocoa-inspired Charades: Act out cocoa and chocolate-related words and phrases while others guess what they represent.
35. Cocoa Puzzle Challenge: Race against the clock to complete cocoa-themed jigsaw puzzles of varying difficulty levels.
36. Cocoa Trivia Pursuit: Play a cocoa-themed version of Trivia Pursuit with questions covering cocoa cultivation, chocolate brands, and famous chocolatiers.
37. Cocoa-themed Scavenger Hunt: Hide cocoa-related items around the house or yard and give clues for players to find them.
38. Cocoa Bean Sorting Game: Provide different types of cocoa beans and challenge players to sort them by size, shape, or origin.
39. Cocoa Bean Balancing Challenge: See who can balance the most cocoa beans on a spoon while walking a designated distance without dropping any.
40. Cocoa Tic-Tac-Toe: Use cocoa powder and marshmallows to play a delicious game of Tic-Tac-Toe on a grid.
41. Cocoa-themed Crossword Puzzle: Solve a crossword puzzle filled with cocoa-related clues and answers.
42. Cocoa Bean Matching Game: Lay out pairs of cocoa bean images and flip them over to find matching pairs.
43. Cocoa Charades Relay: Divide into teams and take turns acting out cocoa-related words or phrases in a relay-style game.
44. Cocoa Bingo Scavenger Hunt: Create bingo cards with cocoa-related items and send players on a scavenger hunt to find them around the house or neighborhood.
45. Cocoa Bean Toss: Set up targets and have players toss cocoa beans into designated scoring areas for points.
46. Cocoa Puzzle Race: Compete against friends to see who can complete a cocoa-themed puzzle the fastest.
47. Cocoa Bean Bowling: Line up cocoa beans like bowling pins and roll a ball to knock them down in a cocoa-inspired version of bowling.
48. Cocoa Bean Relay Sorting: Race to sort cocoa beans into different categories such as dark, milk, and white chocolate.
49. Cocoa Trivia Match-Up: Match cocoa-related trivia questions with their correct answers for points in a competitive trivia game.
50. Cocoa-themed Mad Libs: Fill in the blanks of cocoa-themed Mad Libs stories for hilarious and creative results.
51. Cocoa Bean Mosaic Art: Create a mosaic artwork using dried cocoa beans to form intricate patterns and designs on a canvas or wooden surface.
52. Cocoa Scented Candles: Make homemade candles using cocoa-scented wax and molds for a delightful aroma and cozy ambiance.
53. Cocoa Bean Jewelry: Design unique jewelry pieces using drilled cocoa beans as beads, combining them with other materials like metal findings or colorful beads.
54. Cocoa Bean Planters: Upcycle empty cocoa bean bags into planters by cutting them open, lining with plastic, and adding soil and plants for a rustic touch to your indoor garden.
55. Cocoa Powder Paintings: Experiment with cocoa powder mixed with water or other mediums to create paintings with rich, earthy tones and textures.
56. Cocoa Butter Lip Balm: Make nourishing lip balm using cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils for soft and moisturized lips.
57. Cocoa Bean Keychains: Drill a hole in dried cocoa beans and attach them to keychain rings for a unique and rustic accessory.
58. Cocoa Pod Paper Lanterns: Craft paper lanterns shaped like cocoa pods and illuminate them with LED lights for a warm and inviting glow.
59. Cocoa Bean Coasters: Glue dried cocoa beans onto cork or wooden coasters to create textured and decorative drink coasters for your home.
60. Cocoa Powder Body Scrub: Mix cocoa powder with sugar and coconut oil to create a luxurious body scrub that exfoliates and moisturizes the skin.
61. Cocoa Bean Wind Chimes: String dried cocoa beans onto fishing line or twine and hang them from a wooden frame to make a rustic and melodic wind chime.
62. Cocoa Bean Photo Frames: Glue dried cocoa beans onto plain wooden or cardboard frames to add texture and interest, then display your favorite photos.
63. Cocoa-themed Embroidery Hoops: Embroider cocoa bean motifs onto fabric hoops using colorful threads for charming and decorative wall art.
64. Cocoa Bean Candle Holders: Fill glass jars with dried cocoa beans and place tealight candles inside for a cozy and aromatic centerpiece.
65. Cocoa Powder Face Mask: Mix cocoa powder with yogurt and honey to create a soothing and nourishing face mask that hydrates and rejuvenates the skin.
66. Cocoa Bean Dream Catchers: Weave cocoa beans into the webbing of dream catchers and hang feathers and beads for a bohemian-inspired decoration.
67. Cocoa Bean Table Runner: Glue dried cocoa beans onto a burlap or fabric table runner to add texture and interest to your dining table.
68. Cocoa Pod Ornaments: Cut out cocoa pod shapes from brown felt or paper and decorate them with sequins, beads, and ribbon for festive holiday ornaments.
69. Cocoa-themed Wall Art: Create framed artwork featuring cocoa-related quotes or illustrations using paints, markers, or collage techniques.
70. Cocoa Bean Napkin Rings: Thread dried cocoa beans onto wire or twine and form them into rings to use as rustic and charming napkin holders.
71. Cocoa Butter Lotion Bars: Make moisturizing lotion bars using cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax for a nourishing and fragrant skincare treat.
72. Cocoa Bean Wreath: Glue dried cocoa beans onto a foam or wire wreath form and embellish with ribbon or dried flowers for a festive and aromatic decoration.
73. Cocoa Powder Bath Bombs: Create fizzy bath bombs using cocoa powder, baking soda, and citric acid for a luxurious and indulgent bath experience.
74. Cocoa Bean Mobile: String dried cocoa beans onto fishing line or twine and hang them from a wooden hoop to make a rustic and whimsical mobile.
75. Cocoa-inspired Potpourri: Mix dried cocoa beans with dried orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves for a fragrant and festive potpourri blend to scent your home.
76. Cocoa Brownies: Whip up a batch of rich and fudgy cocoa brownies for a decadent chocolate treat.
77. Hot Cocoa Bombs: Create homemade hot cocoa bombs filled with cocoa powder, marshmallows, and other toppings for a fun and interactive drink experience.
78. Cocoa-Dusted Truffles: Roll homemade chocolate truffles in cocoa powder for a classic and indulgent dessert.
79. Cocoa Smoothie Bowl: Blend cocoa powder with frozen bananas, almond milk, and other favorite toppings for a nutritious and delicious breakfast bowl.
80. Cocoa Pancakes: Make fluffy cocoa pancakes drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh berries for a delightful brunch option.
81. Cocoa Banana Bread: Bake a loaf of moist and flavorful cocoa banana bread for a tasty snack or dessert.
82. Cocoa Chili: Prepare a hearty and warming cocoa-infused chili with beans, ground meat, and spices for a satisfying meal.
83. Cocoa Overnight Oats: Mix cocoa powder with oats, milk, and sweeteners, then let it sit overnight for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
84. Cocoa Chia Pudding: Combine cocoa powder with chia seeds, milk, and sweeteners to make a creamy and indulgent pudding.
85. Cocoa Energy Bites: Roll a mixture of cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dates into bite-sized balls for a healthy and energizing snack.
86. Cocoa Milkshake: Blend cocoa powder with ice cream and milk to create a thick and creamy cocoa milkshake.
87. Cocoa Granola: Bake homemade granola with cocoa powder, oats, nuts, and dried fruits for a crunchy and flavorful snack.
88. Cocoa Mousse: Whip up a light and airy cocoa mousse using cocoa powder, whipped cream, and sweeteners for a luxurious dessert.
89. Cocoa Dipped Strawberries: Dip fresh strawberries into melted chocolate infused with cocoa powder for an elegant and indulgent dessert.
90. Cocoa Hummus: Make a sweet and savory cocoa hummus using cocoa powder, chickpeas, tahini, and sweeteners for a unique dip.
91. Cocoa Avocado Toast: Spread mashed avocado on toast and sprinkle with cocoa powder, sea salt, and honey for a delicious and nutritious snack.
92. Cocoa Infused Coffee: Brew a pot of coffee with a hint of cocoa powder for a rich and flavorful morning pick-me-up.
93. Cocoa Coconut Bliss Balls: Mix cocoa powder with shredded coconut, dates, and nuts, then roll into bliss balls for a healthy and satisfying snack.
94. Cocoa Banana Ice Cream: Blend frozen bananas with cocoa powder and milk for a creamy and guilt-free dessert alternative.
95. Cocoa Chia Seed Smoothie: Blend cocoa powder with chia seeds, spinach, banana, and almond milk for a nutritious and refreshing smoothie.
96. Cocoa Oatmeal Cookies: Bake chewy and delicious cocoa oatmeal cookies studded with chocolate chips for a classic treat.
97. Cocoa Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with cocoa-infused granola, fresh berries, and honey for a simple yet satisfying dessert or snack.
98. Cocoa Infused Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with cocoa powder and sweeteners until soft peaks form, then use as a topping for desserts, drinks, or fruit.
99. Cocoa Raspberry Smoothie: Blend cocoa powder with frozen raspberries, yogurt, and honey for a tart and creamy smoothie.
100. Cocoa Peanut Butter Cups: Make homemade peanut butter cups using cocoa powder, coconut oil, peanut butter, and sweeteners for a healthier twist on a classic candy.

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Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate National Cocoa Day?  Please share them!