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Sri Juneja's avatar

Ok so my favorite ritual is insanely simple but I *love* sipping a good hot beverage while I’m watching TV right before bed. My husband will make this ginger hot chocolate that’s so yummy and perfect for mindless TV watching.

A book I recently read that I really enjoyed is Applesauce Weather by Helen Frost. It’s suited for kids 8+ and reads like a chapter book. However, it’s unique in that the entire story is communicated in verse and each page is told from the perspective of a different character. It’s a lovely story about an older man managing his grief over the loss of his wife and still showing up for his great-niece and nephew. It’s about the gnawing absence of someone you love and knowing things just don’t feel the same. It’s a very wholesome book with really lovely sketch illustrations.

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Kuleigh Baker's avatar

Do you just put ginger in the hot cocoa? I'm intrigued by this! It sounds delicious. I LOVE coffee but now that I'm in my 30s, it has decided it doesn't love me back. Making a conscious effort to choose more teas and hot chocolate when I'm craving it instead. Love the book recommendation. It sounds like it handles some harder topics with gentleness.

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Sri Juneja's avatar

Here’s the super easy recipe he’s adapted for the ginger hot chocolate: https://minimalistbaker.com/ginger-hot-chocolate/

His tips: use whichever milk you like, but definitely use real ginger and grate it in (he does more than the recipe suggests). He likes to add the sweetener to heating pot of milk.

If you try it, let me know how you like it!

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Kuleigh Baker's avatar

Thanks for the recipe! Fresh ginger always. The jarred spice doesn’t do it justice.

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Chelsey Feder's avatar

My cozy ritual is to light a fall scented candle during naptime, after I tidy the house a bit. Then, I curl up with my book and read for an hour or so. It's even better on the weekends after a full house cleaning, windows open, and something simmering on the stove.

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Sri Juneja's avatar

That sounds incredibly therapeutic. Can’t imagine a cozier way to spend the day (especially with the promise of food soon after!).

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