January is a month for cozying up by a roaring fire, spending time inside, and relaxing after the chaos of the holidays.  We can't think of a better way to spend it than with this easy Hot Chocolate inspired cannoli dip!  

Serve with powdered sugar cannoli chips, or for a take on spiced Mexican hot chocolate, our cinnamon chips, this is sure to make those chilly winter days a lot cozier and delicious.  

Here is what you'll need

1 15oz package of ricotta cheese (drained of excess whey for extra smooth dip)

2 tbsp of cocoa powder (more on this later)

3/4 cup of powdered sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 tbsp of chocolate syrup (optional)

For extra smooth dip drain the ricotta in a cheesecloth or clean dish towel overnight.  Removing that excess moisture will let your ricotta whip up fluffier than mixing it straight from the carton.  

In a large bowl add ricotta, cocoa powder, vanilla, chocolate sauce, and powdered sugar.  Beat by hand to incorporate, then use a whisk or a hand mixer to whip into a smooth fluffy dip. Taste, and add more sugar or chocolate to taste. To get a more "hot chocolate flavor" add more chocolate syrup, for a more sophisticated dark chocolate flavor add more cocoa powder.  

Dutch Processed or Natural Cocoa? Dutch processed is going to be darker in color, and a little more mellow and rich in flavor.  Natural cocoa is more common and probably what you have in your home already (Hershey's cocoa is natural) and is a more bitter paler version.  Both work in this recipe, use whichever appeals to you most! 

Serve in a mug topped with marshmallows and or chocolate chips.  Chocolate ricotta dip can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container, reference the date on your ricotta for how long it can be kept.