Coo Coo for Cocoa

Cocoa

The next time you buy a can of baking cocoa , read the recipes on it. You can make lots of things with it. But if you are really cold, nothing beats a cup of hot cocoa.

Making Hot Chocolate the Right Way

Okay, an envelope of powdered hot chocolate mix and hot water can satisfy a craving for hot chocolate, and it's usually what you get at a restaurant or an office. But if you want the really good stuff, you want to make it yourself--with milk, not hot water. You can do it in a saucepan on the stove if you're making a lot, but to make just one cup, you simply mix the appropriate amount of cocoa and sugar in the bottom of a mug and add just a little milk, then stir until you've made a chocolate paste. At that point, you can fill the mug with milk, stir again and microwave until it's as hot as you like it. Then you can top it with marshmallows or whipped cream--whatever your heart desires! Some people put at little vanilla in with the chocolate paste, which is a yummy addition, and some add cinnamon.

Giving Hot Cocoa as a Gift

If you know a hot cocoa lover, you can make up a hot cocoa mix, put it in a resealable bag, and stick it in a jar as a gift. Be really creative and include a cute mug! Here's a recipe if you don't have it:

Dry Hot Cocoa Mix in a Jar

6 1/2 cups powdered milk

1 (5 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix

1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer

1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Divide the mixture between two 1 quart jars. Seal, and decorate as desired. These can be stored in a dry area for up to 3 months.
Attach a tag with the following instructions: Hot Cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water or hot milk.