Hot Chocolate Mixture

Nothing warms a body up better on a cold winter day than a big cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. It is one of those drinks that comfort you.  

Not only does it warm you up, but it can bring about a sense of peace along with some happy memories. I can remember my mom making a big container of hot chocolate mix when I was little. All you had to do was heat some water, measure the cocoa mixture into a cup, pour in the hot water and stir.  Add in some marshmallows, then sit down and enjoy.

Of course, you don't have to drink hot chocolate only when the weather is cold, it is good any time of year. The prepackaged hot coco mixes are convenient, but if you are trying to save money, they are often expensive, and it has ingredients that do not belong in your drink powder. Also, if you make it from scratch, you control the sugar content. 

It takes just a bit of time to measure out all the ingredients, but it is worth it in the end. 
 

Ingredients

6 cups instant dry milk

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. salt (optional)

Directions:

 

Find a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Measure the milk, sugar, cocoa and salt into the container. Put the lid on the container tightly, and mix the ingredients by shaking the container.

 

To make Hot Cocoa

Heat water on the stove until it comes to a boil. 

Add a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the hot cocoa mixture into a large mug or cup. The amount of cocoa mix you add depends on the size of your cup or mug.  For an 8 oz. cup we generally add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the hot cocoa mixture.  If you have a bigger mug, you will need to add more hot chocolate mix. Sometimes, you have to play with the amount of cocoa to find the perfect amount for your cup.

 

Pour some of the hot water into your cup and stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Slowly add the rest of the water, stirring continually as you pour.

Add marshmallows, or whipped cream on top.  Enjoy!

 

Other Additions

 

For a richer tasting hot chocolate, add 1/2 cup of non-dairy creamer to the dry mix. You can choose from several different flavors such as Hazelnut, Irish Cream, and French Vanilla. 

You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mixture so it has just a hint of spice. Or add a candy cane for a different flavor.