Hot Chocolate

Warm, smooth, rich hot chocolate can be a god-send on a cold blistery night. It can warm you up and brighten your spirits when the days seem filled with the icy breath of despair.

Although you can buy a case of decent cocoa-mix at just about any grocery store, it can be fun, easy, and (dare I say) impressive to others if you whip up a quick batch during a cozy movie night in. Heck, you can make a batch of the dry mix and keep it in a mason-jar for the entire season. Not only will this give you something to occupy yourself with, but you will reap the benefits of having a superior mix in your cupboard.



For the mix:

1 cup dark chocolate (around 64%)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon ground dried cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla bean powder (optional)

1. With a knife, shave the dark chocolate thinly, and pass the knife through the shavings several times to create small flecks (you want them small enough to dissolve readily in the hot milk)
2. In a medium sized bowl, combine together all of the remaining ingredients
3. Stir together until the mix looks consistent throughout
4. Place into mason-jars for later use

Yield: 2 pint mason-jars

Too serve:

1 glass of milk per person
2-3 Tablespoons cocoa mix per person
a mountain or marshmallows (optional)

1. In a small saucepan, over medium heat, bring the milk to a simmer
2. Whisk in desired amount of cocoa mix
3. Allow the mixture to boil, stirring to prevent scorching
4. Pour into glass

The hot cocoa will be hotter than you are used to, so be prepared to let it rest for a few minutes to prevent burning your tongue. The sweet mixture pairs marvelously with a good movie, blanket, and a mountain of marshmallows!

I almost forgot- Don't forget to share!

Keep Eating,

JTFussy