Hot Cocoa Recipe

Growing up, my mom always made us homemade hot cocoa.  This stuff is the BEST!  I can promise you won't find a mix at the grocery store that even comes close.  I happen to think its even better than one of the most famous coffee shop's hot cocoa too.

This makes a very nice handmade gift for someone.  Fill a quart sized canning jar about 3/4 full of the hot cocoa mix, top with about 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows and about 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.  After placing the lid on the jar, tie a nice ribbon around the rim with a cute tag that gives the name of the contents and the serving size (1/3 cup mix to 8 - 10 oz hot water). Package up in a gift bag or basket along with a coffee mug and a baked good.  Perfect gift for a colleague or a teacher to show your appreciation.

Here is mom's recipe with some tweaks that I've made to suit my tastes.

Ingredients:

1 - 21.8 oz canister of Nestlé Nesquik®

1 cup natural unsweetened baking cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1 - 8 oz. container of coffee creamer 

2 cups non fat powdered milk

Directions:

1.  Add about 3/4 of the canister of Nestlé Nesquik® to a large bowl. 

2.  Add unsweetened baking cocoa, powdered sugar, coffee creamer and non fat powdered milk.*

3.  Mix well and store in an airtight container in pantry.  If stored properly, this mix should last approximately 6 months.

4.  Add approximately 1/3 cup of hot cocoa mix to a large mug. 

5.  Add hot water to mug and stir to mix.

6.  Top with either mini marshmallows or whipped cream and a sprinkle of unsweetened cocoa for decoration.

7.  Enjoy!

*Note:  After mixing initial ingredients together, I usually test it out by adding about 1 tablespoon of mix to 1/2 cup of hot water.  Then I adjust ingredients to taste. . .add more of any of the above ingredients based on your preference.  If you prefer sweeter hot cocoa, add a little more powdered sugar.  If you like a creamier hot cocoa, add some additional coffee creamer or powdered milk.  If you like a richer chocolate taste, add some additional unsweetened baking cocoa. 

I like mine extra creamy and chocolaty so I usually use the extra creamy coffee creamer instead of the regular and add some additional unsweetened baking cocoa to my mixture.