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Hi Friends!

We’ve been having some cold nights in the desert lately, and that means it’s perfect weather for enjoying the comforting taste of hot cocoa. I used to use the little packaged mixes, but nothing really compares to the taste of homemade hot chocolate. Sure, it’s a little more work, but the taste is definitely worth it, especially if you’re a serious chocolate lover!

girl holding cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows




I use the basic recipe from the back of a Hershey’s cocoa can, but I’ve made some changes to give it a richer taste. And, my five chocolate connoisseurs just love it! 

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa ( I use a combination of half regular and half dark cocoa)
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 4 cups cold milk ( I use 2 percent)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions


Add the cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, sea salt and water to a medium-sized

pot, and mix well.
Heat on medium heat and stir until the ingredients start boiling.
Continue stirring the boiling mixture for about two minutes, then add the milk.
Let the chocolate gradually heat up, but don’t let it boil.
Serve and enjoy!

cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows and cookies and candy sprinkles


The fun part, of course, is adding your favorite toppings. I don’t really have a fancy hot cocoa bar, but I always put out marshmallows, whipped cream and candy sprinkles and maybe cookies. And, if we happen to have any giant chocolate dipped marshmallows, we add those too.

hot chocolate with marshmallows



What’s your favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate? 

Thanks a bunch for visiting. Have a wonderful day!

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  1. Heidi's Wanderings says:

    Oh my this looks good. And well I've been craving some hot chocolate.

  2. Maria says:

    I made cocoa from scratch this week for the first time in the crockpot, I'll try to post it over the weekend on my blog but it was oh so good, and so decadent.

  3. Dee M says:

    Hey, super Grandma, If you do break up, you won't be sorry. 😉

  4. Laurie says:

    Definately looks good enough to drink! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Thanks for sharing! Love a good cup of cocoa!!

  6. Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says:

    Stop, you are killing me here, ha ha.

    I will have to do this…after Christmas / next grocery store run 🙂 I will be SUPER GRANDMA if I do this 🙂 Goodbye Swiss Miss Cheap Stuff; we have to break up now 🙂

  7. Dee M says:

    Wishing you a very merry Christmas too, Michele! 🙂

  8. Michele @ The Nest at Finch Rest says:

    Hey Dee- you and my youngest daughter were in the same mind frame with cocoa!
    Thanks for your loyal visits and sweet sweet comments.
    A very Merry Christmas to you and your family, sweet lady! Hugs!

  9. Dee M says:

    We've been having our share of hot chocolate lately with the cooler weather — love it! 🙂

  10. Pam Greer says:

    It is such a damp, chilly cold today. I am definitely in the mood for some hot chocolate and having this mix on hand would make it so easy!