One of our favorite winter treats is a steamy hot cup of cocoa and to meet the needs and tastes of everyone in the house, we make our own hot cocoa base and add the items we like the most. 

1/2 c Powdered cocoa
3/4 c Natural sugar
1/2 c Real semi-sweet chocolate chips
Bowl
Spoon
Jars or air-tight container

What to do…

Mix cocoa, sugar and chips in a bowl, then put it into an air-tight container, and add a label. Use 2 tablespoons per 1 cup of boiling water or hot milk. 

Note: Double or triple the recipe if needed.

Tip: Alternative milks go really well with this cocoa.

Turn an ordinary cup of cocoa into a special treat…

We think the best part of hot cocoa is turning each cup into our own special treat! Here are some of the fun combinations we enjoy…

 

Marshmallow Cream: Mini-marshmallows or marshmallow cream topped with whipped cream.

Candy Cane Swirl: Mini-marshmallows and whipped cream, stir and enjoy with a peppermint candy cane.

Cocoa Caramel: Caramel chips, candy or Nips and mini-marshmallows, topped with fresh whipped cream and sprinkled with a little fresh cocoa.

Mocha Cocoa: Add a little instant or fresh coffee to a cup of hot cocoa, top with fresh whipped cream and sprinkle with finely ground coffee.

Super Chocolaty Cocoa: Add a piece or two of your favorite chocolate bar or a tablespoon or two of chocolate morsels to a cup of hot cocoa, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

Coconut Cocoa: 1 tsp of extra virgin coconut oil or coconut creme added to a cup of hot cocoa, topped with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Toffee Cocoa: Toffee or Heath bits mixed in a cup of hot cocoa and topped with whipped cream.

Other suggestions: Peppermint or other hard candies, vanilla, almond or peppermint extract, candy bits, your favorite chocolate candy, non-dairy creamer, non-dairy whipped topping, coconut milk, almond milk, cinnamon, eggnog, etc..

I invite you to experiment with various items until you find the cocoa combo you like the most, then write down your recipe. Share it with us in comments too!

Gift giving…

After making the base, put your mix in an air-tight container, add a label and directions and give it as a gift.

Label making items: Paper, markers/crayons, double-stick tape and yarn.