I love hot chocolate. I really do. I drink it all year-long, but during the colder months, one of my favorite things is a cup of hot cocoa with a candy cane in it. And I make my own mix. I make it for myself, as gifts and just to share with friends. There are a lot of different recipes (simply search and you’ll find them), but the one I tend to like best is from a little gift book my mother-in-law got me several years ago for Christmas. Here is the recipe found in The Twelve Blessings of Christmas by T.J. Mills.
- 10 c. non-fat dry milk powder
- 3 c. cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 c. sugar
- 2 lb bag of powdered sugar
- 4 c. non-dairy creamer
Just combine all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. To make your hot chocolate, just mix 1/3 cup of the mix with boiling water.
I also like to make what my friends call a “redneck mocha.” Instead of using hot water to mix the cocoa, just use brewed coffee instead. If you want to make a mocha mix (using hot water), simply add 3 c instant coffee to the dry mix. For an extra Christmas touch, add a candy cane as your stir stick to either “concoction.” Be forewarned, the cups usually need an extra rinsing before the dishwasher.
Now it’s time for you to mix up a batch and let me know how you like it! Enjoy!!
Rev. Kris Mares 