Make-Ahead Rich and Creamy Hot Chocolate by Aidann Greenwolfe

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

This was really wonderful. It was one of the best Hot Chocolate recipes I have ever tried. Very easy...and you can freeze it for later use!

 

[AZureGray]

oooo, so dangerous for a choco-holic...

[Rev. Allen M. Drago ~ Traveler]

 

Homemade cocoa mix tastes really, really good. It's perfect for cold weather after you've been out sledding or picking apples. And if you go camping at any time of year, bring along a big bag of this delicious stuff. It tastes best when sipped from inside a sleeping bag on a cool morning, in the middle of the woods. Life just doesn't get any better than this.

• 4 cups instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 1-1/2 to 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer (coffee lightener like Creamora)
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1 package of instant store-bought chocolate or a vanilla pudding mix (optional, but very good)

Making the mix

1. 1
   
   Measure all of the ingredients into a dry clean bowl.
   
2. 2
   
   Use a whisk to sort of stir everything together. If the cocoa clumps up, smash the little balls with a fork.
3. 3
   

Preparing the hot cocoa

1. 1
   
   Spoon a third of a cup of the hot cocoa mix into a cup or mug.
2. 2
   
   Add boiling water to the top, stir and serve.

Tips

• Use two cups of sugar if you are making this for kids. The extra sweetness makes it especially kid-friendly. Unless you're opposed to too much sugar!
• For grown-ups you could add 1/4 cup of instant coffee for a tasty mocha flavor.
• When butter(salted) is put in secret ingredient a little, the sweetness and taste stands out.
• If you use Dutched (also called Dutch process) cocoa powder, it will dissolve more easily in water. It also results in a nice taste and color.
• Some cocoa powders are ground more finely than others. If the cocoa is coarse, it will leave a lot of sludge in the bottom of your mug. More sludge at the bottom means less flavor in your drink.