Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
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Best homemade hot cocoa for a snowy winter day. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
Homemade Hot Cocoa Recipe
It's cold, really cold. Snow is still falling. Perfect time for a great drink like a cup of homemade hot cocoa.
Look for the Special Dark chocolate, usually available only around the holidays. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
As in many things in life, the difference is the kind of chocolate you use. I stock up on Hershey’s Unsweetened Dark Chocolate around the holidays, when it’s usually the only time of the year when I can find it.
There are other chocolate options but in general, the better the chocolate the better the hot cocoa.
My first batch of homemade hot cocoa mix being tested. It passed inspection with flying colors.
The first recipe I found was pretty basic and had none of the rich texture one gets from buying hot cocoa mix in fancy containers.
After some research, I found this recipe from Alton Brown that includes a secret ingredient that makes all of the difference - cayenne pepper flakes.
I have now made this recipe a couple of times, once for gifts and the second time to have a supply for myself.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Ingredients (for 5 cups of dry mix)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred); Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate is another option.
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
optional - 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
optional - add baking chips like butterscotch or mint to the top
To serve, start with 2 tablespoons per 8 ounces of hot water. Mix a couple ounces of hot water in mix first, then add hot water to taste.
To mix well, I will measure the mix and water in a blender and give it a whirl.
You can add other things like toffee bits, candy cane crumbs, honey or candy baking chips to the mix. If you like a little variety, try spices such as cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Simply whisk the ingredients together.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Gift Idea
You can give it as a gift all on its own, or pair it with other yummy treats. Arrange it in a gift basket with a mug all on its own with the recipe. You can also add cookies.
A canning jar is perfect for packaging edible gifts like hot cocoa mix although my preference is interesting glass jars with tight lids. Use a colorful ribbon and a gift tag with instructions.
Although I tend to see these kinds of recipes at Christmas, it's a nice gift idea for Valentine's Day, too and for any fall and winter birthdays. Or as a gift for yourself.
Homemade hot chocolate is perfect for a snowy day with marshmallows. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
When I get ready for winter snow storms, hot chocolate and marshmallows are a favorite treat!
