A few weeks back, it was warmish and rainy, and completely not winter. So, in an effort to bring about at least the idea of winter, I decided to make up a batch of Hot Cocoa Mix. Now that it’s cold over much of the country, I’d say my decision worked–although others may feel differently!
I could, of course, just go to a supermarket and buy a box of the little packets of mix. Toss one in a cup and add boiling water and voila!
Here’s the problem. The cocoa comes in a packet which comes in a box which is wrapped in plastic. The ingredients include some questionable ingredients. I’m pretty certain I don’t want my children starting the day with a cup of dipotassium phosphate, cellulose gum, sodium aluminosilicate or partially hydrogenated anything. I’m also cheap.
So I make my own mix. It only takes a couple of minutes and the ingredients are nothing special. At least I can pronounce them. This recipe calls for a bit of cayenne which not everyone likes. Leave it out if you aren’t spicy people.
I start with 4 cups of instant, dry powdered milk. If you want to make the mix to add to warm milk then leave this out too. Mix in 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of finely chopped, semi-sweet chocolate, ¼ cup of cornstarch (it will make a thicker cocoa), ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne. Use the best chocolate you can get. It will make a difference. Store this in a Mason jar. If you drink a lot of cocoa this is an easy recipe to double or even triple. You will need about a half cup of mix to cup of boiling water. I like my cocoa topped with real whipped cream.
Mix Recipe – Single Batch
4 cups instant dry powdered milk
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1/4 cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch cayenne powder (optional)
Add 1/2 cup mix to one cup boiling water and stir well. Top as desired.
