WEDNESDAY – DECEBER 10, 2014

Does anyone save any money making this?  No.  But it’s Christmas time and this is a Christmas Tradition.  To me, a cup of hot cocoa says cristmas as much as a decorated tree or a wreath on the front door.  Great for Christmas, terrific all winter long and a wonderful and welcomed gift to anyone on your list.  Here are some of the best recipes for making your own.

HOT COCOA MIX with a Twist

1 large box instant chocolate pudding mix
4 c. Nesquik powder
10 c. powdered milk
2/3 c. powdered sugar
mini marshmallows

Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl. Store in an air tight container.

Use 1/4 c. mix to 1 c. hot water.

 Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe

1 c. coffee creamer
10 c. powdered milk
4 c. Nesquik
2/3 c. powdered sugar
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
Marshmallow bits {optional - you would probably need 2-3 jars}

Mix all ingredients until well combined. Use 1/3 c. mix to 1 c. hot water. Store in air tight container.

The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Yield: Makes about 20 servings of hot chocolate

Ingredients

3 cups nonfat dry milk powder

2 cups powdered sugar

1-1/2 cups cocoa powder, dutch-process or natural

1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate

1/4  teaspoon salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two (or more) batches, depending on the size of your food processor, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the chocolate is finely ground. Store the dry mix in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

To make hot cocoa, put 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup of hot milk. Top with whipped cream or miniature marshmallows, if desired.

Hot Chocolate Mix

Yield: 45 Servings

10 cups dry milk powder

4-3/4 cups confectioners sugar

1-3/4 cups cocoa powder

1-3/4 cups powdered non dairy coffee creamer

In a large mixing bowl, combine milk powder, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, and creamer. Stir till thoroughly combined. Store cocoa mixture in an airtight container. Makes about 15 cups mix, or enough for about 45 servings.

For 1 serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mixture in a coffee cup or mug, and add 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Top with dollop of whipped cream or a few marshmallows, if desired.

Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix

Servings: Makes 6 cups

2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup unsweetened cocoa (Dutch-process recommended)

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 pinch cayenne pepper

3 cups nonfat dry milk powder

1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Add sugar and cocoa to food processor. Pulse until well-mixed. (Or, combine ingredients in large bowl and whisk until well mixed.) Add salt, cornstarch, and cayenne; pulse until mixed. Add powdered milk; process for 20-30 seconds until well mixed. Transfer mix to bowl and stir in chocolate chips. Store in airtight container.

TO MAKE ONE MUG OF HOT COCOA:

Fill 1/3 to 1/2 of mug with cocoa mix. Add hot water or milk and stir until mix is dissolved.  

ADDITIONS TO TRY:

--Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon, shaved chocolate, or crushed candy canes.
--For a mocha drink, add a shot of espresso before the hot water or milk.
--For spiced cocoa, add 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to mug.
--Spike it with a tablespoon of peppermint liqueur or Kahlua.
--Stir in and dissolve a caramel, chocolate square, or chocolate mint.
--Add a cinnamon stick or candy cane for a stir stick.