There’s nothing better on a cold day than a marshmallow topped mug of hot cocoa. What’s that? It’s only October you say? Well, it’s freaking snushing (snow/slushing) here in NYC and me thinks our days of sunshine and warm weather are quickly coming to an end. Rather than get depressed about the crappy weather, I decided to seize the snow day and whip of a batch of instant hot cocoa mix to keep in my pantry for the cold days ahead.

 

If you’ve never made your own batch of instant hot cocoa powder, I urge you to give it a try.  My three year old son loves helping me mix and measure the ingredients. it’s super simple to make and having a pre-made mix comes in handy when it’s freezing out and the kids need something to melt the icicles off of their noses.  I like to flavor mine with different spices and give them as gifts for the holidays. Simply place the mix inside a cellophane bag or mason jar and tie with an attractive ribbon. Package that up with a couple of pretty mugs, et voila! Instant gift for your favorite hostess, teacher, babysitter, neighbors etc…Enjoy!

 

 

 

Instant Hot Cocoa Mix (Basic Recipe)

Makes approximately 4 cups of powdered mix

 

Ingredients:

2 cups dry milk powder

1/2 cup non-dairy creamer

3/4 cup cocoa powder (I like dark chocolate best)

3/4 cup sugar

 

Instructions:

1. Whisk all of the ingredients together and place into an airtight container in a cool dry place until ready to use. Mixture will keep indefinitely if store properly. When ready to use add 2 tablespoons of dry mix per 1 cup of milk or water.

 

Variations:

 

Harvest Spice Hot Cocoa (perfect for Fall.): Add 1/3 cup pumpkin pie spice to above recipe and whisk throughly to combine.

Double Chocolate Mocha (for the coffee addicts.): Add 1/3 cup instant espresso powder  and 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to above mixture and whisk throughly to combine.

Mexican Hot Cocoa (sweet and spicy.): Add 1/4 cup cinnamon and 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper to above mixture and whisk throughly to combine. Add more cayenne if you like it SUPER spicy!