I know that it's the weekend before Valentine's Day, so I should be posting either a dessert that is in the shape of a heart, or a recipe for a romantic dinner. If my weekend baking goes well, you'll see Valentine's Day cookies on the blog next week, but today I wanted to share a recipe that will help you cuddle up next to your loved one. There's nothing like sipping on a nice hot mug of cocoa when it's cold outside, snuggled up with your significant other (or child).
Okay, so maybe that's not exactly how I enjoy this drink every time I have it. Maybe I also like to sip on it while sitting alone at my dining room table, laptop in front of me, glancing out the window every few seconds, daydreaming about how one day I'd like to be lounging in a log cabin with this mug in hand, feet kicked up, snow falling outside, me warm inside...you get the picture.
In any case, this hot chocolate mix must make its presence into your home and replace any other store-bought packets. It's creamier and richer than any pre-mix I've ever tasted. What a great gift option, as well! Just package some mix into small mason jars or cellophane baggies, then gift it with written mixing instructions. I'm sure you'll make someone's long winter much more enjoyable if you do!
UPDATE 12/16/2012: Thanks to reader, Miranda, you can download printable labels for gifting this cocoa mix. I recommend printing them on sticker paper. They will fit perfectly to half-pint mason jar lids.
Click above image to download printable labels.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients
- 3 cups nonfat instant dry milk powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients into a large bowl. Pour half of the mixture into the bowl of a food processor and process until the chocolate is finely ground. Transfer to an airtight container, then repeat with the remaining mix. Store in the airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To make the hot cocoa drink, mix ⅓ cup of the cocoa mix with 1 cup hot milk.
- Source: Slightly adapted from Brown Eyed Baker, originally Cook's Country
