Homemade Hot Cocoa

IT FINALLY SNOWED! :) Now that it's actually starting to get cold, you may want to try a hot drink to warm you up. Try this new twist to hot chocolate that should turn out delicious!

Creamy Hot Cocoa (makes 4 servings)

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup white sugar
  
• 1 pinch salt
  
• 1/3 cup boiling water
  
• 3 1/2 cups milk
  
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream
  

1. Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch.



2. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature.
   

Stay Warm!

by Lauryn Ragland