Hot cocoa is like a lil chocolate hug!

We’ve been making this almost daily as our “dessert” lately because it’s just so darn cozy. It’s simple, uses ingredients we’ve always got on hand, and it makes the perfect amount for us each to have a large mug to sip on while we cuddle up and watch a holiday movie at night! It may take a few more minutes than swiss-miss….but I think it’s worth the extra effort.

You might end up with a little chocolate ‘stache after drinking this deliciousness, though!

Ingredients:

• 4c milk

• 1/3c cocoa powder

• 1/2c sugar (start with 1/3c and add a Tbsp at a time til you get your preferred sweetness. We like just slightly more than 1/3c, but this is going to vary based on your preferences!)

• 1tsp vanilla extract (or peppermint!)

• Optional: homemade whipped cream or marshmallows

Instructions:

Step 01:

Pour milk, cocoa powder, and sugar into a saucepan. Whisk together well & turn heat to medium/medium-high.

Step 02:

Whisking often, heat until these ingredients are dissolved & combined, the mixture is a bit bubbly, and most of all - nice & hot!

Step 03:

Turn off the heat, add your vanilla or peppermint or both.

Step 04:

Pour or ladle into mugs, we use 2 very large mugs, but you could probably make this work for 3-4 smaller mugs. Top with homemade whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy carefully. It’s hot!

Do you have any questions?

As always, I encourage you to send me a message on my Instagram account (@calicocowacres) or email me if you have any recipe questions or need advice while making it. I want my recipes to be something you can adapt and make your own - and I’m happy to help you do it!