Simple homemade hot chocolate beats the chill

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Growing up, my mother always encouraged her children to cook. So when I found a recipe for hot chocolate on the side of the Hershey’s Cocoa can, it was easy to convince her to let me give it a try.

Growing up, my mother always encouraged her children to cook. So when I found a recipe for hot chocolate on the side of the Hershey’s Cocoa can, it was easy to convince her to let me give it a try.

What I discovered was that hot chocolate doesn’t have to come from an envelope.

This recipe has been a favorite of mine. It’s the perfect way to kill time and have a nice hot drink to warm you up on those chilly days.

Although you can top it with whipped cream, I prefer marshmallows.

Favorite hot cocoa

Makes four to six servings

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Dash of salt

1/3 cup hot water

4 cups milk

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Mix sugar, cocoa powder, salt and water in a sauce pan. Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (about two minutes.) Stir in milk and heat. Bring the hot chocolate to the desired temperature but do not boil. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Divide into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Perfectly chocolate hot cocoa

Makes one serving.

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Dash salt

1 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Mix sugar, cocoa powder and salt into large mug. In separate microwave-safe container, heat on high for one to one-and-a-half minutes or until very hot. Carefully and gradually add milk to dry mixture. Stir well. Add vanilla extract. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Source: hersheyskitchens.com