MrsDrPoe: The Ultimate Hot Cocoa

Another week has reached its midpoint, which means it's time for What's for Dinner Wednesday.  Tonight, I'd like to share with you a family recipe that might be useful to you as we forge through the chilly nights ahead...hot cocoa.

Ingredients: 1 cup milk, 1.5 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tsp sugar (or sugar substitute).

Combine cocoa and sweetener in the bottom of a microwave safe mug with a spoon:

Add about 2 tablespoons of the milk to the cup; combine to form a liquid-y paste.  Pour in the rest of the milk and stir to combine.  Microwave for 1 minute on high, then remove, stir, and microwave for another minute to minute and a half.  Enjoy!

I love this recipe for several reasons:

1) It's simple and preservative free.
2) It's easily dressed up- top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings and maybe a peppermint stir-stick and you've got a fancy, festive treat!
3) It fits any diet- if you're watching your weight, use skim milk and Splenda for a happy ending to your day with 100 calories or less!
4) It makes a great gift- if you're looking for homemade gifts or party favors, combine cocoa, sweetener, and 1/3 cup powdered milk in ziplock bags (for individual packets...or multiply the recipe and put in mason jars).  Give as gift along with instructions to add 1 cup water and the contents of the packet (about 1/3 cup and 1 tablespoon of mix from a larger container) to a mug and microwave.