Creamy Hot Chocolate

One of my favorite things about autumn is getting to make hot chocolate again. Sure, I could make it any time of year, but when it’s 115 degrees for what seems like weeks on end, a hot drink is the last thing on my mind!

Now that the leaves in my area are finally turning and the air has a wonderful chill to it, it’s time to pick up some hot chocolate supplies on my next grocery ship to stock up the pantry.

I prefer a creamy hot chocolate, as opposed to a watery one or something from a packet, and the recipe below is one I just found that fits the bill perfectly. If you’re looking to relax a bit after the day is over and the kids are in bed, add some peppermint schnapps to the final product, or if you don’t want alcohol, you can add a bit of flavored coffee syrup instead.

Creamy Hot Chocolate

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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

~ 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. Take care that it doesn’t scorch.

~ 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.

[image: sxc]