There is currently more than 6 inches of snow on EVERYTHING outside. I spent a couple hours this afternoon shoveling our driveway, patio, and stairs. Despite getting a great workout, now that I’m back inside all I want is hot cocoa. My mom (like most I’m sure) always made hot cocoa after my brother and I came in from playing in the snow. It has such a whole body warming effect that I’m sure is 100% psychological but I don’t care… I want cocoa. Because we are staying away from processed foods I don’t keep cocoa mix I make my own fresh cocoa really it isn’t very hard and it tastes a lot better. Plus you can make it just the way you like it with more or less sugar or cocoa.

Homemade Hot Cocoa

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3 Tablespoons cocoa
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (if desired)

In a small sauce pan, heat the all the ingredients mixing constantly until hot and foamy, but not boiling. Add marshmallows and/or whipped cream if you desire. Serve.

If you just want a single cup you can also make it in your microwave. Mix the dry ingredients together in a mug. Add the milk and vanilla extract, stir. Microwave on HIGH for 2 minutes stir well and microwave for 1 additional minute (this makes it nice and foamy).

If the mood strikes you there are plenty variations to your standard cup of cocoa. You can make it Mexican by adding 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of chile powder. You can add almond extract instead of vanilla. I love adding crushed candy cane around Christmas to give it a peppermint flavor (if you add candy cane cut the sugar to 1 tsp). Also you can make it a grown up treat with a shot of bourbon, chocolate liquer, irish cream, kaluha, or my personal favorite Amaretto.