Bedtime Hot Chocolate

This recipe makes 1 mug of hot chocolate.  

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon cocoa powder

2 Tablespoons sugar

2 Tablespoons water

1 cup of milk or 1/2 & 1/2

A few drops of vanilla 

A pinch of salt (optional)

 

Directions:

Combine cocoa, sugar and water in small saucepan.

Heat on low, stirring occasionally to prevent the paste from sticking to the pan. This heats quickly, so keep an eye on it. When hot, stir in the milk and vanilla and salt (if using).

Keep stirring until it reaches your preferred temperature.

Pour into a mug and enjoy. Add marshmallows or whipped cream.  

For the holidays: a few drops of peppermint extract.

For a Mexican hot chocolate: add 1/8 t of cayenne and cinnamon and use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.  

Maple Hot Chocolate: Add 1 Tablespoon of butter with the cocoa mixture. Add 1-2 large marshmallows with the milk and heat until hot and the marshmallows have melted. Add a 1/2 teaspoon of Maple flavoring with the vanilla.  

Hot Mocha:  Reduce the milk to 1/2 cup and add 1/2 cup of strong-brewed coffee. Finish with the rest of the recipe. Top with whipped cream.