Looking outside the trees are bare, the sky is grey, and the wind is howling.  But inside, I am toasty warm and cozy, thanks to my cup of fantastic hot cocoa.  I’m on a kick lately with making things from scratch, cutting out preservatives and any unnecessary ingredients, and hot cocoa is one of those things that is so simple to make I’m almost embarrassed I used the packet-stuff for so long.  Sugar, cocoa powder, and milk… that’s it!  I have a few cocoa powders that I love: Green & Black’s, Lake Champlain, and Droste (from Holland).  The following recipe is from the Droste box:

• 2 tsps cocoa powder
• 2 heaping tsps sugar
• 1 cup milk

Mix cocoa and sugar in a cup or mug.  Add just enough milk to stir into a paste.  Add hot milk and stir until mixed.  (*I heat the milk in a small saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly so the bottom doesn’t burn).

This is a super quick and easy way to make a fabulous cup of hot cocoa.  I’d say for me I have a cup in about 3-5 minutes, about the same time it takes to boil water for the packet-stuff.  I also use a battery-powered electric whisk to mix everything well and get a perfectly frothy top.  Definitely treat yourself to the good stuff… you won’t be going back.

{for more of my cooking photos, check out my Flickr}