Hot Chocolate

  As much as many of us are ready for winter to be over, we still have a long way to go.  Every time it gets warmer and the snow melts, I think to myself, "Maybe this is it for the snow".  Talk about wishful thinking, especially when it is early February.  Oh well...one can dream.  One way I deal with this is to enjoy all of the comforts of winter, and for me this includes things like hot chocolate and homemade soups.  This easy recipe comes from Anna Olson and it is definitely worth adding to your repertoire, especially if you like hot chocolate.  It can be made ahead or used right away.  By the way, last night I made a delicious Curried Butternut Squash Soup that came to me via my friend Bev, who got it from her friend, who got it from a chef at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.  I will feature this soon too.  As you watch the snowflakes fall, I hope you will enjoy a cup of hot chocolate or a bowl of soup.

 I remember reading about all of the "extra" ingredients in instant hot chocolate that you buy in the store, when really it is so simple to make your own.  For this recipe, you will combine instant skim milk powder, cocoa, and sugar.

 Then you will add the milk.  I like to add it slowly so I can ensure the ingredients are combined well.

 Heat and serve

  This is delicious right away or save for later.  I made an extra large batch and took it with us when we snow shoeing last month.  It was such a treat!

Ingredients

One serving:

2 Tb.  instant skim milk powder

1.5 Tb. cocoa powder

1.5Tb.  sugar

1.5 cups milk 

Four servings:

8 Tb.  instant skim milk powder

6 Tb. cocoa powder

6 Tb.  sugar

6 cups milk