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During the chilly season, hot chocolate becomes a must-have in our family. I whipped up this budget-friendly mix myself to keep up with how often my kids ask for it. It's tasty, super easy, and means I've always got something warm and cozy ready when needed.
Your Cold Weather Companion
I spent so much money on those fancy store mixes until I figured out making my own was cheaper and tasted way better. Nothing beats seeing my kids' happy faces when they come inside from snow play knowing there's hot cocoa waiting. And I'm glad I know exactly what's in our cups - no mystery ingredients here.
Ingredients List
- Granulated Sugar: Gives just the right sweetness to balance out the chocolate taste.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Creates that rich, chocolate foundation we all love.
- Powdered Milk: Makes everything creamy and helps the mix last for ages.
- Salt: You can skip it, but it really brings out all the chocolate flavors.
Simple Preparation Steps
- Mix Everything Together
- Put sugar, cocoa powder, powdered milk, and salt in a jar or bowl. Give it a good shake or stir until everything looks combined.
- Brew Your Drink
- Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of your mix into hot water or milk. Keep stirring until it's all melted in.
- Save For Another Day
- Pop it in an airtight container where it'll stay good for 6 months.
Custom Touches
I've learned some fun ways to jazz up each cup over time. Sometimes I throw in a tiny bit of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla to the mix. My kids go crazy when I pile mini marshmallows on top or add some whipped cream. During Christmas we stir everything with candy canes for a minty flavor twist.
Gift-Giving Ideas
This mix turns into such a nice present, especially around Christmas time. I love putting it in cute mason jars with ribbons and handwritten tags. Sometimes I put together small hot chocolate packages with cups, marshmallows and some cookies. It's such a nice way to pass along some comfort to people you care about.
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Common Questions
- → What does powdered milk do?
- Powdered milk gives the mix a creamier texture and makes the drink richer and more delicious.
- → Should I use granulated sugar or powdered sugar?
- You can pick either one. Granulated adds a slight texture, while powdered blends super smoothly.
- → How much mix goes in a cup of water?
- Stir in about 1-2 tablespoons per cup, and tweak the amount to fit your taste.
- → How long can I store this mix?
- As long as you seal it tightly in a dry container, it'll last quite a while thanks to the dry ingredients.
- → Is adding salt really needed?
- Salt boosts the chocolate's flavor by balancing the sweetness, but you can leave it out if you want.