Hot Chocolate...The Real Deal

Things just got cold around these parts again so I've got warm drinks on the brain!  Last week I gave you Hot Buttered Rum for the grown-ups. This week, here's one for the whole family.  What's better than homemade hot chocolate?  Not much, I tell you.  Do you know how easy it is to make? Pretty easy and way better than that Swiss chick whose name I won't mention here.


Homemade Hot Chocolate
1/2 c sugar
1/4 c cocoa
dash salt
1/3 c hot water
4 c milk
3/4 t vanilla

Stir together sugar, cocoa & salt in medium saucepan; stir in water.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil.  Boil and stir 2 minutes.  Add milk, stirring constantly and heat to serving temperature (do not boil).  Remove from heat.  Add vanilla and serve.

Now, that is an awesome recipe on it's own.  But it's easy to jazz up hot chocolate!  Other than the obvious (just add whipped cream or marshmallows!), here are some variations to try:

Peppermint Hot Chocolate (our fav at Christmastime!)
Add 1/2 t peppermint extract when adding vanilla

Spiced Hot Chocolate
Add 1/8 t cinnamon and nutmeg with salt.  Serve with cinnamon stick.

Citrus Hot Chocolate
Add 1/2 t orange extract when adding vanilla

Canadian Cocoa
Add 1/2 t maple extract when adding vanilla

And, my grown-up friends, there are lots of additives for your cup (you didn't think I would forget you guys, did you?).  Might I suggest:
         Baileys                                   Kahlua
        Godiva liquer                         Amaretto
        Frangelico                              Grand Marnier

Just make sure the kids don't grab your cup!  Anyway you sip it, it's gonna be delicious!

Yodelayheehoo!
K