This Homemade Hot Cocoa Will Warm Your Heart

The holidays are upon us, which also means temperatures are beginning their months-long plunge into the single digits. Whether this calls for you to take to the slopes or stay cuddled up in your favorite warm blanket, you’ll probably take all the warmth you can get. With this yummy hot chocolate recipe you’ll be warm in no time.

While it may be easiest to go to the store and buy your favorite brand mix, there’s really nothing that can beat homemade, well, anything. In a little twist on an old classic the recipe below gives you a little more of that creamy chocolate taste.

Homemade Hot Cocoa

Prep time: 2 min

Cook time: 5 min

Ingredients:
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Instructions:
1. Put the cocoa, sugar, and salt into a saucepan and blend it in with boiling water.
2. While you stir, bring the mixture to an easy boil, not scorching. It should take about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat it until it gets very hot, but make sure it doesn’t boil.
4. Remove it from the heat and add vanilla.
5. Evenly divide the cocoa between 4 mugs.
6. Add the cream to the cocoa mixture to help cool it down and enjoy!