I let the dogs out at five o'clock this morning, and I could feel winter in the air. It's time for hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream on top. When the kids come in from sledding I always have a pot of this ready. It's rich and fragrant and smooth. I've adapted it from one of my most well worn cookbooks, The Southern Living Cookbook circa 1987.
Hot cocoa
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C cocoa powder
1/2 C water
4 C whole milk
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Combine sugar and cocoa in a heavy saucepan. Add water, and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir in milk, and heat thoroughly but don't bring to a boil. Stir in vanilla, pour into mugs and top with marshmallows or whipped cream.
