Package and Create Homemade Hot Cocoa as a Gift

Need a gift that's simple to creat but still shows how much you care? Here is a great recipe to make homemade hot cocoa mix and how to package it in a fun way. This recipe makes aprx 10 bags of Hot Cocoa mix. If you read this article, please feel free to leave comments. I would really appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Stock pot or Large mixing bowl
• Big Spoon
• 5 1/2 cups Powdered milk (1 package which contains ten 1-quart envelopes)
• 2 1/2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
• Mini Marshmallows
• Clear plastic bags
• Twisty ties and/or curling ribbon
• Nibs of Peppermint Schnapps (optional)
• Candy canes
• Mugs
• 10 clear plastic baggies
• 10 party favor bags
• 5 unlined index cards
• Pen
• Hole puncher

1. Get everything together.
   
   Stockpot or Large Mixing Bowl - I found my large mixing bowl wasn't large enough and was spilling over the sides. I highly recommend using a large stockpot.
   
   Powdered Milk - The One Quart Envelope package of Powdered Milk actually means that each envelope MAKES a Quart and each package actually had one cup of powered milk.
   
   Nibs of Peppermint Schnapps - Optional
   
   Mugs - Go to your local Dollar store for inexpensive mugs.

2. Creating Hot Cocoa Mix
   
   In stockpot or a very large mixing bowl thoroughly combine the powdered milk, confectioners' sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered non-dairy creamer. Use a big spoon to ensure it's mixed up well.

3. Packaging
   
   For two servings of hot cocoa put 3/4 cup of the cocoa mixture into a small plastic baggy. In another bag, fill with a few mini marshmallows. Use twisty ties to seal the bag shut.
   
   Put both bags and one nib of Peppermint Schnapps into a mug. Add in a candy cane or two, either by just putting in the mug or use curling ribbon to tie it to the hot cocoa bag.
   
   Finally, cut the unlined index cards in half and write out how the recipient can enjoy their hot cocoa gift. "Spoon 3 or 4 heaping tablespoons of cocoa mix into your mug, add boiling water and stir and enjoy!" Using the hole puncher, cut a hole on one side of each index card half and string some of the curling ribbon through it.

4. Creating the gift
   
   Using larger clear or decorative party favor bags, put the filled mug into the party favor bags, tie off with the curling ribbon.

5. Ta-Dah! Wonderful gifts under $10 dollars each to give out as needed!

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a Computer and Printer, you may want to type out the directions, print it out and then just add it into the mug.
• Store in a tightly sealed container until ready to use.
• Be sure you know who you are giving this gift to, not everyone likes alcohol.

[Celleira]

on 12/14/2008 Instead of making your own hot cocoa mix buy a big tub of hot cocoa at one of those wholesale stores. They are inexpensive (5 lbs of Swiss miss at BJ's for about $5) instead of making it yourself. Saves time and money. Plus you won't have to worry if you cocoa is drinkable!

[AbbyNormal]

on 9/9/2008 This sounds good for someone that has lots of time and patience.