How to Make Hot Chocolate Mixes

Hot chocolate purchased from a store is often of poor quality and very expensive. You can customize your own hot chocolate mix to your own personal tastes and save money. Hot chocolate mixes are also popular, low-cost gifts to give to friends and co-workers during the winter holidays.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup powdered milk mix
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (your favorite brand)
• 1/2 cup sugar (See tip)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• Optional ingredients:
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 4 to 5 drops of peppermint extract
• 4 to 5 drops of almond extract
• 1 tbsp. instant espresso or coffee powder
• Marshmallows
• Whipped Cream

Instructions

1. Combine the cocoa, sugar, salt and powdered milk in a small jar.

2. Add the vanilla bean into the cocoa mix.

3. Add optional ingredients to create your own cocoa flavors. Use cinnamon for Mexican hot chocolate. Peppermint extract yields mint hot cocoa and, for a Swiss almond treat, add in the almond extract. You can make mocha by mixing in the instant coffee.

4. Let the cocoa mix sit for 1 to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld.

5. To make a cup of hot cocoa, thoroughly stir 3 tablespoons of mix into 6 to 8 ounces of hot water or milk. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Diabetics could substitute an equivalent amount of sugar substitute in place of the sugar. This amount will differ based upon the brand used. To make the hot chocolate even richer, combine the mix with hot milk.

• Leave the vanilla bean inside the mix. Do not eat it.