Make WAY Better Hot Chocolate with Homemade Cocoa Mix

It’s really cold today. There’s snow in 49 states, and I’m doing everything I can not to turn on the thermostat before the program kicks it on at 3:30. And I need something warm to make it through. Not coffee. Not tea.

I need hot cocoa.

But I can’t stand instant cocoa mix. Even the fancy ones are way too water-y. I need to be prepared for days like this.

I need to make my own.    

Luckily, it’s pretty easy and totally worth the effort. It’ll keep nearly forever in the pantry.

First, a straight-up cocoa and sugar recipe meant to be stirred into hot whole milk.

Then, a really well-reviewed option from Alton Brown, that adds a pinch of cayenne pepper for complexity.

And this version from one of my favorite food magazines, Cook’s Country, uses white chocolate chips to make it totally worth the calories.

And, for the full DIY experience, be sure to top it off with homemade marshmallows.