Before I was a coffee drinker, I was a hot cocoa drinker. Growing up, while my family members would fill mug after mug with coffee in the mornings, I would do the exact same with hot chocolate. This was partially because I didn’t want to feel left out, but also because I LOVE hot chocolate! Seriously, what’s more delicious than steamed milk mixed with chocolate? While I eventually gave up my nearly daily cocoa for daily coffee (at an embarrassing age…somewhere north of 20), I never totally kicked the habit. One of my favorite things to do on a chilly night is to get cozy and sip on a big mug of hot, thick, decadent chocolate.

Through my many years of starting the day with a hot chocolate and ordering hot chocolate at every coffee shop I went to, I became somewhat of a snob. My chocolate tolerance went through the roof, and the dry, store-bought mixes just didn’t do it for me anymore. I started using two packets of cocoa mix per cup of milk, but this produced hot chocolate that was far too sweet, still not chocolaty enough, and just seemed like thin milk that was slightly chocolate-flavored. So, this recipe for hot chocolate mix was born. It uses all real chocolate and produces an ultra rich, thick, velvety hot cocoa that is sweet enough to be delicious, but not so much so that it immediately induces fear of cavities. It’s easy to make, great to have on hand through the winter months, and makes a super cute and thoughtful gift when packaged up in a little jar!

The Ultimate Hot Cocoa Mix

• Servings: 6-8
• Time: 5 minutes
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A mix to make a super rich, thick, decadent hot cocoa. Made with all real chocolate, it's perfect for the winter months.

Ingredients

• 6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped and chilled
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

• Add all ingredients to the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Process for 1 minute, until all chocolate pieces have broken up and the mixture forms a coarse powder.
• Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months.

Combine 3/4 cup of milk of choice with 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix to yield one 1-cup serving of hot cocoa.

This can be made in the microwave or on the stove top using the following method:

• Heat milk of choice, using 3/4 cup milk per serving. Once hot, remove from heat and add 3 tablespoons hot cocoa mix per serving. Stir until the chocolate has melted and is incorporated into the milk. Return to heat and continue cooking 30 seconds longer, until slightly thickened. Serve immediately.