It’s almost ‘officially’ winter!!!  Hello big fuzzy coats, hello scarves and boots, hello free time from gardening, and hello colder weather that’s going to make me freeze my toes off!

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait until winter!  (Well, okay, it has to at least wait another week until college is over..!)  And one of my favorite things about winter is to wake up early, make some hot cocoa, and read on the couch in the quiet house (before everyone wakes up).

 

*These recipes came from friends and family of mine.  Feel free to leave your favorite way to make hot cocoa in the comments and I may just add your recipe to the list as well!

 

Recipe #1: My brothers hot cocoa recipe.

(For those of you who like a nice chocolaty taste.)

What you need:

• Tub of hot cocoa mix
• 4 chocolate kisses
• 2 peppermint candy puffs
• Milk

Directions:

1. Add three spoon fulls of hot cocoa mix to a large coffee cup (or travel mug for you people on the go!).  Add the chocolate and peppermint puffs to the cup as well.
2. Add hot water and stir until the chocolate kisses and peppermint puffs are well dissolved.
3. Add about 1-2 Tablespoons of milk.
4. Enjoy!

 

 

Recipe #2:  My hot cocoa recipe!

(For those of you who want to skip Fall and go straight to Christmas and all things peppermint!)

What you need:

• Hot cocoa tub or packet
• Peppermint sticks or candy canes
• Whipped cream (you know, the spray kind we all sprayed in our mouths as kids)
• Cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

1. Add three spoon fulls (or one packet) of hot cocoa mix to a coffee mug.
2. Add hot water and stir.
3. Now add the peppermint stick or candy cane to the mug and stir (ether with a spoon, or the stick it’s self!).
4. Add as much whipped cream to the top as you want!  (Because that’s the best part!)
5. (Optional) Sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the whipped cream.
6. Enjoy!  (Be careful, the drink will be hot and the whipped cream on top will trick you into taking a very hot and fast first sip!)

 

 

Recipe #3: My friend Kimberly’s recipe.

(Mexican hot cocoa that her grandfather used to make for her family. -I can’t wait to try this one out myself!)

What you need:

• 4 Cups of Milk
• 2 cups half and half, Hershey syrup
• Cinnamon

Directions:

1. Heat the milk and Hershey syrup up on the stove in a large sauce pan (on low).  Stir well.
2. Add a dash of Cinnamon when mixture is thoroughly heated.
3. Pour into coffee mugs (careful, it’s hot!).
4. Enjoy with family, there is plenty for everyone!  (After all, this is the season for gathering around with family and friends!)

 

 

Recipe #4: My Moms recipe.

What you need:

• 3 cups chocolate Nesquick
• 1/2 Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Cups instant dry milk
• 1 & 1/4 Cup powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Mix everything together in a container (it makes a lot, so most of it will be for storing later).
2. Add mini marshmallows (optional!).
3. Heat up water.
4. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of mix to cup of hot water and stir well.
5. Enjoy!

 

What are your favorite recipes or ways to make hot cocoa!  Comment below!

 

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