National Hot Chocolate Day

Today is National Hot Chocloate day!!  Yeah..except in Iowa it was in the 50's today.  Not so much a hot chocolate day.  Here is a great recipe if you are in the mood to have your own cup.

Mexican Hot Cocoa
3 1/4 cups 2% milk

6 ounces white chocolate, chopped

1 egg, beaten

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place the white chocolate in a medium metal bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, or in the top half of a double boiler. Allow the chocolate to melt, stirring occasionally until smooth. Stir in cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Whisk in the egg until smooth.               

Gradually whisk in one cup of the milk until completely incorporated, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in remaining milk, and heat until hot, but not simmering. You do not want a skin to form on top of the milk. It will be ready to drink when either the taste of the cayenne is masked by the temperature of the milk (the spiciness of the pepper will remain), or when the hot chocolate is at your desired temperature. Ladle the hot chocolate into mugs and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.               

Hot Cocoa Mix-Homemade version

I made hot cocoa this year for my children's friends.  This recipe was very creamy and it is loved by all who have received it.  I also have been asked for the recipe many times after someone has tasted the cocoa.  If you live in an area where you have harsh winters, then please make some of this and relax in front of a warm fire. 

Hot Cocoa Mix

Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.

Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk.