This not just for kids! In the cold winter months when you want something sweet at night, this is the perfect solution. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Both! Much better than any powdered mix you can buy.

Tips:

• I won’t tell if you add a little Bailey’s to your cocoa.

• Play around with flavors and add a drop of peppermint extract if you like that type of thing.

Perfect Hot Cocoa

Serves 4

PREP 5 minutes

COOK 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3/4 cup water

3 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)

3 cups whole milk

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chips or a bar finely chopped

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For serving: Whipped cream and large marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring the water to a boil. Then simmer.

2. Slowly whisk in the cocoa powder. Whisk until all the lumps are gone.

3. Add the milk and bring the cocoa to a simmer again.

4. Whisk in the chocolate and sugar and continue to cook until the cocoa is smooth and creamy, about 4 minutes.

5. To make whipped cream: In a large mixing bowl add 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk with a large whisk or use a hand mixer, until soft peaks form. By hand this will take about 3 minutes.

6. To serve: Divide the cocoa amongst 4 mugs. I love mine from Margie Grodsky Pottery. Spoon lots of whipped cream on each mug of cocoa along with a giant marshmallow. To be super fancy you can shave some of that chocolate on top too.