Kids Cuisine

We’ve been hit with an unusually early blast of snow this year. In years past, we haven’t seen measurable snow until well after the New Year, but this year, we’ve gotten it much earlier. Normally, playable snow means plenty of hot cocoa flowing in the kitchen, but I was caught completely unprepared this year. The great disaster occurred when I discovered that we were out of our usual hot cocoa mix. The kids became upset, almost to the point of tears, before I assured them that I could whip up some hot cocoa using a few basic ingredients.
They held the tears in while I measured and mixed, and before long, they each had a steaming hot mug of hot cocoa to celebrate the snow with. I was quickly informed that I should make this hot cocoa more often, and I couldn’t agree more. Who needs a pre-packaged mix when a perfectly decadent mug of cocoa is just a few ingredients away? While the mix will likely still make a few appearances for convenience sake, this hot cocoa is sure to fit the bill for any cocoa cravings after an afternoon of snow play.
Hot Cocoa
Makes 2 servings
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup water
2 cups milk (soy, rice, or almond milk are great too!)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the cocoa, sugar, and water in a small saucepan, and whisk until smooth.

Place over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.

Lower the heat and simmer, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Gently whisk in the milk and cook, stirring often, until steam rises and mixture is hot.

Be careful not to boil the mixture.

Stir in the vanilla.

Pour into mugs and serve at once. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows for an extra treat.