Lauras Special Hot Cocoa Mix Recipes

LAURA'S HOT COCOA MIX

Steps:

• Combine ingredients and mix well. This mix makes 4 cups of dry mix. Depending on how many gifts you want to give with one batch, you can separate it into four 8-ounce jars or two 16-ounce jars, or a single 1-quart (1 litre) jar.
• Attach the following directions to the jar, so that your recipient can make their hot cocoa with the mix: "Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of mix to your favorite mug and fill with boiling water. Stir to blend. Add some marshmallows or cream."
• Add mini-marshmallows to the mix (pictured). The marshmallows get hard and dry but soften when added to hot water.
• "Sand art" version. Do not mix the ingredients and layer them in the jar so that the jar shows different layers. If you do this, the instructions that you write out for your recipient must tell them to mix the contents of the jar. The photo shows a layer of marshmallows, a layer of the cocoa mix minus brown sugar, and a layer of brown sugar.
• Use flavored creamers such as Hazelnut, Irish Cream, or French Vanilla.
• Add a half package of Raspberry or Cherry unsweetened dry beverage mix (like Kool-Aid) to the cocoa mix. This can make it tart so test it and if necessary, add more sugar.
• Add one teaspoon of cinnamon to the cocoa mix.
• Make it sugar-free by adding the equivalent amount of a 1:1 sugar replacement.
• You can test a single cup version without having to make the entire mix:2 tablespoons nonfat dry milk1 tablespoon sugar1-1/2 teaspoons cocoa1-1/2 teaspoons non-dairy creamer

DIY HOT COCOA MIX

Steps:

• In a large airtight container, mix the first 5 ingredients. If desired, stir in marshmallows and chocolate chips. Store in a cool, dry place up to 6 months., To prepare hot cocoa: Place 1/3 cup mix in a mug. Stir in hot milk until blended.