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| Create wonderfully personalized holiday gifts by either using pre-packaged hot cocoas or mixing up batches of hot cocoa mix and for a final tasty touch, include a couple of chocolate-dipped spoons tied with a pretty ribbon. ingredients 1 cup instant nonfat powdered milk 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1/3 cup chocolate chips, preferably semi-sweet 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup mini marshmallows directions step 1 In a medium-size bowl combine the powdered milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips and sugar. step 2 Heat 3 cups of water in a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat. When the water is steaming, whisk in the cocoa mixture from Step 1. Whisk until smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes. Divide the cocoa between 4 mugs and top each serving with some marshmallows and, if desired, serve with a chocolate spoon. gifting options: To make a wonderful gift or present, put the cocoa mix from Step 1 into a sandwich sized storage bag and the marshmallows in another and package them together in a cute mug. Write the directions for fixing the cocoa on a label or a gift tag and decorate the box with chocolate-covered spoons. The dry cocoa mix will keep for about three weeks. variations You can make different flavored cocoas by adding spices or other delicious ingredients. Simply stir the flavorings into the cocoa mixture in step 1. Here are some examples: Mexican Hot Cocoa: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Spiced Hot Cocoa: 1 teaspoon ground cardamom Holiday Hot Cocoa: 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice Ginger Hot Cocoa: 1 teaspoon ground ginger Mocha Hot Cocoa: 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder Peppermint Hot Cocoa: 1 teaspoon peppermint extract stirred into the hot cocoa as it's cooking with the milk (during Step 2). Or simply serve the hot cocoa with a candy cane, to use as a stirring stick. To make chocolate spoons, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave by heating for 15 seconds. Then stir the chips and heat an additional 15 seconds until chips are fully melted. Stir 1 teaspoon of vegetable shortening into the melted chocolate. Holding a plastic spoon by its handle, dip the bowl of the spoon into the chocolate mixture and place each dipped spoon on a wax paper-lined sheet pan to set. You can also sprinkle the chocolate-covered spoons with crushed candy canes immediately after dipping them for a festive look and flavor.  Allow the spoons to set for 15 minutes at room temperature and then, freeze them to allow the chocolate to harden. Use the spoons as stirrers when serving hot cocoa or wrap them in cellophane and use them to garnish a package of the hot cocoa mix when giving as a gift. The spoons do not have to be kept in the freezer.
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December 1, 2013
Hot Cocoa Gifts With A Personal Touch
