“It’s old fashioned, it’s comforting, it makes the kitchen smell wonderful and it’s good for the soul.” – by JEANIE BEAN

Preparation Time

  • Prep: 2 min
  • Cook: 5 min
  • Total: 7 min

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 cup white sugar (Note: Many reviewers suggest reducing to 1/2 cup)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/3 cup boiling water
  • 3 1/2 cups milk
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Instructions

  1. Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan
  2. Blend in the boiling water
  3. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while stirring
  4. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes (watch that it doesn’t scorch)
  5. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil!
  6. Remove from heat and add vanilla
  7. Divide between 4 mugs
  8. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature

Notes

  • Recipe yields 4 servings
  • For less sweetness, reduce sugar to 1/2 cup as recommended by many reviewers
  • Use high-quality vanilla extract for best results
  • Can substitute evaporated milk for the half-and-half cream
  • Calories per serving: 310

Source