Cocoa offers warm comfort on chilly days

Sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder are key ingredients in homemade hot chocolate. (Kansas City Star)

Growing up, my mother always encouraged her children to cook. So when I found a recipe for hot chocolate on the side of the Hershey’s Cocoa can, it was easy to persuade her to let me give it a try.

What I discovered was that hot chocolate doesn’t have to come from an envelope.

This recipe, for stovetop or microwave, one person or more, has been a favorite of mine to make on days when winter weather has persuaded me to stay home and off the roads. It’s the perfect way to kill time and have a nice hot drink to warm you up on those chilly days.

Although you can top it with whipped cream, I prefer marshmallows.

FAVORITE HOT COCOA

Makes 4 to 6 servings

1⁄2 cup sugar

1⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Dash of salt

1⁄3 cup hot water

4 cups milk

3⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Mix sugar, cocoa powder, salt and water in a sauce pan. Stir constantly over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil (about 2 minutes.) Stir in milk and heat. Bring the hot chocolate to the desired temperature but do not boil. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract. Divide into mugs and top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE

HOT COCOA

Makes 1 serving

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Dash salt

1 cup milk

1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whipped cream or marshmallows (optional)

Mix sugar, cocoa powder and salt into large mug. In separate microwave-safe container, heat on high for 1 to 11⁄2 minutes or until very hot. Carefully and gradually add milk to dry mixture. Stir well. Add vanilla extract. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Source: hersheyskitchens.com