Rich Hot Cocoa for Two With Flavor Variations

swissms's Note:

Originally titled Charleston Hot Cocoa, from a Hershey cookbook. This is our favorite cocoa. It is very rich and chocolately.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla
• whipped cream or mini marshmallows

Variation 1 (banana)

• 1 medium banana , mashed (combine in blender)

Variation 2 (peanut butter)

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (combine in blender)

Variation 3 (mocha)

• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

Variation 4 (peppermint)

• 1 tablespoon crushedpeppermint candies or ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract

Variation 5 (Mexican)

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick

Variation 6 (orange)

• 1 -2 tablespoon Grand Marnier

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, cocoa, and water in small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
2. Add milk and heat to serving temperature. Do not boil.
3. Add vanilla; serve in mugs and top with spoonful of wihhpped cream or marshmallows.
4. Stir or blend in flavor variations if desired.

Reviews

[Annacia]

This was a wonderful treat on a very cool and windy mid-Oct day. The red and gold leaves are blowing around their now bare trees. Indoors a cup of hot cocoa with peanut butter was warming and delicious. I used Splenda and a 50/50 mix of skin milk and fat free coffee creamer for that richer taste. Dark Dutch cocoa and creamy Adams pb are a match made in heaven. Now I'm looking forward to trying the peppermint So simple and so very good :D.

[Boomette]

I made it with 2 tablespoon of sugar (that's enough sweet for me). I used dark cacao powder. I added mini marshmallows to my son's hot cocoa. He liked it. For him I didn't made a variation. For mine (on photo), I made the mocha variation with instant espresso powder. It was very yummy. I can't wait to try with peanut butter. Thanks Swissms :) Made for Market tag game

[lauralie41]

I made the peppermint variation and topped it with whipped cream and more crushed peppermint candy, so good! This is a definite keeper! Want to give the mocha, mexican, and orange variations a try too. Made and reviewed for Comfort Cafe Event - January 2010.