Homemade Hot Chocolate

This drink warms my soul!


1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
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

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

Caramel Apple Cider

Oh divine! Once you make this you will never again spend $4.00 for it at Starbucks. It is so good and easy! The key is to use a quality apple cider. Something that you would drink alone.


1 1/2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 tablespoons caramel sauce
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Whipping Cream, the spray kind

Combine apple cider, caramel and vanilla into a sauce pan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until apple cider is hot and caramel has melted. Top with a whipping cream and a drizzle of caramel. Makes 12 oz.