We closed our pool yesterday, just in time for the drizzle to start. Feeling cold, I went inside for the first hot cocoa of the year. I used my new mugs that I just bought at the Big E from Bear Hills Pottery in Newtown, CT.  I like to make my own mix; usually I put in the extra dark cocoa but alas, none was found in the cupboard. I had to make do with regular cocoa powder. Here’s how I do it:

Anna’s Hot Chocolate Mix

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I prefer Hershey’s dark)

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup powdered milk (nonfat)

1 tsp. powdered vanilla (yes, there IS such a thing!)

pinch salt (heightens flavor)

Mix all together and store.

To use: I nuke 1 cup water and add 2 generous tablespoons of mix.

Stir and enjoy!