day 3: i am thankful for...

...hot cocoa {continuing the theme of this morning's post}

i'm not that much of a cold-weather person {i.e. i HATE being cold}, but i love the idea of it. i love sweaters and blankets and fireplaces and getting all snuggled up. nothing is more comforting to me than curling up on the couch in sweats, my ll bean shearling slippers, and a steaming mug of hot cocoa. i know that the "real" hot chocolate is just hot milk and chocolate shavings {a la williams sonoma}, but my sister's and my favorite is this homemade mix we call vicki hot chocolate. my mom's bestie, vicki, used to make us a huge container of this every year for christmas. it's sooooo good, and believe me, this recipe makes enough to last until the final snow melts away. Enjoy!

7 cups instant, nonfat dry milk

1 lb powdered sugar

2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder {as ina would say, use the good stuff}

2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer

2 cups mini marshmallows

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

For each serving, mix 1/3 cup cocoa mix with 3/4 cup boiling water. Stir until chocolate chips melt. Yield: 14 cups mix; 42 servings.

Soooooo yummy!