DIY Homemade Hot Chocolate : A Hot Chocolate Kind of Day

Today is a hot chocolate kind of day. If I had a fireplace, I’d have that going, too. Back in “the day” I would have built a fire, curled up with a good book and some hot cocoa and just relaxed and enjoyed the time passing by. But I don’t have a fireplace, and let’s face it…would the kids really let me enjoy a fire if I had one? At any rate, we can still have hot chocolate!!!

Here’s my recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix (handed down from my mother.) We mix this up each fall and it saves a load on hot chocolate expenses over the winter months!!

MY GREAT-GRANDMOTHER’S HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

*Product sizes change slightly over the years, so buy the size that most closely matches – it will all turn out okay in the end.*

Ingredients:

• 16 oz Instant chocolate drink mix (Nestle Quick, etc.)
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 7 oz. jar non-dairy creamer (or about half of a 16oz jar)
• 1 box (1lb., 9oz.) instant, non-fat milk

Directions: 

Mix all ingredients in an over-sized bowl and store in airtight container. Add 1/3 cup of hot chocolate mix to your favorite mug. Add 1 cup of hot water and stir well. Top it off with marshmallows or whipped topping and enjoy! Makes enough mix for the whole winter if rationed properly. 😉

DIY HOMEMADE HOT CHOCOLATE MIX #2

After years of making this the way my great-grandmother,  my grandmother, and my mom had always mad it. . . I got brave enough to add my own twist. For a richer, smoother hot chocolate, try this recipe instead:

• 1 large container Nestle Quick (21.8 oz.)
• 1.5 cups powdered sugar
• 1.5 cups non-dairy creamer
• 1 box (1lb., 9oz.) instant, non-fat milk

This recipe is loosely increased by half, except the milk, and the result is a richer, smoother hot chocolate mix. The first one is good – the second one may be even better. And if you’re really feeling festive, add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to your cup before stirring in the water.

Saving Money Tastes So Good

Making your own hot chocolate mix is a tasty way to save money. Sure, you drop a little bit of money on the front end to make up such a large batch, but your price per cup is significantly cheaper. But it’s not only less expensive, I think it tastes better, too! If you don’t believe me, give it a try and see for yourself.

Proverbs 15:13a A happy heart makes the face cheerful.

Photo by Alisa Anton on Unsplash