One time a few years ago, I ran us completely out of powdered hot chocolate mix. I do that sometimes – accidentally run us out of pantry staples. Then I have to think outside the box to make things. As was the case when I ran us out of hot chocolate mix.
Sometimes the resulting outside-the-box, plan b recipe isn’t so well received. But in the case of this hot chocolate, zero family members were disappointed. In fact, they’re the ones who decided it was not only the best homemade hot chocolate, but also the best hot chocolate ever.
Once the weather turns cold and the snow flies, I get requests on the daily to make homemade hot chocolate, and I’m not sad about it. For one thing, it’s as easy as it is delicious, and for another, it pairs well with my favorite whipped cream which pairs well with my favorite Poor Woman’s Latte.
Don’t forget the rules of food safety! Here is the short list:
- Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
- Never thaw meat on the counter. Thaw in the refrigerator, microwave, or cool water bath.
- Always wash cutting boards and plates after having been in contact with raw meat.
- Always cook to appropriate internal temperatures. Safe internal temperatures vary based on cut. Hamburger must reach a safe and savory 160 degrees, while steak is safe at 145 degrees.
The Best Homemade Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
Description
An easy and delicious option when you run out of powdered hot chocolate mix.
Ingredients
2 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup half and half
4 cups milk (I used 2%)
Instructions
Grab a medium saucepan and add the sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk them together. Then pour in the half-and-half in and whisk it all up. Turn on the heat to medium-high, whisking until the cocoa, sugar, and half-and-half begin to boil and are completely combined.
Stir in milk and bring to a simmer. Simmer the hot chocolate for just a few minutes, then remove from heat.
Pour into mugs and top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or both – if you’re feeling daring. Enjoy!
Hello! I’m Terryn – the wife, mother, food safety enthusiast, Stormy Kromer fanatic who has slightly (okay, a lot) random tendencies, dabbles in photography, and shares (maybe a little too much) here at FFB.