Hot Cocoa Mix (SECRET Ingredient)

Ever wonder what makes commercial hot cocoa mixes taste better than homemade? There's an ingredient most home cooks don't have on hand; this commercial secret is POWDERED VANILLA! Oh my, it makes all the difference in a homemade cocoa mix recipe. Doesn't matter whether it has sugar or the best sugar-free powder, even peppermint powder (or what) I've got you COVERED!

Hot Cocoa Dry Mix
by Sharon Anne

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder (NOT boxed instant*)
1/2 cup powdered sugar or (Powdered Whey Low)
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp powdered vanilla
(Yes, it's the secret!)
1/4 tsp salt

Per Serving:
4 Tbsp Cocoa Mix
6-oz HOT water, fill mug HALF full
2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk, to taste

1. Dry Cocoa Mix: Whisk ingredients into a container.
2. Per Serving: Combine 3 for 4-Tablespoons cocoa mix with HALF a (8-oz) mug of HOT water.
3. Thin with more hot water, milk or cream.

(Tips & Techniques...)

• Dry Milk: If you only have a boxed instant dry milk variety, you could grind that FIRST into a fine powder with food processor, before measuring accurately for recipes calling for regular powdered milk.
• Add 1-2 Tbsp peppermint powder (optional) to the mix.