Hot Cocoa Mix

I am a Starbucks junkie. I'll admit it. I will also admit that Starbucks is expensive. So when I'm craving something other than just black coffee, I make mochas! I have several flavored syrups (I like Torani, or Caribou Coffee) that I use, and I always have a container of my homemade hot cocoa mix around. It's super easy to make, fairly inexpensive, and also makes a great gift!

If I'm giving it as a gift, I like to package up individual servings in little cellophane bags that I got at the craft store. Either tie with ribbon or fold the top over twice (to prevent the mix from falling out) and seal with a pretty sticker. (Great gift basket idea - a mug or two, packets of hot cocoa, and homemade marshmallows!)

If you want to skip making a pot of coffee, add about 5-6 T instant coffee powder to the batch of dry mix, creating an instant mocha mix. (This may vary depending on your brand of instant coffee - this is based on using 1 tsp per cup, 16 servings in the mix, so 16 tsp = approx 5 1/3 T.)


Hot Cocoa Mix
yields approx 16 servings

3 1/2 c nonfat dry milk powder
1 c powdered nondairy coffee creamer
2 c powdered sugar
1/2 c cocoa powder (I like to use an extra tablespoon or two)
1/4 tsp salt

Whisk everything together and store in an airtight container. When ready to use, put 1/3 c mix in a mug and add 3/4 c boiling water (or hot coffee) and stir briskly to combine.

Note: I like to sift all my ingredients in a fine mesh strainer. Cocoa powder and dry milk powder tend to be a little clumpy.