Mom's Hot Cocoa - Aunt Cindra

On cold winter mornings mom would often make a large pot of hot cocoa.  She always made us breakfast.  I remember johnny cake, french toast, milk toast, hot oatmeal, cream of wheat, eggs, fried bologna, melted cheese on toast, pancakes, hash browns, scones, waffles, and cold cereal.  It was a treat to wake up to breakfast each morning.

1/4 cup cocoa
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Stir the cocoa, sugar and salt together until they are completely mixed with no lumps of cocoa.  Stir in water and cook until they are completely dissolved.  Boil and stir for 2 minutes.  Add milk, stirring constantly.  DO NOT BOIL. Remove from stove and add in vanilla. 

This is wonderful served with marshmallows, whipped cream or a candy cane.  If you want it foamy like from a restaurant, beat it with an electric beater or whisk until foamy.

Other Serving Ideas:
Instead of vanilla use:

• Spiced Cocoa- add 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• Mint Cocoa- add 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
• Citrus Cocoa- add 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
• Slim Cocoa- use skim milk, replace sugar with 1/2 cup equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar
• Canadian Cocoa- add 1/2 teaspoon maple extract

Microwave Single Serving: 
Combine:
1 heaping teaspoon cocoa
2 heaping teaspoon sugar
dash of salt
Add:
2 teaspoons cold milk  Stir until smooth
fill cup with milk
Microwave 1-2 minutes.  Stir to blend.

Source:  https://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipe-details.aspx?id=5265&name=Hot-Cocoa