Hot Cocoa Bar

Want a surefire way to bring surprise and a genuine, toothy smile to someone {or a group of someones}?  Find a fabulous hot cocoa recipe {you’re in luck…I have the perfect one for you!}, set out a fun array of add-ins, toppings, and tasty stirrers, and sit back and enjoy the surprise and delight of your giftees.  Who doesn’t get all warm and fuzzy thinking about hot cocoa?  I think this would be a fun surprise to set up for kids after school, family get-togethers, or even as a gift {package it all up in a pretty package and add the hot cocoa mix with directions. I did this set-up in the lounge at work today .  I was truly amazed at my co-workers delight and giddiness-kids in a candy store, I tell ya.

Add ins {so many possibilities!! Here’s a few to get you started}:

Andes Peppermint Crunch Baking Chips
Andes Creme de Menthe Baking Chips
Red Hots
Mini chocolate chips
Heath Toffee bits
Peppermint mini marshmallows
White chocolate chips

I found the same recipe for the hot cocoa on several different online source.  All of them had rave reviews.  It did not disappoint.  BEST hot cocoa recipe EVER!  Whole milk and vanilla truly made all the difference here.  I ended up cooking the cocoa mixture at home and adding the milk at work in a crockpot. I wasn’t thrilled using the crockpot-  was so messy to ladle out, but it worked in a pinch.

Hot Cocoa
Makes 20-25 cups

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/4 cocoa powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup hot water
1 gallon whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract {I got a little wild and used 2!}

In a large saucepan combine sugar, cocoa, and salt.  Slowly add hot water, mixing well.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.  Boil and stir 2 minutes.  Add milk.  Heat to serving temperature, DO NOT BOIL.  Remove from heat.  Add vanilla and whip with a whisk.  Serve hot with add-ins and/or toppings.  Recipe may be doubled for a crowd.  {I tripled!}