Hot Chocolate

One of our favorite parts of the "Polar Express" is the Hot Chocolate song!! Wouldn't it be fun to ride on THAT train? I'd drink Hot chocolate with Tom Hanks any day ;)

We are all crazy about hot chocolate in the fall and winter....typically when it's less than 50 degrees out, although today it's 75 degrees and sunny, I was still begged to make some this afternoon. Marshmallows or not, my 7 year old was determined to have it.

One thing I don't like about cocoa mixes is their grainy texture. It takes a lot of stirs before you can really dissolve a package of Swiss Miss. Just sayin'. I prefer a nice smooth texture with rich flavor when it comes to milky cocoa in it's hot drinkable form.

In years past, after a group would go caroling or just for the fun of a good old fashioned get together, bonfire, or weenie roast, it was nice to have a pot of this creamy rich cocoa waiting for everyone to share.

You won't believe something this good could be this easy.....I highly recommend it.

1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk (you can use the lowfat or fat free)
1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
dash of salt
6 1/2 cups of water

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine the first 4 ingredients and mix well. Gradually add the water, stirring slowly and warm over low-medium heat, but do NOT allow it to boil. Serve hot.

This recipe makes 8 cups. You can store leftovers (if you have any) in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just mix well and reheat.