Hot Chocolate

Kirsten Dixon

“Winterlake Lodge Cookbook”

When a Winterlake guest wants hot chocolate, I often don’t have time to grate chocolate or mix in vanilla. So I like to have a jar of homemade hot chocolate mix that I can grab off the pantry shelf. This recipe is a rich and delicious alternative to packets of commercial hot chocolate. If you feel indulgent, make up a large batch at one time and stick a split whole vanilla bean into the jar. This mixture is just as good with 2 percent milk, whole milk or half and half. If you are in a cabin in the woods without supplies, it is good with just water too. Sweet ground chocolate is readily available in the baking section of most grocery stores. It is sold in one-pound containers.

1 pound (3 cups) sweet ground chocolate

1/2 pound (1 1/2 cups) low-fat milk powder

1 tsp. salt

Combine the ground chocolate, dry milk and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine thoroughly. Spoon the mixture into wide-mouth half-gallon jars. Label the jars with the following instructions: Use 3 tablespoons of hot chocolate mix with each 8 ounces of hot milk (or water).

Store the hot chocolate mix in a cool dry place. It will last for about 1 year.

Makes 36 servings.