VANILLA ALMOND HOT COCOA

Treat family and friends to this rich homemade cocoa. It will warm even the coldest winter’s chill!

—VICKI HOLLOWAY JOELTON, TN



START TO FINISH: 15 MIN. • MAKES: 10 SERVINGS (2 1/2 QUARTS)


1 cup sugar

2/3 cup baking cocoa

1/4 teaspoon salt

8 cups 2% milk

2/3 cup water

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Miniature marshmallows, optional

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa and salt. Stir in milk and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Remove from heat; stir in extracts. If desired, top each serving with marshmallows.

HOT COCOA TOPPERS

Marshmallows are the go-to topping for hot cocoa. If you’d like to be a little more daring, try one of these ideas: a small scoop of ice cream, strips of orange zest, chocolate shavings, hot sauce or even jalapeno pepper rings.