Hot! Hot! Cocoa

I always think I'll have so much more time than I actually do for making holiday crafts, cookies, candies and other treats. I start squirreling away frozen logs of cookies and ingredients during Thanksgiving, make a pile of my recipes, jars, fabric, labels and twine... and then all of a sudden it's December 20th and I'm swearing and sweating in the kitchen as my pecans burn and cookies crumble, not a glimmer of holiday spirit to be found. Alas, a holiday treat that is pain-free: simple, quick, delicious and easy to package. Hot, hot cocoa keeps well, so the timing is not as critical as some other holiday edibles.

This is a delicious, simple mix that can easily be turned into hot cocoa with some warm milk, or added to coffee  for a mocha, or mixed in with a hot Mexican Coffee or even a chocolate martini. It makes a great gift, packaged into small mason jars or other sealed containers, with a small instruction tag. You could even get fancy and add a baggie of homemade marshmallows, too...

Hot, Hot Cocoa
Makes 4 cups
2 c unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 c granulated sugar
2 1/4 t ground ginger
1 1/4 t cayenne powder
1 t nutmeg
2 t sea salt
1. Combine all ingredients in a seal-able container, like a Tupperware. Shake to mix.
2. Store in an airtight container or divide up into smaller airtight containers to give as gifts.
3. Directions for making hot cocoa: Mix 2 Tablespoons (or to taste) in a cup of hot milk.

Enjoy with family and friends... with lots of non-swearing, non-sweating holiday spirit!