The Ultimate Hot Chocolate

I love hot chocolate. I want it to be rich and chocolatey, without fake marshmallows or lots of sugar. A little nip of something doesn't hurt either! So I decided to try to make the ultimate hot chocolate using nothing but the stuff I have in the kitchen already and the cheapest mix the local grocery store had to offer. After much experimentation, I am finally ready to offer the recipe for the best hot chocolate I have ever had. It tastes really expensive, but Starbucks-priced it is not. :)

Ingredients:
1 package of store-brand hot cocoa mix (I used Piggly Wiggly brand)
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 to 1 capfull of rum (optional, but recommended)
1 small drop pure peppermint extract
enough milk to fill up your mug, which needs to be microwave-safe

*Note: I use a rather large mug. You may find that you need to adjust the amounts of cocoa and rum according to your personal preferences and mug size.

Directions: Mix everything together in your mug and microwave for 1 1/2 minutes, then stir again. The first time or two you may not be able to blend everything together, but soon you should have a lovely hot liquid with no powdery lumps. I like to stir quickly with a fork to get a frothy effect. Drink carefully remembering that this is called "HOT chocolate!" I don't want any lawsuits because you burned your tongue! Enjoy, preferably in a nice bubble bath with a good book. If you're still cold, you are probably dead. Cheers!

Lovely image courtesy of The Graphics Fairy

The Good Rural Life

Hi!  Thanks for checking out my blog--this is the first time I've ever done this, so please have patience with me.  The idea behind this blog is that those of us who live in the middle of nowhere and have little money have just as much right to "the good life" as rich city folks.  With recipes, craft projects, and shopping tips I hope to share the ways that I have found to live stylishly on a tight budget with only stores like Wal Mart, Winn Dixie, Walgreens, and Dollar General (and don't forget thrift shops!) from which to purchase.  If you're hoping to see Jimmy Choo shoes or Dooney and Bourke bags, I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere, as I have never even had the opportunity to see such things in person!  This is not going to be a blog about big name brands that are so overpriced that it breaks my heart to think of how many people could be fed with the money needed to buy them.  I also hope to add a little to the "greening of America" with projects and suggestions that involve recycling and upcycling.  lol I've probably bitten off way more than I can chew here, but I'm willing to take the risk if you are :)

For me, this is about having fun and making a tiny bit of room in our crowded house! So far, I've only made a card and I think it is going to end up on craftfail.com lol