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!
