Last Minute Gift Ideas: Cocoa Mix by Aileen Fish

As we get closer to Christmas, many of us go into panic mode. We need a quick gift for teacher, or a neighbor pops by with a tin of cookies and we want to reciprocate. My daughter just made a batch of hot cocoa mix to package for stocking stuffers and employee gifts, so I thought I'd share the idea.

Hot Cocoa Mix

Yield: 5 1/2 cups dry mix
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Optional Ingredients:

1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
a pinch of cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

To make the mix

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and whisk until evenly incorporated.
2. Pour hot cocoa mix into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

To make hot cocoa

1. Fill a mug half full with the hot cocoa mix and pour in hot water.
2.Stir to combine.

Gift Ideas

Package the mix with mini marshmallows in an airtight container and top with a bow.

Stick a baggie of mix in a pretty mug; add a cinnamon stick or peppermint stick

~*~

Aileen Fish, author of The Bridgethorpe Brides series, writes traditional Regency romance, young adult romance and has a few contemporary romance plans for 2014. She is also an avid quilter and auto racing fan who finds there aren't enough hours in a day/week/lifetime to stay up with her "to do" list. There is always another quilt or story begging to steal away attention from the others. When she has a spare moment she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and their families, and her fairy princess granddaughter.

Stay up to date with book releases at her website http://aileenfish.com or on Facebook