Wednesday, December 18, 2013

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

    4 comments:

    1. I love hot chocolate! But I'll admit, I've never made my own. This looks easy enough. Thanks!

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    2. Great idea, Aileen! I've also done this with a packet of interesting teas.

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    3. How sweet! Literally. Love the cocoa idea. Have many friends who are chocolate fans. Thanks for the tip! :)

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    4. Yum! I haven't had cocoa in ages but I want some right now with little marshmallows sprinkled on the top.

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