Taylor Tries to Cook: Hot Chocolate

Taylor Whiteman / February 12, 2016 / 3k

This week, I was having trouble deciding whether I wanted to do something Valentine’s Day themed or something relating to the horrendous cold weather that has been plaguing Frostburg, freezing my hair on my way to class, and deflating my tires. I feel like the Internet is oversaturated with Valentine’s-specific content at this point, so I decided to kill two birds with one stone and cover both themes. It’s hot chocolate week on Taylor Tries to Cook.

I tried really hard to find a recipe that could easily be made in the dorms, and I really think I succeeded. The mix only has three ingredients that you can easily throw together into a Tupperware container and keep in your dorm all winter. According to Queen Martha Stewart, which is where I got this recipe, the container needs to be airtight. I’m assuming this is so moisture doesn’t get in and ruin the mix before you get the chance to use it, which would be a true tragedy.

Basically, you just whisk together your sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until it is well mixed and boom, you have your hot chocolate mix. Pour a cup of milk into a microwave-safe mug and microwave it until it’s hot. For me this took about a minute and a half to two minutes, but it really depends on your microwave. Stir in two tablespoons of your mix, and viola, a delicious sugary drink that will warm your heart during this cold spring semester. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, whatever you want (the Valentine’s theme comes in because of the pink sprinkles. Subtle but effective).

In my opinion this mix tastes way better than any store-bought hot chocolate mix, and in the long run is going to be way cheaper. This will especially be cheaper than Starbucks’ fancy new hot chocolate they’re trying to peddle. Stick it to the man; save your bonus bucks and make your own. This recipe makes SO MUCH hot chocolate mix, guys. You’re going to be set for months.

Now you’re probably thinking, Taylor, whisking together three dry ingredients and microwaving some milk doesn’t really count as cooking. You’re probably right. But this is delicious and easy and can be made almost anywhere so I really don’t think it matters.

Also, I’ll be live-snapping my weekly adventures making these recipes, so add bottomlinenews on Snapchat if you would like!

RECIPE (courtesy of marthastewart.com):

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups sugar
2 ¼ cups cocoa
1 tablespoon table salt
Whole milk for serving

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine sugar, cocoa, and salt, and whisk to combine well. Store the mixture in an airtight container.
For individual servings, pour 1 cup whole milk into a microwave-safe mug, and microwave on high just until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa mix, and stir to dissolve. For a larger batch of cocoa, warm the milk in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, taking care not to let the milk boil; as it warms, stir in 2 tablespoons of mix for each cup of milk.