We make our own hot cocoa, but we really don't follow a recipe.

We use;

powdered milk
Cocoa powder
honey
Boiling water

however, you can look one up in any cookbook and substitute the sugar for honey.

it's so delicious and so much better for you than refined sugar!

The only thing I've ever used cocoa powder is baking. I never thought about making hot chocolate with it. Duh!

LOL!

Guess I've adjusted to 'country' life out here. I cannot remember when we've purchased hot cocoa in a package..it's very bad for you, actually. Nothing but junk..just read the ingredients.

I also use cocoa powder as a colorant for a few of our pecan soaps!! How's that for healthy innovation!!

And I have never considered honey as a substitute for sugar doing cocoa. Will be trying it soon.

You really cannot taste the honey. I think the cocoa powder is dominant. But you do have the sweetness from the honey nonetheless.

i LOVE it!!!!

in this morning's cup, i also added a tsp.of Vanila extract. i imagine you can also use almond, orange, anise, peppermint extract as well.

Go for the gusto!!

Seems like to me that Cocoa Powder was what Mom used to make hot chocolate when we were little.

JJ

Like Di, we make our own hot cocoa too, which we like alot. And you are right Di, the mixes from the store aren't very good. I have never tried it with honey, which sounds good! I will have to try that since I use honey in alot of things. Here is a recipe for hot cocoa that we use that is pretty good. I got it from the food network show called Good Eats. I make several jars of it during the winter months to have on hand.

Cocoa Mix

3 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup cocoa (Dutch-process, European Style preferred)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch

In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and incorporate well. Add cocoa mixture to an air tight container or jar. This keeps indefinitely in the pantry.

TO MAKE A CUP OF COCOA...Heat water in a small pot or a tea kettle. Place 4-5 heaping spoonfuls of cocoa mixture in a mug. Add boiling hot water to cocoa mixture and stir thoroughly. Top with whipped cream or marshmallows, if desired. *For a creamier cocoa drink, use hot milk instead of water.*