There's nothing like a snuggly blanket, a good book and a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate when the weather turns cold. Sharing a quiet moment with the necessities makes life worth while, don't you agree? I've been thinking about this very thing while our friends in the northeast have been affected by power outages and Sandy's wrath. (Sending prayer for toasty goodness to our friends up north!)
Life gets so hectic sometimes that we often forget the little things in life that make life worth living. We start off the year welcoming it in with wide expectant arms and a to-do list a mile long. Valentine's Day arrives and we're toasting the loves of our lives. Fast forward to Easter and peeps overflowing baskets of treats. Memorial Day arrives with a nod to our fallen heroes. July 4th celebrates our quest for freedom. On Veteran's Day we thank those who've given us the opportunity to grab that snuggly blanket, sit still, and enjoy our freedoms. (Special thanks to my rogue who served our nation for 22 1/2 years, my two sons and nephew!) Then on Thanksgiving we're thankful for all the many gifts in our lives until Christmas and New Year's Eve arrives and we start it all again.
Though we enjoy all these moments, we cannot help but be overwhelmed at times. And while the world gears up for Black Friday, which means, as commericials attest, that the mad holiday crush is almost upon us again, we make lists and plan. And as is typical with each holiday season, we tend to get caught up in the day to day grind without taking time to recharge batteries or enjoy the little things... like time spent with ourselves.
So in honor of enjoying the simple life and getting cozy with a book, I want to share one of my ultimate favorite recipes for something that is sure to fix you right up— my family's Hot Chocolate recipe.
Hot Chocolate Mix
1 lb. confectioner's sugar
8 quarts powdered milk
2 cups regular sugar
1 lb. Coffeemate
1 2 lb. box of Nestle's Quick or Hershey's Instant
Marshmellows (opt)
Mix together and put into containers. Use 2-3 heaping Tbsp.'s per cup and hot water.
This makes a LOT of hot chocolate mix, so be sure to have some ziplock containers or pretty sealed jars at hand.
From my house to yours, may you all experience the snuggly comfort of a soft blanket and a good story. Stay warm!
Katherine
Duke by Day, Rogue by Night Available Now
www.katherinebone.com
Oh, man. I wanted hot chocolate last night. I asked The Guy if he wanted some and, he did. There was enough for one. After a few rounds of "No, you have it," he ended up with it. I insisted. But I see a trip to the store in my future.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean, I made a batch this past weekend. With the cooler weather upon us, I'd been craving it. Heaven, I tell ya!!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, 8 QUARTS of powdered milk?! Is that a typo, Kathy?
ReplyDeleteHey Melanie! Nope. That's right. This makes enough hot chocolate to last all winter if you don't drink much of it. Sometimes I have to make two batches. Heehee!!!
DeleteI seriously need to make this!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes! Run, don't walk to your local grocery store and get supplies. This is the BEST hot chocolate I've ever had. ;)
DeleteMmmmm....YuMMy! I'll make this for the family...they'll love it! I don't like hot chocolate though. But I love my family! :D Thanks for the recipe, Kathy!
ReplyDeleteAnd your family will love you for making this very good treat!!
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