Year after year, it seems like Christmas decorations get put up earlier and earlier. I think I have seen them out at some stores as early as Halloween weekend, which I think is kind of crazy. Since I don’t really go out and try to catch the early bird shopper deals on Black Fridays, I have always taken advantage of my Thanksgiving weekend to take all of my “fall-themed” decorations down and pulled out all of my Christmas boxes. I wanted to share this very easy hot cocoa mix recipe that I have recently tried and loved. Whether you’re out and about shopping, looking for a fresh tree, watching the games on TV or in the stadiums, you may want a steaming cup of this special drink when you get home. It is chocolaty, rich, creamy, and very easy to make. I have used both low-fat and whole-milk to mix and they’re wonderful either way. They also make a great edible Christmas gifts since I have yet met someone who turns down a homemade hot cocoa mix. I am definitely whipping up several more batches for the next couple of weeks to keep and giveaway.

Ingredients
3 cups non-fat dry milk
2 cups (8 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
1-1/2 cups (4-1/2 ounces (Dutch processed cocoa)
1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Working in two batches, pulse the ingredients in a food processor until the hot chocolate in finely ground.

To make hot cocoa, stir 1/3 cup of this mixture into 1 cup of hot milk (I tested both skim, 2%, and whole — all were wonderful!). Top with your favorite topping (whipped cream, mini marshmallows, shaved chocolate, cinnamon, … oh the possibility!).

Adapted from The Best of American Test Kitchen 2008