Enjoy This Simple to Make Killer Cocoa Mix!

I love receiving handmade gifts but, I love edible handmade gifts even more! Whether you need a hostess gift, holiday party favor, stocking stuffer or Christmas gift, this Killer Hot Chocolate Mix is the perfect recipe to bring joy and warmth all winter long.

We all know that there are numerous cocoa mix recipes on the internet. Perhaps, like me, you have even tried a few. Now you can stop searching because this recipe will knock your socks off! It has undeniably earned it’s title “killer cocoa!” Not for the faint of heart, this recipe is full of white and dark chocolate, whole milk and a dash of salt. Blended together you will have a fun gift that will be the delight of your family and friends.

Before You Begin

Use the absolute best ingredients that you possibly can. Being a professional Pastry Chef, you can imagine that I bake a tremendous amount. Chefs will tell you that no matter what recipe you use, if you do not use the best ingredients possible then you might as well have not made it. I am diligent about trying different brands to ultimately get the most bang for my buck. For this recipe, I encourage you to be selective in the chocolate, cocoa and vanilla that you use. As you are perusing the recipe below, you will see that I have specifically named Nielsen-Massey as my preferred vanilla powder. This company does not sponsor me (although I wish they would!) The truth is that I truly love their vanilla for it’s quality and flavor. What’s more, they are family-owned and make their product in a Chicago suburb - right here in the good ole USA. I like knowing where my food comes from and I choose to select products that have the best quality that I can afford.

Yes, quality may increase the cost of your recipe - but - quality ingredients make a huge difference in the flavor and success of your mix. No matter what you are making or baking, make conscience product choices.

KILLER HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

Ingredients:

4 cups Whole Milk Powder (sub nonfat dry milk only if needed)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder
1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups of white chocolate chip
2 cups of dark chocolate chips (not milk chocolate or semi-sweet)

Directions for Making Cocoa Mix:

Using a food processor, combine the white and dark chocolate chips with the powdered sugar. Process until smooth. Pour mix into a large mixing bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined.

Packaging:

Portion your mix into your chosen air-tight container. Suggestions include cello treat bags, canning jars, holiday tin, etc.. You can even add mini-marshmallows to your mix as you are packaging it. Get creative and adorn your package with candy canes, cinnamon sticks, gingerbread cookies, etc… Have fun with it!

Label and Directions for Use:

Making a label for your mix is as important as your packaging! As you know, the internet offers ample free-clipart (what on earth did we do before the internet) or create a hand-written label. Be sure to include the directions for use:

Use 1/4 cup of mix per 12 ounces of hot water. Stir and enjoy!