Since we started experiencing this cold weather Hot Cocoa has been a staple on our kitchen stove.

Here is a simple recipe to make a quick big batch (for those with big families) of real unadulterated hot cocoa - not the instant mixes found at the store.

In a large pot with a whisk and ladle, pour half a gallon of milk and 1 1/4c sugar, heat slowly.

Whisk the milk as it is heating, once you see that it starts to froth quite a bit add 1 1/4c cocoa powder.  Keep whisking until all cocoa is dissolved, if the milk is getting too hot turn the fire off.  The key is to keep whisking while its hot to fully incorporate the cocoa into the milk, at the same time cooling it down so the milk and cocoa do not get scorched (which is what happens often and frustrates a lot of people - which then makes them run for the instant mix)  Once it is all incorporated, add 1tsp of vanilla, stir in, and ladle the cocoa into cups.

My children love this, I make a half gallon to a gallon batch at a time and just keep it on the stove top - they serve themselves throughout the day, it's very nutritious, a SUPERFOOD, and definitely delicious.

Try this recipe and let me know if the children like it too.