It's getting chilly

As the temperatures begin to drop, our daily habits start to change here in the Midwest. We find our winter coat deep in the closet. We go buy a new pair of gloves. We find that ice scraper deep in the trunk of our cars. We eat more soup. We get out the crockpot. And we start drinking more hot cocoa.

When I was a kid my mom would make a huge batch of hot cocoa at the beginning of the year, and we would have it for the entire season. All we had to do was warm up some water on the stove (or now in the microwave!) and we had instant comfort. Now I do the same for my kids. You know you want the recipe! So here it is. :)

• 10 cups dry instant milk

• 4 3/4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

• 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
In a large mixing bowl, combine milk powder, confectioner's sugar, cocoa powder, and creamer. Makes about 15 cups mix, or enough for about 45 servings. Make sure to store in a sealed container.

I usually add about ½ cup to a cup of hot/boiling water. You can add more or less depending on how strong you’d like it to be. Don’t forget to add the marshmallows!