Hot beverage, anyone?

Every year, I head to the store and come home with an armful of ingredients that will make enough mix to last us through the winter. These mixes are convenient to have on hand for your own family, and visitors to your home, but they also make excellent gifts.

You may have your own hot chocolate recipe, or you may buy the pre-measured packages from the grocery. I'd encourage to make your own, as the saving is significant. This recipe is well received by all who try it.

Instant Hot Chocolate Mix

* 1 (8 quart) box nonfat dried milk (you may choose to buy a bigger box if it's cheaper, in this case, measure out 10 2/3 cups)
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 7 oz. non dairy creamer (Cremora)
* 1 lb. Nestle's Quik (if you buy a bigger container measure out 2 3/4 cups)
*1 small box instant chocolate pudding

Stir dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in a sealed container.
To make 1 cup of cocoa, mix 1/3 cup of mix per 1 cup of boiling water.


I'm sure that many of you have seen hot chocolate mix presented in a cute way for sale in your local market. Have you looked at the price? I've seen a cone of Hot Cocoa go for $6! No, thank you! Here's how to make your own:





You'll need your hot chocolate mix, chocolate chips, and marshmallows. You also need disposable cake decorating bags. These can be found at your local craft store, candy supply shops, or even Wal*Mart.


















Fill a bag about half full with the cocoa mix. Twist tie it shut.



















Place the bag with the cocoa inside another bag. Top it with chocolate chips, and marshmallows. Tie it shut. Attach curly ribbon and a gift tag.













Beautiful!








Here's another mix that we love:
Russian Tea

* 3 cups sugar or granulated artificial sweetener such as Splenda
* 2 cups orange flavored instant breakfast drink (Tang)
* 1 cup unsweetened instant iced tea
* 1 tsp. cloves
* 1 tsp. cinnamon
* 1 tsp. nutmeg

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Place 2 rounded tablespoons of mix in a mug. Fill the mug with boiling water, and stir well. Dry mix may be kept in a well sealed container.

This would be pretty in a glass jar with an instruction tag attached, or you could make a cone from this as well.