Crock Pot Hot Cocoa for a Crowd

When the weather outside is frightful, nothing hits the spot quite like a delicious cup of super chocolatey hot cocoa.

After a recent dinner out with three other couples, we closed out a wonderful evening at our house. Just desert and hot cocoa to top off an already special evening.

Did you know you can make your hot cocoa in a crock pot to keep it warm for serving to a crowd over a period of time? I made mine before we headed out to dinner. I transferred it to the crock pot--set on low--to let it warm over the next few hours. When we returned from dinner, VIOLA! Delicious, with no muss, no fuss.

Here's the recipe:

HOT COCOA FOR A CROWD

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/4 cups cocoa powder

1 1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup hot water

1 gallon milk (I used skim)

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa and salt.

Add hot water slowly, mixing well.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils.

Boil, stirring for 2 minutes.

Add milk and heat to serving temperature, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.

Remove from heat and add vanilla and cinnamon, whipping with a wire whisk.

Serve hot.

If desired, transfer to a crock pot to keep warm for serving to a bigger group.

You can serve with a variety of garnishes such as grated cinnamon, chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips. 

I also offered peppermint candy cane swizzle sticks served from a vintage wire flower frog.

Quick. Easy. Yummy. Try it, you'll like it--all winter long.

Make it a great day!

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