Easy Homemade Hot Cocoa

It seems winter has finally arrived, so what better way to fight off the chill (and the winter blues) than with a mug of yummy hot cocoa? Sure, you could spring for a pre-packaged mixture, but trust us when we say nothing beats this easy homemade recipe:

Here's what you'll need:

1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

3/4 Cup White Sugar

1/3 Cup Boiling Water

3.5 Cups Milk

3/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

1/2 Cup Half-And-Half

Pinch Sea Salt

Combine Cocoa, Sugar, and Salt in a sausepan. Blend in boiling water. 

Bring mixture to boil, stirring the whole time. Once boiling, turn heat to low and let simmer about 2 minutes (watch out it doesn't scorch!). 

Stir in Milk and heat, but DO NOT boil! 

Remove from heat and add Vanilla. 

Divide between four mugs and add Half and Half.

Top with whip cream or marshmallows, if you like.