As the weather cools, my afternoon espresso pick-me-up is sometimes replaced by hot chocolate.   Or I'll make a big batch of it for hanging out by the fire pit in the back yard.  Though my night-time version usually has a little extra something to warm us up.  Such as shot Grand Marnier or Bailey's Irish Cream.  Yum.

I recently posted a recipe for homemade marshmallows that goes perfect with a cup of hot chocolate.

So I thought, why not post a couple different ways to make hot chocolate?  You know, besides ripping open a packet, pouring it into a mug and nuking it in the microwave.

We're talkin gourmet baby!

For a single serving quick and easy, here's what you mix ... 2 tsp cocoa (Hershey's, Ghiradelli, Nestle, etc.), 2 tsp sugar, and a cup of boiling water or heated milk.  That's it!  Easy, huh?

If you want to get fancy, you can also add a 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract , or a 1/4 tsp of peppermint oil or extract, or a 1/4 tsp of almond extract.  Catch my drift?  Pick your flavor.  If you want to make a big batch, just double up on the ingredients for each additional cup you want to make.

Just don't forget the marshmallows.

Do you have a favorite way you like to make your hot chocolate?  A secret trick or recipe?  Do share!  Comment below.

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