Give a Gift of Cocoa Mix

Hot cocoa mix is a delicious hostess gift or token of appreciation for teachers, colleagues, or neighbors, and it's relatively simple and affordable to make at home! You just need some basic ingredients, most of which you probably keep in the pantry already, as well as some fluffy marshmallows and a nice big mug to package it all up for gifting. I'd recommend checking dollar stores, etc. for inexpensive but relatively large decorative holiday mugs ~ though plain white is a nice choice, too!

What you'll need ~

Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix (see recipe below)
Food safe cello bags
Large mug
Marshmallows (homemade or store bought)

Small (about 50 mL) bottle of liqueur (Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Creme, Amaretto, Frangelico, etc.) ~ optional
Ribbon or baker's twine
Gift tag (large enough to write instructions on)

How to make it ~

First, start by mixing up the dry ingredients for the cocoa mix as follows:

For 6 servings of Spiced Hot Cocoa Mix ~

2 cups nonfat dry milk
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla powder (optional)
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Sift the dry ingredients together to make a fine powder and package in the cello bag. Tie closed with baker's twine or decorative ribbon. Write the following instructions on a gift tag and attach to the bag of cocoa mix:
For each serving, combine 1/2 cup of cocoa mix with 3/4 cup water, heat and enjoy!

Package your marshmallows in a cello bag, as well, and place cocoa mix and marshmallows in a large decorative mug. Add the bottle of liqueur, if you so choose, and finish off with a pretty bow!

--- This project was created by Erika Pitera, the managing editor and art director here at ZEST