Homemade Hot Chocolate

For 8 Cups, Homemade Hot Chocolate keeps the list centered on natural, granulated sugar and salt. Set aside about 15 minutes.

• Yield 8 Cups
• Ready in 15 minutes
• Prep 10 minutes
• Cook 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup natural, unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup water
• 6 cups milk (dairy milk or non-dairy milk, like almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Half and half or additional milk (if desired)

Instructions

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water. Stirring constantly, bring this mixture to a boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, moderating heat, if needed, so it doesn't burn.
2. Stir in the milk and vanilla and heat until very warm without boiling or simmering. Serve immediately with additional half and half or milk to cool down the hot chocolate and add extra creaminess OR transfer the hot chocolate to a slow cooker and keep warm (warm or low setting) for several hours.

Give it a minute off the heat, then serve it while it is still hot.