Hot Cocoa and a Book

Who says you have to be a little kid to break out the cocoa powder, whip up some fabulous hot chocolate, and read Ezra Jack Keats's A Snowy Day, I LOVE this book!

Here's my favorite recipe for hot cocoa:
Depending on the size of your mug, measurements may vary

Use 2 tbls. of Hershey's unsweetened cocoa powder (they still make it in the tin:)* Note: use less the first time you make it... too much cocoa powder can make it bitter- you can always add more!
Add hot water to fill the mug two thirds to half way
Add two tbls. of honey (less or more depending on how sweet you like it) and stir
Add 1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract
Fill the rest of the mug with half and half or cream
Top with mini marshmallows (or whip cream), and reheat in microwave for a minute, or until the marshmallows begin to melt.

Let it cool for a couple minutes and enjoy!

*If you like it speecy spicy, add one crushed red chili pepper and some cinnamon (make sure to muddle the chili pepper and all of its seeds well into a powder). Place a red chili on top for presentation. Finito!

hot cocoa jar and honey courtesy of ohdeedoh blog