By which we mean Hot Cocoa! That delicious frothy topped warming beverage so loved as winter settles into the Northern Hemisphere. You could order it from your favorite coffee shop, but that can get expensive and requires a special trip. You can buy pre-packaged brands at the supermarket but it often contains chemical stabilizers, flavors and colors. Or you can make it yourself at home, which is rather easy with the recipe below from my favorite chef, Alton Brown.

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Hot Cocoa

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
• 2 1/2 cups powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
• Hot water

METHOD:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
2. Fill your mug half full with the mixture and pour in hot water. Stir to combine. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry. This also works great with warm milk. SOURCE: Alton Brown

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You can then top it fresh whipped cream or marshmallows (and you can get freeze dried versions on-line to last longer!). Enjoy!

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes