Cocoa with a Toasty Twist!

Burrr... Wow, it is sooo chilly outside. The good news is this is a perfect time to gather together and cherish the warmth of family and friends. I'd like to offer a few toasty, cozy hot cocoa recipes and some creative flavor ideas (or "Twists") to add to the comfort, enjoy and even a "Toasty Twist" of the season.

Basic Hot Cocoa
4 c Milk
1/3 c Hot Water
1/4 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Preferably Dutch Cocoa)
2/3 c Sugar (or Splenda or Splenda Blend)
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
Whipped Cream (optional)

Add a Toasty Twist!!

*Spiced Flavor Choices (Choose ONE of the following flavors)

Orange -2 tablespoons Orange Zest (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)
Mocha -10 to 20 Whole Coffee Beans (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)
Cinnamon - 2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks
Mint - 4 to 6 Fresh Whole Mint Leaves
Aztec -1 to 2 Whole Dried Chili Peppers (in tea infuser, tied-up in a coffee filter or cheese cloth)

Pour milk into a medium sauce pan over medium to low heat. Bring to a slight simmer. *Add one of your chosen "Spice or Flavor Twist" to the milk and allow to steep for 5-8 minutes or longer for stronger flavor(optional). Meanwhile, add hot water, cocoa and sugar, Splenda or Splenda blend to another sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil while whisking until ingredients are dissolved and smooth then reduce heat. *Remove (or scoop) flavor elements from the milk. Pour milk into cocoa mixture then add Vanilla, salt and stir to combine. Serve in a mug with a dollop of whipped cream (optional) at a comfortably hot temperature...

Enjoy!!!