- 9
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise
- 2-inch strip orange peel, white pith removed (optional)
Preparation
Step 1
Place cocoa and sugar in a jar or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Cover and shake container until cocoa and sugar are well mixed together. Tap the container lightly on a counter to help mixture settle. Remove lid and insert vanilla bean and orange peel (if using) so they are about halfway down the depth of the cocoa mixture. (This is easier to do if the container is first tipped at an angle so much of the mixture is resting on the side of the container).
Store cocoa mix in a dark, cool place. Allow the cocoa mixture at least a few days before using so it can become infused with the flavor of the vanilla bean and orange peel.
To make one serving of hot cocoa: Place 2 tablespoons cocoa mixture in a mug. Measure out 1 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk. Mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of the milk to the mug, or just enough to make a thick, sauce-like mixture. Heat in a microwave oven 20 to 30 seconds. Remove mug and stir cocoa mixture, blending until smooth. Gradually stir in remaining milk. Heat in the microwave oven until very hot, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, depending on the microwave. Remove and taste, adjust sweetening, if necessary, with additional sugar, to taste.