Homemade Cocoa = Mmmmm Mmmmm Good

We've had the great cocoa experiment going on at our house this weekend. I started with a basic recipe but had to make some substitutions, thought it needed a little less of this, and a little more of that to the point that it's pretty different than what I started with. The hubs and the kiddos gave me the big thumbs up on this final version. Beware: It's super chocolaty and super rich. If you drink it too fast, you'll most likely get a bellyache (just ask the J-man after chugging mug #2).

Ingredients:
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 c milk
1/2 c evaporated milk (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
marshmallows (optional)

Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Stir in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 1-2 minutes (be careful not to scorch). Stir in milk. (I warm my milk for 1-2 minutes in the microwave to take the chill off and so I'm not standing there forever waiting for it to heat up). Add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk for a richer tasting cocoa. Continue to stir until the mixture is very hot, but DO NOT BOIL! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between four mugs and enjoy!