One, more note about hot cocoa . . .

If you are tired of the plain old cocoa, you can spice it up. For some extra zip to the hot drink, consider adding some cinnamon, nutmeg, a dash of cayenne, and a star anise to the simmering pot. Spicing should be done to your personal taste so . . . taste it as you go along! When you serve it, sprinkle the swirl of whipped cream or the tiny marshmallows with a dusting or cocoa powder or cinnamon. I don't even mind a bit of fresh orange zest on the whipped cream!

Basic Hot Cocoa
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 ½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup half-and-half cream (or splurge and go with cream!)

Mix the cocoa, sugar, and salt in a pot. Stir in the boiling water and whisk to get all the lumps out. Pour in the milk and stir to mix. Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring as needed. When the cocoa is hot, add the vanilla and cream of choice. Bring back to serving temperature.