Hot Cocoa Mix

For personal use and to give as Christmas gifts.

Did you know that December 12 is National Cocoa Day?

10 cups dry milk powder
4 3/4 cups confectioner's sugar
1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa
1 3/4 cups powdered non-dairy coffee creamer
Mix all ingredients together. Makes 15 cups.

To use: Put 1/3 cup mix in mug. Add 3/4 cup hot water Stir and serve.

Holiday S'mores

This is just like making regular S'mores (graham cracker, chocolate squares, marshmallows and another graham cracker) but you use holiday Peeps (snowmen, in this case) for the marshmallows and just microwave for about 10 seconds.

Have you ever watched Peeps in the microwave? They puff up wonderfully. The boys love to watch them.

The ingredients in a small gift bag (my kids recieved these as take-home bags at a dance) would also make a nice addition to a food gift basket.

Chocolate Spoons

This needs plastic spoons, chocolate chips (or Wilton melting chips), and decorating sugar and/or pieces. It can only be done with children old enough to understand how to be safe with hot melted chocolate.

Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove and bring to the table. Have them dip the spoons in and then add decorations. Place on a piece of wax paper. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes, until hardened. These are great in hot chocolate or coffee, or to give as gifts (especially with a jar of hot cocoa mix.)

Buttermints and Peppermint Drops

Combine 8 ounces confectioner's sugar (half a 16-ounce package), 1/4

cup margarine or butter, softened, 1 Tablespoon evaporated milk (or if you are using non-dairy milk, use 1/2 Tab.), 3 drop of peppermint or cinnamon flavoring and food coloring in a mixing bowl and beat at high speed with an electric mixer until well blended. Knead smooth. Shape dough into a 1/2 inch thick roll and then cut into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Place slices on a baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Let stand overnight to harden.