Hot chocolate by the cup

I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods, but around here, it's COLD! Even though we're in the South, it feels as if God said, "Let there be winter!" and Wow! It's winter!

Of course, life goes on, even in the cold temperatures and snow and sleet and freezing rain. But sometimes you need a little treat to help you thaw out. What could be better than hot chocolate? And by hot chocolate, I do not mean that powdered stuff they sell in little packets, or even the stuff you make yourself with powdered milk. Nope, I mean the real stuff.

It's a pain to make, though, right?  Wrong. Did you know you can make it one cup at a time, right in your microwave? Oh, yes, you can--no muss, no fuss, just steamy chocolate goodness. Here's how:

For one serving, you'll need

1 cup milk

2 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon cocoa

a pinch of salt

Combine these in a glass measuring cup (this is what I like to do) or right in your mug. For easy microwaving, stick something such as a wooden chopstick or skewer into your milk--breaking the liquid's surface will allow it to bubble if it gets to the boiling stage rather than boiling over. Microwave, stopping to stir once or twice, until it's as hot as you like. Remove from microwave, stir really well, and add a splash or vanilla extract and/or marshmallows if you like.

The whole process takes less than three minutes. And you've got yourself or your kids a cup of the finest cocoa you've ever drunk. Guaranteed to warm your fingers and toes AND your heart.

Note: If you're trying to cut back on sugar, microwave just the milk and the cocoa. After it's hot, add artificial sweetener to taste. Most packets contain sweetener equal to to teaspoons of sugar, so three packets of artificial sweetener should be about right. Skip the marshmallows. It's not quite as cute, but it tastes good!

I'm joining the The CSI Project for today's Winter challenge.