The warm summer has come and gone and the cold, unforgiving winter is underway. Yes, I know, technically it’s only fall but it still feels like winter, and I am not okay with it.

I miss the summer.

I love hot days, with the warm sun beating down on my skin.  Now winter is knocking on my door, and I don’t want to open it.

Because of my love of the heat, I decided I need something to give me some warmth for at least 20 minutes. To solve this desire for warmth I present Ultimate Hot Chocolate hug. It has chocolate on chocolate galore, plus sugar and vanilla to make it even sweeter.  

This hot cocoa will make your walk to the recs all worth it because when you get home, and your hands are still a little frozen, you can take a few moments to create this mug of delicious warmth. As you hold the mug in your hands, you will feel–for just a few moments–like the warmth of summer sun is hugging your very soul.

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk (any kind you like)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 oz dark or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (you can use chocolate chips)
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch, sifted
• 1/2 tsp vanilla or vanilla paste

Directions

• Put all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat on medium, stirring or whisking constantly until it just comes to a simmer and thickens.
• Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream or marshmallows, and enjoy right away.