Horse Illustrated Magazine

The winter months may bring fewer chances for riding, but that doesn’t mean our equestrian lifestyle has to be put on hold. It’s time to take advantage of time for other things, like reading! This is the perfect hot cocoa recipe that will invite you to curl up with a blanket and your favorite horse book. Add in your tastiest toppings and you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup hot water
• 2 – 12 ounce cans evaporated milk
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• Marshmallows (optional)
• Chocolate chips (optional)
• Peppermint stick (optional)

Directions:

Mix sugar, cocoa, and salt in a large saucepan. Add water and stir well. Add milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Heat through, but do not boil, stirring constantly. Just before serving, add marshmallows.

Makes 5 servings (8 ounces each).

Jennifer Landers blogs about equestrian lifestyle and trends at www.velvetrider.com. She owns two horses, including an off-track Thoroughbred, and spends time volunteering at an OTTB rescue.