349498 Fri Dec 08 19:16:06 -0800 2006 1 31 Home Cooking 0 2082451 Would anyone be willing to share a successful homemade hot cocoa mix recipe? I'm looking for one to make for holiday gifts. Would also appreciate any suggestions for best cocoa to use. Many of the ones I have found online call for non-dairy creamer which I find objectionable. TIA! Fri Dec 08 19:16:06 -0800 2006 36264 debby 1 2082464 TRY THIS - I made this for friends and it was soooo well received! And if you have time for the homemade marshmallows - MAKE THEM! When packaging - put in a basket with a bottle of yummy flavored liquors and directions and you'll have a friend for life! *************************** Hot Cocoa and Homemade Marshmallows Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence See this recipe on air Saturday Dec. 16 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Show: Food Network Specials Episode: All Star Holiday Gifts 3/4 cup powdered milk 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate Homemade Marshmallows, recipe follows Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Take the bittersweet chocolate and roughly chop it up to give a chunky but consistent size. Mix well with a wooden spoon and then store in a dry airtight container. To make the hot chocolate, simply add 1 cup of water per 1/2 cup of hot cocoa mix. Heat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat until hot, but do not boil, about 6 to 7 minutes. Serve with marshmallows. Homemade Marshmallows: 1/4 cup powdered gelatin 1 cup cold water 2 cups sugar 2 egg whites 2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting pan and marshmallows Butter, for greasing pan In a medium sized saucepan soak the gelatin in the water. After the gelatin has softened, approximately 10 minutes, add the regular sugar and then gently dissolve over low heat, approximately 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. In a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks and then fold in the sifted confectioners' sugar. While the mixer is on low, slowly poor in the cooled gelatin mixture. Increase the speed and beat until white and thick. The volume should double in size. Line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with high sides with foil, grease slightly with butter, and coat with confectioners' sugar. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet, but the marshmallows will not be as tall. Pour marshmallow mixture in and top with more sifted confectioners' sugar. Leave out overnight or for at least 3 hours to set. The marshmallow should be light and spongy when set. Loosen marshmallow from edges of tray and invert onto a large cutting board. Peel off foil and use a large knife to cut the marshmallows into cubes. Dredge each piece in confectioners' sugar. Fri Dec 08 19:19:27 -0800 2006 2082451 57617 SChalfant