Gots to keep this badboy short: we’re off to the country on this bright, sunshiny, morning.

“Our bags are packed and we’re ready to go…” (*she sing-songs*)…

(*the sing-along continues*) ”…with a jar of hot chocolate mix innnnn tow…”

*the far-from-melodious-singing ends abruptly*

I’ve never really been one for musicals. But I have always been one for a steaming mug of chocolatey-goodness. And this hot chocolate mix is juuuuusst the ticket. The mixes available in store are full of who-knows-what ingredients and often produce a watery excuse for a hot chocolate.

This mix makes a creamy, comforting, chocolatey, hot chocolate. Just the way it should be. And with the notes of cinnamon and the small hint of cayenne, it’s pretty much the best thing ever.

It makes me want to go outside and build a snowman. What a shame that there’s no snow yet. Yes, it’s a darn shame.

Good thing that I don’t actually need an excuse; hot chocolate-in-the-country-in-front-of-a-fire here. I. come.

Hot Chocolate Mix

Adapted from Alton Brown

Ingredients
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2 1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 Tbsp cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Hot water

Directions
1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and incorporate evenly. In a small pot, heat 4 to 6 cups of water.
2. Fill your mug 1/4-full with the mixture and pour in hot water (or any variety of milk). Stir to combine. Alternately, you could stir 2 heaping Tbsp of the mix into your morning coffee for a delish mocha.
3. Seal the rest in an airtight container, keeps indefinitely in the pantry.