Anyone else in the mood for some good old-fashioned hot chocolate?  It has been cold here for a couple days now and I want nothing more than to snuggle under a blanket with a warm cup of cocoa.  This is a recipe my husband and I have been using for years.

Here is what you need to make this creamy hot chocolate:

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 3 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• flavored coffee creamer to taste

Here is how to make it:

• Combine the water, cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan.  Bring this mixture to a slow boil, stirring constantly.
• Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes.
• Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil!
•  Remove from heat and add vanilla.
• Divide between 4 mugs and add flavored creamer as desired. (We love pumpkin spice and mint.)
• As an extra special treat, you can top it off with whipped cream or marshmallows.