NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me . . . .

Hot Cocoa Mix

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra rich flavor.  The recipe makes enough for four gift size portions.  I put mine mixture in jelly jars.  Cut out a 6 1/2 inch circle and used it to decorate the jar.  Fill a snack size baggie with a handful of mini marshmallows and peppermint sticks to stir the hot cocoa.  Don't forget to include a tag with the following instructions:  "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of coca mix into your mug, add boiling water, and stir well.:

Ingredients

•  2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.  What I would do is mix the chocolate chips last.  Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you are ready to package it.  It makes about 4 cups of cocoa mix.