This mix came about because I am a rebel. I see some value in following instructions to the letter, but I am also a deviant. When I got tired of the usual cocoa, I let my imagination go wild. I created a few variations in my mind that I have yet to physically assemble, but this one is gold. So on the off occasion when I feel like being domestic, I whip up this delightful winter treat.
A major advantage of this recipe mix is that it rotates the powdered milk in my food storage. If you don't use it, it goes bad. Rather than toss it upon its expiration date, I try to incorporate it into a few things. This recipe will use almost an entire #10 can of dry milk.
I use the powdered milk from the dry pack cannery (see providentliving.org). It is POWDERED milk, which is more for baking/cooking, I'm told. I have a feeling that the INSTANT milk I get from THRIVE (see freezedriedfrenzy.thrivelife.com) might taste a little better. Instant milk is more for drinking. I have yet to use the instant milk in this recipe as I'm trying to rotate through the other (I promise to try it on the next batch). If you have neither in your storage, you can pick up the boxed stuff at your favorite grocery store in the baking aisle.
There are many variations you will think of as well. As long as your ratios stay the same, the formulas will work for any combination. I often substitute whatever I have on hand. Feel free to do the same. There are many non dairy creamer flavors on the market these days.
The original recipe is courtesy of The Make-A-Mix Cookery by Karine Eliason, Nevada Harward & Madeline Westover. This beauty from the 1970's was a mainstay in my mother's arsenal of cookbooks. It wasn't until I set up my own kitchen that I discovered the genius of this homemade mix system. My mother used to make giant Tupperware containers full of the hot cocoa mix. We would take it camping or sometimes drink it on the rare chilly Arizona evenings.
Here is my variation:
Hot Strawberry Cream10 2/3 cups instant dry milk
1 6oz jar powdered non dairy creamer (amaretto flavored)
3 cups powdered sugar
21 oz container Nestle Strawberry Quick
1 TBSP Powdered Strawberry Flavoring
1 cup crushed freeze dried strawberries
Mix well in a large bowl and store in an airtight container. Use within 6 months.
Directions: Mix 3 heaping Tablespoons of mix with one cup of hot water.
Crush berries in a zip bag with a rolling pin.
There you have it! What variations will you create?
