Recipe for Double Hot Chocolate & French Vanilla Hot Chocolate Mix

With this little cold snap that we are having in Illinois right now, I finally had the chance to put these recipes to use.   No complaining here about our mild winter,  but I am a chocoholic and our above average highs kept me from longing for my favorite winter time drink.  Unfortunately, it had me hunting for chocolate in bar form. :(  After drinking a glass of this double hot chocolate, I am happy... at least  for a few days! ;)  And since my hubby does NOT share my love of  doubly chocolate goodness, I adapted a vanilla hot chocolate recipe that even makes him smile. :)  Are you ready for some recipes?  Here we go...

Double Hot Chocolate Powdered Mix

7 1/2 c.     Nestle Quick  (I actually prefer the IGA Shurfine "no name" brand)

2 3/4 c.     Carnation Creamy Chocolate Coffee Creamer **

2 c.           Powdered Sugar

6 c.           Powdered Milk

Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.   Add three tablespoons (depending on your taste) to 8 oz. of  hot water.  Some of you may want to add less or more depending on personal preference.  If you are like me, throw some marshmallows on top and give it a little blast in the microwave! :)

** The original recipe that I received called for any type of plain coffee creamer.  The kids really liked it, but they flipped over the difference in taste with the Carnation Creamy Chocolate.   The plain creamer gives the drink  a mellower chocolate taste but is very good and cheaper to purchase.  The Carnation creamers due go on sale quite often.  I haven't found a "no name" chocolate creamer in my area grocery store, but maybe there are some in other locations.  Plus, if you check out Carnation's website, they list coupons throughout the year! :)

French Vanilla Hot Chocolate

3 1/2 c.      Nestle Quick (or a "no name" brand)

2 (8oz)       Carnation French Vanilla Nondairy Powdered Creamer (or a "no name" brand)

2 3/4 c.      Nondairy Powdered Creamer (can use French Vanilla for stronger taste)

4c.             Confectioner's Sugar

10 1/2 c.    Powdered Milk

1/2 t.          Salt

Combine all ingredients.  Add 3 heaping T of mix to 8 oz. of water.

I know this is a huge recipe, but this is how the original recipe proportions were before I altered it.  Most of the time, I quarter the recipe and use all French Vanilla creamer (which can be found in a "no name" brand at my IGA).  Not sure what the salt does.  I have left it out, and hubby hasn't missed it! ;)

If you haven't tried making your own Hot Chocolate Mix,  I highly recommend it.  There are plenty of terrific recipes out on the web, and it can really stretch your hard earned dollar.  Plus, it really looks cool in an oversized ball jar! ;)