• Sift the cocoa powder (to remove any lumps), sugar, and salt into a large bowl.
• Whisk all ingredients until fully combined.
• Store in an airtight container.
• To serve – Warm one cup of your choice of milk, or non-dairy alternative, add 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix and give it a good stir.
• To make 8 servings, add 1 cup mix to 8 cups hot milk.

HOW TO MAKE A HOT CHOCOLATE BOARD

What to put on your board? 

• Here are some ideas to get you started - marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, peppermint sticks and candies, caramels, peanut butter cups, chocolate truffles, any kind of cookies, meringues, gingerbread, brownies, sprinkles, candied ginger, candied orange zest, flavored syrups, ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks, instant coffee, or espresso powder. Be sure to add something salty to balance all that sugar, mixed nuts are perfect.

To assemble your abundant board:

• Start with the largest items first, spaced evenly around the board. Odd numbers tend to look best. Be sure you have something to add height and visual interest, like candy canes. Next arrange the medium sized items, like cookies, looking for contrast in shape, color, and texture. Avoid straight lines and go for curves instead. Lastly, fill in any empty space with small items like candies leaving no bare board.
• To add interest, add elements like ribbons, ornaments, and mini lights. But don’t include anything that’s not edible that might look edible to the kiddies (poinsettias and holly berries!). That’s a recipe for disaster.