Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deluxe Creamy Hot Cocoa Gift Mix?
It is a homemade dry mix combining powdered milk, chocolate pudding, and cocoa to create a rich and creamy hot chocolate drink.
How do I prepare a single cup of this cocoa?
Dissolve 1/3 cup of the mix into 1 cup or more of boiling water and stir well with a cinnamon stick.
What kind of chocolate pudding mix should I use?
You should use a 5-ounce package of regular chocolate pudding mix, not the instant variety.
How long does the cocoa mix stay fresh?
When stored in a tightly sealed jar in a cool, dry place, the mix will keep well for up to 3 months.
How many jars does this recipe fill?
This recipe is designed to be divided evenly into two 1-quart glass jars, making it ideal for gifting.
What type of coffee creamer is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of French vanilla non-dairy powdered coffee creamer.
Do I need to sift any of the ingredients?
Yes, the unsweetened cocoa powder should be sifted before being added to the mixture.
What brand of chocolate drink mix is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a powdered instant chocolate drink mix such as Nestle Nesquick.
Are the cinnamon sticks for the mix or for stirring?
The cinnamon sticks are intended for stirring the prepared drink to add an aromatic touch and enhance the flavor.
How much powdered milk is required?
You will need 6 1/2 cups of powdered milk for this recipe.
Can I use cold water to make the drink?
No, you must use boiling water to properly dissolve the powdered milk and pudding mix components.
How much confectioners' sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar to provide sweetness and a smooth texture.
What size jars are needed for storage?
You should use two clean and dry 1-quart glass jars.
How do I decorate the jars for gifts?
You can use ribbons, stickers, or customized labels, and attach a cinnamon stick to each jar with string or ribbon.
Is the cocoa powder sweetened?
No, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
What is the ratio of mix to water for one serving?
The recommended ratio is 1/3 cup of the dry mix to at least 1 cup of boiling water.
Can I use this recipe for holiday treats?
Yes, it is categorized as a holiday treat and is perfect for cozy nights or as a festive gift.
How many ingredients are in the mix?
There are 7 ingredients total, including the optional cinnamon sticks.
Should the mixture be stirred before jarring?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir well until they are evenly mixed before distributing into jars.
Where should the sealed jars be stored?
Store the jars in a cool, dry place to maintain the quality of the powdered ingredients.
Can I use a different flavor of coffee creamer?
While the recipe calls for French vanilla, you can experiment with other powdered creamer flavors to customize the taste.
Is this a dairy-free recipe?
No, it contains a significant amount of powdered milk.
What type of cocoa is used?
The recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder.
How many cinnamon sticks should I include?
The recipe suggests 2-4 sticks, allowing you to provide one or two per gift jar.
Does this mix contain salt?
No, salt is not listed as an ingredient in this specific cocoa mix recipe.
Can I prepare this in a smaller batch?
Yes, you can halve the ingredients to fill just one 1-quart jar.
What should the preparation instruction tag say?
The tag should say: 'Dissolve 1/3 cup of the mix in 1 cup (or more) of boiling water. Stir with the attached cinnamon stick and indulge!'
Does the recipe use granulated sugar?
No, it uses confectioners' sugar which dissolves more easily in the hot beverage.
Is the pudding mix used in its dry form?
Yes, the dry pudding mix is combined directly with the other powdered ingredients.
Can I use milk instead of water to prepare the final drink?
While the instructions call for boiling water, using hot milk would make the cocoa even richer.