massey hot cocoa

this is my mom's famous recipe - made famous because it has traveled the country by everyone who has ever tasted it & begged for the recipe!

{in a regular mug with whipped cream}

1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 teaspoon salt
5 cups water
1 can evaporated milk {NOT non-fat!}
2 cups milk or half 'n' half or heavy cream


1. mix together dry ingredients with water in a soup pot over medium heat until completely blended together {no more cocoa lumps}, & bring to a simmer.

2. add evaporated milk & regular milk. {we prefer half 'n' half to make it richer! and we've been known to make it with heavy cream...} heat through.

serve with mini marshmallows on top or whipped cream.

if you want to enjoy it the massey way, serve it in a soup mug so you get a bigger serving of chocolate & more surface area for marshmallows!

wassail

this is a seasonal favorite in the massey family. we drink it throughout the autumn, & we always drink it on christmas morning {&/or on whatever day we celebrate christmas together}. it's also a staple at "common ground" - the monthly coffeehouse we hold in our basement for our youth group. it's easy to make & reheats well, too!

1 part apple juice
1 part cranberry juice
1 part orange juice

{i buy 64 ounce containers of each juice & dump each entire container in to a large pot together.}

2 cinnamon sticks
6-8 whole cloves

{adjust the ratios of these if you use less juice in a smaller pot.}

1. pour juices together into a large pot.

2. add the whole spices.

3. simmer on low until piping hot. {you can do this on higher heats to make it quicker, but watch it so it doesn't boil over!}

4. remove the whole spices with a slotted spoon. {i actually don't bother.}

that's it - easy peasy!