So, say you’ve just been outside shovelling after a snowstorm.  Amongst my friends, the proper reward for such toils is a nice hot mug of cocoa.  So when my roommates and I got back in from an epic shovelling attack tonight, I went straight for the cupboard.

Here’s the thing though – I’m pretty sure I am actually incapable of following the directions on those canisters of cocoa mix.  And I’m totally okay with that.

What I do is:

Heat up water or milk to a bare simmer.

Add about 2-3 times as much cocoa mix as the instructions call for. I like my cocoa super thick.

Add some amount (depending on how many people I’m making cocoa for) of semisweet chocolate chips. And sometimes butterscotch chips, if I’m feel extra feisty and have any on hand.

Whisk until everything is blended together (and the chocolate chips have melted, naturally)

Add a dash or two of cinnamon and a dash of ground cardamom.  Whisk to combine.

Dish it out!  Optional: top with homemade whipped cream, or big marshmallows.

(This is a very rich drink – none of my roommates can handle more than a mug of it. Just so you know. =) )