Snow Day = Food Frenzy!

I don't know about you, but when I'm snowed in for the day all I can think about is food! We here in the northeast have just been slammed with winter storms this year, and we've had a fair share of snow days as a result. Whether you work in an office or you're still a student, the minute that phone call/e-mail/text hits about closings due to inclement weather, a certain excitement takes over, and suddenly you're a little kid again. Gotta love those instant days off! :) For me, after the giddy spell passes, my next thought is, "What should I bake today?" Cookies, bread, cupcakes - the sky's the limit when the snow starts to fall!

A recent snow day of mine was kicked off with a lovely cup of homemade hot chocolate, made with Scharffen Berger cocoa. If you've never sampled the chocolate bliss that is Scharffen Berger - I highly recommend you treat yourself to this little luxury as soon as possible! An early Valentine's Day present from my boyfriend, the comforting vintage art of that sweet tin called to me as the snow continued to fall one snowy morning. It didn't take me long to decide what to do: Snow Day item No. 1 would be a good, old-fashioned cup of hot cocoa. I'm not talking about the tasteless stuff in those instant packets either. Just add water? No way! Making your own hot cocoa only calls for a few ingredients - and even though it might take a few more minutes of your time, the tasty reward is worth the extra effort! Here's my recipe for a heavenly cup of cocoa. If you can't find Scharffen Berger cocoa powder, then you can just use any other kind of unsweetened cocoa powder and simply add sugar to taste. Treat yourself to a warm mug of this decadent hot chocolate on your next snow day! :)

Snow Day Hot Cocoa

3 tablespoons Scharffen Berger sweetened cocoa powder, plus a pinch for garnish
2 tablespoons water
8 ounces milk
freshly whipped cream (optional)

Mix cocoa powder and water together until a smooth paste is formed. Set aside. Warm the milk in a saucepan on medium low heat, whisking occasionally - do not allow the milk to boil. When milk is barely simmering, remove from heat and add the cocoa paste, stirring to remove any lumps. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra cocoa powder.

Makes 1 8-ounce serving.