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Homemade Hot Cocoa

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course beverage, Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ cup hot water
  • 20 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
  • 10 cups whole milk or 2%
  • 2 ½ cups half and half
  • 1 12 ounces can evaporated milk (not fat-free)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

Stove Top Instructions

  • Add the water and cocoa powder to a large stock pot and whisk until mixed.
  • To the cocoa mixture, add the chopped chocolate, milk, half and half, evaporated milk, and salt.
  • Heat over medium heat until the chocolate is melted, stirring periodically.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Start by adding the cocoa powder to a bowl, pour in the hot water, and whisk until mixed.
  • Add the cocoa mixture along with the chopped chocolate, milk, half and half, evaporated milk, and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker or larger. If you're serving this with a hot chocolate bar and toppings, consider leaving out the sugar to avoid the hot chocolate being too sweet. If you're serving the hot chocolate solo, add in the sugar.
  • Cook the hot chocolate on the high setting for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Low for 6 hours is what I prefer. Make sure to stir the hot chocolate every hour to keep the chocolate from settling to the bottom.
  • Keep on the warm setting if you're serving it hot chocolate bar style with toppings on the side. Leftover hot chocolate can be refrigerated for up to one week and warmed in the microwave before serving.
Keyword hot chocolate, hot cocoa