Christmas trees and Cocoa!

Gentleman Farmer had the day off work on Thursday, so he and I decided to hop in the 'sleigh' and head to the hills for our annual Christmas Tree Hunt!

The day was sunny and bright, unlike many other years where we've "enjoyed" snow, rain, sleet or cold!

After searching for an hour or two, tromping through the acres of trees, we succeeded in our quest for the perfect tree. We've been coming to this same place for years, and we somehow always seem to find the "best tree on the place." I wonder how that works?It was a Noble Fir ( Gentleman Farmer prefers Nobles to the many other types available), the perfect height for the low ceilings in our home, and it was a lovely blue-green color! The lovely "Tannenbaum" was cut, tied to the rooftop of our 'sleigh' and then we dashed home with our treasure. Soon it will be adorned with festive ornaments and twinkling lights.

As we decorate our lovely tree, with the fire crackling and music playing, we shall have a steaming cup of hot cocoa! Not just any old premade cocoa mix, mind you! My favorite recipe is the one my Grandpa used to make for me; rich, creamy and sweet! Here is his recipe:

Grandpa's hot cocoa

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2 Tablespoons Hershey's Natural Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 (or more!) Tablespoons Sugar

Add just enough evaporated milk to make a thick paste

Continue to fill your cup a little more than halfway with the canned milk

Finish filling cup with boiling hot water.

Stir and enjoy with your favorite tree decorating partner! ;~}

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Here are some recipes for four flavors of homemade cocoa mix that make lovely Christmas gifts.

Just layer the ingredients in a pretty jar, add a ribbon and a tag with directions.

[On the back of the tag, add these directions; Mix contents in a large bowl. For each serving, place 1/3 cup cocoa mix in a mug and stir in 1 cup boiling water. Store remainng mix in airtight container.]

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Mexican Cocoa

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup chopped Mexican chocolate (like Ibarra, found in the Hispanic food isle)

Cinnamon sticks

Makes 1 quart mix or 12 servings

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Peppermint Stick Cocoa

1 cup powdered milk

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon salt,

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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Mocha Cocoa

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup espresso powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 Tablespoon salt

1/2 bittersweet chocolate or miniature chocolate chips

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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Classic Cocoa

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup powdered milk

1 Tablespoon salt

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/2 miniature marshmallows

Makes 1 quart or 12 servings

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All this talk about cocoa has me craving a nice hot mug! Anyone care to join me?

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"How sweet are Thy words to my taste!" Psalm 119:103