February 18, 2013 Snow Spirits and Real Hot Chocolate

At last a walk after bone chilling weather. On Saturday it snowed, big fat flakes falling quickly as if pitched down from snow spirits high up in the clouds, blanketing the trees, houses and ground with 3 to 4 inches.  A beautiful sight.  I made hot chocolate.

Today there remains some snow along the trail in the shady places.  Some of the trees have the beginnings of red budding.  From the Little River Roasting Company, there is the aroma of burned coffee beans.

Here is how to make real hot chocolate the way my mother taught me:

For each cup in a small sauce pan add:

1/4 cup water
a brimming tablespoon of powered chocolate
a tablespoon of sugar
a small pinch of salt
Cook until all dissolved and then add:
2/3 cup milk
(My cousin adds a drop of vanilla at this point. Her mother was my mother's sister so they learned from their mother.)
Heat and pour over a marshmallow or two into your mug and watch the snow fall as you sip.