Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa

The youngest Veggie Son turned 4 at the end of February.  For his birthday he chose to have  Polar Express party.  I tried to explain to him that the Polar Express is really about Christmas, but he insisted that he wanted to ride the Polar Express with his friends for his birthday.  Not being able to actually get the train to the house I opted instead to serve hot cocoa and make the house seems as frosty as possible.  

The recipe below is based on my one serving Hot Cocoa recipe and to make it more party friendly I adapted it further for my small crock pot.  Yes, I have two crock pots.  A large one for making dinners, and a small one used for side dishes and beverages. Both are true Crock-Pot crock pots and I highly recommend going with that brand.  They always heat perfectly. 

The Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoons salt

1/2 gallon milk

1 tablespoon vanilla or 1 tablespoon cinnamon (your choice)

The Tools

a small slow cooker (1 qt to 1.5 qt)

a whisk 

cups with lids, if serving to 4 year olds ;-)

The Slow Cooking

Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and whisk to combine.  Cook for 2-4 hours on low.

Serve warm and prettily if giving to adults.  If giving to children, go with disposable lidded cups!