Busy Hands Project # 23 - Hot Cocoa Mix

     Since Father Dragon is the Forest Adviser, many of the creatures that live nearby come to ask his advice each day.  With winter here the number of forest neighbors coming to talk to Father Dragon is even higher than usual.  Everyone talks and laughs together as they wait in the clearing for their turn.  Fiddlebug, who sometimes goes to the clearing with Father Dragon, was watching everyone in the crowd rubbing their hands together and moving around more in order to stay warm on one extra chilly day.  He watched clouds of breath puff out when any of the forest creatures laughed too.  Since Mother Dragon had packed Fiddlebug a thermos of hot cocoa, the little dragon didn't feel near as cold as some of his forest neighbors looked!  This gave him a great idea for a Good Deed!  When he told his parents about his plan they agreed that it was a wonderful idea.  Fiddlebug then told Craig and Bart who thought it would be a whole lot of fun too!  The three friends gathered their supplies, and with the help of Mother and Father Dragon they set up a hot cocoa stand in the clearing for the next Forest Advisor Meeting.  The forest neighbors who had come to talk to Father Dragon loved their surprise, and everyone mentioned how much warmer they felt after they took their first sip of creamy cocoa. 

     Fiddlebug, Bart and Craig all wanted to share their cocoa recipe with you too.  They know that even if you aren't waiting in the clearing to talk to Father Dragon a good cup of hot cocoa is something that will make just about anybody smile!

What you need:

One box of unsweetened cocoa powder

Sugar (or Splenda)

A big bowl

A strainer (optional)

A large spoon

Airtight containers to keep your cocoa mix in when it’s mixed

Your favorite mug

Milk (soy, almond, coconut or rice milk are great too!)

Whipped Cream or little marshmallows (optional)

What you do:

1) Put your strainer inside your bowl.

2) Dump the cocoa powder into the strainer.  Try to do this gently, cocoa powder puffs out into the air and makes you cough if you don’t!

3) Fill the cocoa container with sugar and pour the sugar into the strainer on top of the cocoa.  Fill the container with sugar again and pour it in as well.

4) Gently lift the strainer and jiggle it so the cocoa and sugar mix goes through.  Break up any lumps that can’t make it through the holes.

5) Stir the mixture really well!

6) Fill the airtight containers with the mixture.

7) When you want a cup of cocoa, have a big person heat a mug of milk for you.  Add 3 spoonfuls of cocoa mix and stir it up.  You can add whipped cream or little marshmallows too!

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