Peppermint Stick Cocoa

Do you need a last minute gift idea?  I love gifts-in-a-jar because the possibilities are endless.  I've seen hot chocolate in a jar but here is a twist...Peppermint Stick Cocoa. YUM!  I gave these to my daughter's teachers and they loved them.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup powdered milk

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips

1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy 

Directions:

Layer each ingredient in a jar, beginning with the powdered milk on the bottom.

I found it easiest to use miniature candy canes and crush them while they are still in the wrapper.

         Then cut open the wrapper and dump the contents into a measuring cup.

Attach a tag with these directions:

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.  

For each serving, place 1/3 cup of mixture into a mug and add 1 cup boiling water. 

Stir and enjoy.  

Keep remaining mixture in an airtight container.

I found cute free printable tags and tied one onto the jar with some twine.

Note: This recipe fills a 1 pint jar.  You can use this recipe for other size jars, just keep the ratio of ingredients the same (i.e double the amounts for a 1 quart jar).