Mass Production: Cocoa Mix and Chai

We are all stocked up for winter. Applesauce in the freezer. Hot cocoa and chai mix tucked in the cupboard. The staples of life, right? Maybe not, but little pleasures certainly. I'll share my recipes for the chai mix and cocoa. I don't often have a cup of either, they have too much sugar. But the kids love them. And best of all, they keep my husband happy. The only warning I'll issue is that this is a dusty process. You might need to wipe down your cupboards afterwards and you must blend the mixture. That is the part of the process that helps the mix dissolve well in hot water.

Chai Tea Mix

2 c. sugar

2 tsp. vanilla

3 c. powdered milk

1 ½ c. instant tea

2 tsp. ginger

2 tsp. cinnamon (I often leave this out)

1 tsp. ground cloves (and sometimes leave this out too)

1 tsp. ground cardamom

In a small bowl combine sugar and vanilla and allow to dry.  After it has dried out; break up any clumps. In a large bowl mix all ingredients.  In a blender, blend the mix, 1 c. at a time until it is a fine powder.  Put the mix into containers and attach the following instructions:

            For each mug of tea, mix 2 rounded tablespoons of chai tea mix with hot water.

Hot Cocoa Mix

16 c. powdered dry milk

1 ¼ c. cocoa powder

5 c. sugar

½ tsp. salt

In large bowl, mix all ingredients well and store in an air tight container.  Run it through the blender for a smooth hot cocoa mix.

Package in glass canning jars and attach a card that says:

            For a delicious cup of hot cocoa, put 1/3 c. mix into a large mug, pour in boiling water, and stir.