Homemade hot chocolate mix can be packaged in mason jars and given as heart-felt gifts that your loved ones will appreciate during the cold weather months. This vegan-friendly cocoa mix is especially gift-worthy because it is made with a vanilla bean. Mmmm, mmmm amazingly good.

Vanilla Bean Hot Chocolate Mix

Yields 5 cups

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 vanilla bean, split crosswise
• 16 ounces chopped dark chocolate
• 1 cup cocoa powder

Directions:

1. Place the sugar in a large jar.
2. Open the vanilla bean and use a knife to scrape the vanilla seeds into the sugar. Add the pod.
3. Cover jar and let it sit overnight.
4. Add chocolate and pulse until it is finely ground.
5. Remove vanilla pod from the sugar. Add chocolate and cocoa powder to sugar, stirring until well-combined.
6. Seal jar and store in the pantry for up to 6 months.

To make hot chocolate: For each serving, heat 8 ounces dairy-free milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the cocoa mix. Serve with your favorite cocoa toppings.

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