Basic Cocoa Syrup

We like to know what’s in our cocoa; and this syrup from "Farm Journal Thrifty Cook" takes just minutes to prepare, and blends with milk perfectly, without any grittiness.   I still like Hershey’s plain, unsweetened cocoa for good flavor.
They intended this recipe as a make-ahead for parties, but I make the smaller amount for us, that lasts us several days.   Myrna likes it with a little bit of coffee added.

Use a large enough pan, it boils up quite a bit.  It is not canned; it is just stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator until used.              

                     Basic Cocoa Syrup

10 Servings	40 Servings
½ cup	2 cups	Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 cup	4 cups	Sugar
1/16 teaspoon	¼ teaspoon	Salt
1 cup	4 cups	Boiling Water
1 teaspoon	4 teaspoons	Vanilla Extract
For One Serving	For Six Servings	Hot Cocoa
1 cup	6 cups	Milk
2 tablespoons	¾ cup	Basic Cocoa Syrup
1 ¼ Cups	1 ¼ Quart	Total Syrup

1.      Combine cocoa, sugar, sugar and salt in saucepan (a whisk works well for this).  Gradually add boiling water, stirring until mixture is smooth. (I microwave my water in the measuring cup).

2.      Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture comes to a boil.  Boil 1 minute without stirring.

3.      Remove from heat and cool; stir in vanilla.  Pour into glass jar; cover and refrigerate until needed.

To make cocoa, heat milk until bubbles form around edges of pan.  Add Basic Cocoa Syrup, stirring until well-blended with milk.  Pour into hot mugs.   (Stir or shake the cocoa syrup before measuring into pan or cups to make sure chocolate hasn't settle to the bottom of the mixture.)

Alternately, mix as above, microwave in cups or large measuring cup, 1-2 minutes per serving or until as hot as desired.

2016 Cost:  35¢ per serving with milk
Myrna Says:
Lyle and I like this recipe a lot and often I add coffee flavoring to the syrup mixture, try about 1/8 teaspoon for the 10 servings recipe.  Frontier is the brand I buy or you could use a coffee flavored liquor if you are serving just to adults. The liquor I add to each cup when preparing it.