*** A WORD FROM THE KITCHEN ***

Halloween is finally on a weekend we'll have more timeto do fun stuff with the kids...now if only the weather will be nice for them. This is a great time to try somenew cold weather drinks like hot ciders and homemade hot cocoas. I've included a flavorful HOMEMADE VANILLA COCOA version below and you can try substitute cinnamon too. I know of people who add other things like peppermint schnapps too but I like to enjoy it with the kiddies. Another great thing to try with apple cider being so plentiful right now is a super quick fix. Just microwave in a mug with a cinnamon stick for a few minutes and you've got yourself a treat. Kids love this too and can use the cinnamon stick as a straw.... just don't let them eat it.

RECIPE: HOMEMADE HOT VANILLA COCOA *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
INGREDIENTS:
1 quart milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 teaspoon vanilla (or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon)
whipped cream for topping

DIRECTIONS:In saucepan, combine sugar and cocoa. Add a few tablespoons of milk and heat over medium high heat, stirring constantly. The heat will make it easier to dissolve the cocoa. When the sugar,cocoa and milk have formed a paste, add the remainder of the milk plus the vanilla or cinnamon and heat until steaming. Pour into mugs, top with a bit of whipped cream and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings