Very Rich Hot Chocolate Mix & Pecan Muffins

Since most of the nation is experiencing cold I thought I would share a couple of delicious cold weather receipes...

The hot chocolate mix is a great receipe to use for gifting. Who said gifting should only take place at Christmas? Make a batch and take some to your coworkers, neighbors, child's teacher, or send with your spouse to his coworkers. Of course this can keep in a canister or sealed container and used at home. The muffins are delicious, too! Cinnamon and pecans pair great together. The muffins and hot chocolate can be a great breafast to warm you up or even a nice after dinner treat.

VERY RICH HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

8 cups dry milk
1 pound instant chocolate drink, like Swiss Miss or Nestle's Quick
1 cup Dry Cremora or Coffeemate
4 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar

Mix the ingredients and put them into a plastic container or double plastic bag. Label the mix "Rich Hot Chocolate. Add 1/3 cup mix per ¾ cup of boiling water." Makes 24 cups

Pecan Muffins

1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chopped nuts
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 teaspoons cinnamon
2 eggs (beaten)

Sift dry ingredients together and stir in chopped nuts. Mix all liquids (including shortening and eggs). Combine quickly with dry ingredients with little stirring. Bake in muffin tins in a 425 degree oven about 15 minutes.

YIELD: 10 to 12