photo by: John Young

Peppermint Cocoa Gifts

I have a new(ish) job at The Willow Domestic Violence Center. It is a great transition for me and I get to do fun things mostly about talking to and training willing and amazing volunteers all day long. I like to try to keep those volunteers happy. They work really hard, FOR FREE.

Of course, we don’t have much in terms of resources for buying gifts for volunteers, but I’m well aware that a little food and drink go a long way toward keeping folks satisfied in their work, so I try to bring them gifts of sweets and treats when they go above and beyond the call of duty.

These little gifts are an inexpensive and cute way for me to say “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU” to our volunteers. Maybe there is someone on your list who needs a little something sweet this year as well.

I buy the small mason jars by the case (2 and 5/8 inches tall) and use them for holding condiments at parties, or canning cute little pots of jam, or keeping paperclips, whatever. They’re just handy little suckers.

So I decided they were the perfect size for a large serving of hot cocoa mix or two reasonably sized ones, and how cute and easy is that for an edible gift? Make a little tag on your computer and you’re set to go. It doesn’t have to be a Christmas gift, but just a winter “hey I love you gift” is fine too.

Peppermint Cocoa Gifts

Makes one jar

3 tablespoons powdered milk
1/2 (scant) cup Dutch process cocoa
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon crushed peppermint candy
A few mini marshmallows

Just layer in the ingredients, starting with powdered milk, then cocoa, then sugar. Top with peppermint and marshmallows last.

Put your instructions (add about 2.5 cups of hot water to the mix) on a little tag and you’re ready to go! Just be sure to remind them to remove the marshmallows before they mix it up.

For just a few dollars you can make a dozen of these jars and bring happiness and cocoa everywhere you go!