Have some fun with your children making this easy hot cocoa mix with marshmallow hearts for Valentine's Day. The combination will be a much appreciated gift by a teacher, grandparent, or a special friend on those cold winter days and nights still ahead.

HOT COCOA MIX

1 (8 qt.) box powdered instant nonfat dry milk

1 (1 lb.) box Nestle's Quik

1 (8 oz.) jar powdered coffee creamer

1 c. powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Store in covered jar or other airtight container.

MARSHMALLOW HEARTS

2 c. granulated sugar

3 env. unflavored gelatin

1/8 tsp. salt

2 c. water

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Powdered sugar

Small heart-shaped cookie cutter

13 x 9 inch pan, buttered

Kitchen shears

Wax paper

Large resealable plastic bag

Combine the granulated sugar, gelatin, and salt in a saucepan. Add the water and stir over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves. Heat for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from stove. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat at high speed for 10 minutes (or until mixture resembles thick marshmallow crème). Pour into a buttered 13x9 inch pan. Let cool.

Heat the kitchen shears and cookie cutter in a bowl of hot tap water.

Cut the marshmallow mixture into strips (as wide as the cookie cutter) with warm shears, and lay the strips on wax paper. Cut hearts from the strips with the cookie cutter.

Put about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of powdered sugar into resealable plastic bag. Add the hearts and shake to coat each one.

Store the marshmallow hearts in an airtight container at room temperature.

Optional: If you want to make pink or red marshmallow hearts, add a drop or two of red food coloring after the vanilla extract. You can also experiment with other flavorings besides vanilla. Try a few drops of peppermint flavoring, or raspberry flavoring, etc. instead of the vanilla extract.

To package your hot cocoa mix and marshmallow hearts for a Valentine's Day gift, put a plastic bag of hot cocoa mix and a plastic bag of marshmallows into a large decorative tin. Attach a label that reads - Happy Valentine's Day! Here's a gift straight from my heart to yours - Homemade (by me) Hot Cocoa Mix with Marshmallow Hearts. Directions: For each cup of cocoa, add 2 heaping teaspoonfuls of cocoa mix to cup. Fill with hot water. Stir to mix well, then add a marshmallow and enjoy.

Once you and your children have packaged all your gifts, don't forget to make a batch of hot cocoa mix with marshmallow hearts for yourself and have a sweet Valentine's Day!

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