Who doesn’t love a cup of hot cocoa during the cold winter months? A cup of good hot cocoa reminds me of all the fond and wonderful things the holidays are made of: tree lightings, cool night strolls to watch Christmas lights, and mittens.

I learned recently that there’s a difference between hot cocoa vs. hot chocolate. Some of my friends prefer hot chocolate, which is richer, with an intense and robust chocolate flavor. On a trip to San Francisco, some friends and I had stopped by the infamous Dandelion Chocolate shop at the Mission District. My friend had ordered their hot chocolate, which was rich, creamy, and potent. Though delicious in small sips, I found my tongue wandering off to the likes of Swiss Miss’s hot cocoa mix.

It was a slight disgrace to the art of chocolate that was being bestowed upon me, but I couldn’t help it.

But on days where looking at the back of a Swiss Miss packet makes my heart burn, I opt for this simple recipe. Sometimes, a spontaneous cup of hot chocolate is just what one needs.

Also, don’t forget the marshmallows!