We’ve been dealing with a lot of snow and ice this week in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Here is my street at sunset on Day 3 of the storms:

And here is my neighborhood on the morning of Day 4, when the roads turned into ice rinks (for cars!). Why was I out driving?!?

And here is the best part of a snow day – my Grandma’s Hot Cocoa and extra time with my kids who were home from school!

And this photo is actually a 4 generation photo…I’ll explain!

I come from a long line of women who leave their love sprinkled in quilts and recipes, and I love that we can remember them through the work of their hands. Four generations came together to create this snow day memory for my kids, even though we weren’t all physically there. Great grandma created the recipe, grandma made the quilt they bundled up in, and I made the cocoa for my girls who will love and care for the next generation.

When I sat down to write this post, I got a little teary eyed.  I sure miss my Grandma, it’s been almost 20 years since I’ve seen her.  I’m so glad I can make her hot cocoa, even if I can’t visit her anymore. She lived in the southern Utah dessert, where the dirt is red and the sun is relentless, but her house was always the most welcoming place in the world.  Clean, peaceful, and full of love.

I didn’t take any method photos of the hot cocoa because I was distracted by a house full of kids running in and out. But here’s the recipe, it’s the best around.  Enjoy!

Grandma’s Old Fashioned Hot Chocolate

2/3 cups granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of kosher salt
2/3 cup water
8 cup whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Mix sugar, cocoa, salt and water in 6 qt stockpot. Let gently boil until sugar is dissolved. Add 8 c milk and beat with a wire whisk. Heat to desired temperature. Mix in vanilla. Top with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles!