Every year for the holidays, my family bundles up and gets into the car to drive around the Wake Forest neighborhoods decked out in lights. We never try to keep up with the Joneses, but we’re thankful for those who do, providing us with spectacular displays to see at the cost of only a bit of gas in the tank. We also bring along with us thermoses of hot chocolate and have Christmas carols singing from the speakers to further encourage the cheer.

I can’t bring you along in the car but I can share with you my cocoa recipe. While melting chocolate in milk over the stove is all very well and good, my recipe requires a little less oversight.