By Karen Gaudette

PCC Natural Markets

It’s easy to treat yourself or someone special in your life to a perfect winter warmer: an easy cocoa mix that features a double hit of chocolate bundled with the pleasant spice and scent of anise seed and cinnamon. Chocolately, creamy, dreamy … all that’s missing is the perfect mug to serve it up, plus a plate of cookies to savor alongside on a frosty night.

Spiced Cocoa Mix

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

2/3 cup sugar

½ cup cocoa powder (we prefer Equal Exchange, which is fairly traded)

¾ cup powdered dry milk

½ teaspoon anise seed, toasted and crushed (look for these in the spice section)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

To toast the anise seed, stir it in a heavy pan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes, then cool and crush to release flavor and fragrance. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well.

Package in glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Tie on a label with these instructions: To make the hot cocoa, add 3 tablespoons mix to 6 ounces of boiling water. Stir until chocolate chips dissolve.

Recipe by Roxanne Winship and Sara Walsh, PCC Natural Markets staff. Find more homemade gift ideas at pccnaturalmarkets.com/holiday