I was five years old when I had my first new snowsuit. Mother was a thrifty woman and memories of the depression were strong. I wore hand-me-downs from my sister Mona. But in late August I was so overjoyed to be receiving something new I insisted on wearing my snowsuit.
It was one piece, a deep forest green in colour, a zippered front and matching hat. Tres chic!
Finally the snow came. Finally I could wear my new snowsuit. Mother zipped me into it, tied a woolen scarf around my neck and set me out to play. I remember that day clearly. Yes, we had snow but it wasn’t really that cold. I was dressed in woolen underwear, a woolen sweater and then my wool snowsuit. I was unbearably warm. I did what I thought was logical. I started taking my snowsuit off. Fortunately our mailman saw me , snow suit dragging on the snow behind me, wandering around in the field next to our home. It ended well with me sitting in front of the wood burning kitchen stove, sipping cocoa.
MY MOTHER’S OLD FASHIONED HOT COCOA
For one chilly child or one adult with a really good book to read
In a small saucepan put a generous cup of milk, a heaping spoonful of cocoa powder, a heaping spoonful of brown sugar or honey, a handful of dark chocolate grated (or use chips), a splash of pure vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk until well combined and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Feel free to stir in a few pinches of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, or cardamon. It’s your cocoa.
