Stop buying premixed hot cocoa drinks. It’s cheaper, healthier and so much better-tasting to make your own. I started experimenting with this after being inspired by the movie Chocolat.

The simplest and easiest recipe is right on your powdered cocoa box. Here it is:

HOT COCOA

Serves 6

1. Mix 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and a dash of salt in a saucepan; stir in 1/3 cup hot water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils; boil and stir 2 minutes.

2. Stir in 4 cups milk slowly, and heat. Do not boil.

3. Remove from heat, add vanilla or other flavorings. Flavorings I sometimes use are orange, mint or almond.

For something truly decadent, try this, inspired by the movie Chocolat:

RICH DRINKING CHOCOLATE

Serves 4-6

1. Follow step 1 above, or melt a bunch of chocolate to cover the bottom of the saucepan. You can use chocolate-chips, a chocolate candy bar, pieces of candy-making chocolate from the craft store, etc. You can choose to make it milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a mixture of both.

2. Instead of milk, slowly stir in some whole whipping cream, from 1/4-3/4 cup. Incorporate it well till you have a thick chocolate sauce.

3. Slowly add several cups of half-and-half, whole milk, or a mixture of the two. Let it heat as you add it. Add as little or as much half-and-half or milk until it reaches the richness or milkiness you prefer. Taste as you go.

4. Once you see steam rising from the top, it is hot enough. Remove from heat and add vanilla or any other flavorings you desire. (See note above about flavorings.)

5. Pour into individual mugs. Add a sprinkle of chili powder on top. You’ll love it!