Hot Cocoa for a Crowd

• sugar↗1 1⁄2 cups
• cocoa↗1⁄2 cup
• salt↗1⁄4 teaspoon
• milk↗12 cups
• vanilla extract↗4 teaspoons
• sweetened whipped cream

  optional

• additional cocoa↗

  optional

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in a 4- to 6-quart saucepan.

2. 2

   Heat milk in microwave until hot, but not boiling; gradually add to cocoa mixture, stirring until well-blended.

3. 3

   Stir in vanilla.

4. 4

   Serve immediately or keep warm over very low heat for up to 2 hours.

5. 5

   At serving time, stir; pour into mugs.

6. 6

   Garnish with whipped cream; sift cocoa over whipped cream if desired.