Hot & Spiced Cocoa   Basic Cocoa 4 c Milk 1/3 c Hot Water 1/4 c Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Perferably Dutch Cocoa) 2/3 c Sugar or Splenda 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Pinch of Salt Whipped Cream (optional)   *Spiced Flavor Choices (Choose ONE of the following flavors) Orange -2 tablespoons Orange Zest (in tea defuser or cheese cloth) Coffee -10 to 20 Whole Coffee Beans (in tea defuser or cheese cloth) Cinnamon - 2 Whole Cinnamon Sticks Mint - 4 to 6 Fresh Whole Mint Leaves Aztec -1 to 2 Whole Dried Chili Peppers (in tea defuser or cheese cloth) Pour milk into a medium sauce pan over medium to low heat.   Bring to a slight simmer.  *Add one of  your choosen spice flavors to the milk and allow to steep for 5-8 minutes.  Meanwhile add water, cocoa and sugar or splenda to another sauce pan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil while whisking until ingredients are desolved and smooth then reduce heat.  Remove (or scoop) flavor elements from the milk.  Pour milk into cocoa mixture then add Vanilla, salt and stir to combine.  Serve in a mug with a dollop of whipped cream (optional) at a comfortably hot temprature - enjoy.   Recipe compliments of Vivid Expressions LLC "Vivid Entertaining, The Art of Creative Celebrations"