Make the perfect Hot Chocolate - World Chocolate Day

What can I use instead of unsweetened cocoa powder or ground cinnamon if I don't have them?

If you don't have the measured 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder, substitute 2 tablespoons of instant hot cocoa mix (omit the separate sugar), and if you lack the 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon you can skip it or add a tiny pinch of nutmeg when whisking the dry ingredients.

My chocolate paste is lumpy or the milk boiled; how do I fix that?

If the cocoa paste is lumpy, sift the cocoa before measuring or whisk the cocoa, sugar, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of milk longer until smooth, and if the milk starts to boil remove the saucepan from heat immediately and let it cool slightly before adding the paste.

How can I adapt this hot chocolate activity for different ages?

For toddlers let them do step measuring and whisking the paste while an adult handles the saucepan warming in the 'have an adult warm the remaining milk' step, for school-age kids let them whisk the final mixture to froth, and for teens let them warm the milk on low with supervision and try flavor variations.

What are some ways to enhance or personalize the hot chocolate after making it?

Personalize your drink by stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of chili or orange zest when you pour the chocolate paste into the warm milk, adding optional toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows, and then photograph your finished perfect hot chocolate to share on DIY.org.