The snow suit story first the the recipe for old fashioned hot cocoa later.
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 older sister Mona. Then glory of glories in late August Mother bought me a new snow suit. I was so overjoyed I insisted on wearing it, but not for long. The temperature was 75°F.
It was one piece, a deep forest green colour, a zippered front and matching hat. Tres chic!
Finally the snow came.
Finally I could wear my new snowsuit.
I was zipped me into it. A long woolen scarf around my neck. Warm mitts with strings attached.
There was snow but it wasn’t really cold.
I was dressed in woolen underwear,
a woolen sweater,
a wool skirt,
long brown stockings that bagged at the knees,
and my wool snowsuit.
I was unbearably warm. I did what I thought was logical. I unzipped my snow suit. Took my arms out of the sleeves and bunched the suit around my waist. Fortunately for me our mailman saw me wandering in the field next to our home snow suit dragging on the snow behind me. It ended well – 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.
Bel' Occhio 