Making hot chocolate for 20 kids?

Making hot chocolate for 20 kids can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and serve hot chocolate for a large group of children:

Ingredients:

- 1 gallon of milk

- 2 cups of chocolate chips or cocoa powder

- 1/2 cup of sugar (or more, depending on your preference)

- Marshmallows, whipped cream, and other toppings (optional)

Equipment:

- Large pot or stockpot

- Whisk

- Measuring cups

- Spoons

- Mugs or cups for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat Milk:

- In a large pot or stockpot, bring the gallon of milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching.

2. Add Chocolate and Sugar:

- Once the milk is simmering, add the chocolate chips or cocoa powder and sugar. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and combined with the milk.

- If using cocoa powder, ensure that there are no lumps.

3. Adjust Sweetness:

- Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness, if necessary, by adding more sugar. Remember that children often prefer sweeter drinks, so err on the side of sweetness.

4. Toppings (Optional):

- If desired, add marshmallows, whipped cream, or any other toppings at this stage. Stir gently to incorporate.

5. Allow to Cool:

- Let the hot chocolate cool down slightly, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. Be careful not to overheat the milk, as this could cause it to separate or curdle.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

- Once the hot chocolate has reached a drinkable temperature, distribute it into mugs or cups. Serve to the kids and let them enjoy their warm and delicious treat!

Tips:

- To save time, you can use pre-made hot chocolate mixes. Just follow the package instructions and adjust the quantity according to the number of kids.

- If you're worried about the hot chocolate cooling down too quickly, you can keep the pot on low heat and serve the hot chocolate as the kids are ready.

- Be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among the kids. Consider offering options like dairy-free or sugar-free hot chocolate for those who may need it.