I make hot chocolate frequently.

I grab as many mugs as I have takers.

I put one tablespoon of cocoa powder into each mug, followed by two heaping tablespoons of ordinary white sugar.

I add one or two tablespoons of milk, and stir it into a thick paste. My favorite milk these days is carried by Safeway: Natrel Organic Homogenized milk, 3.25% milk fat. It has a nice taste.

Make sure that all the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, because little balls of cocoa powder will taste rather bitter. You can use the back of a spoon to press any renegade cocoa bits against the inside of the mug.

Add enough milk to fill the mug.

Stir.

Microwave for a couple of minutes.

Remove and stir again.

Taste a spoonful.

Add more sugar.

Microwave for about 30 seconds more.

Add a small handful of mini-marshmallows for those who like them.

Serve.