Creamy Cocoa

We won't ever go back to packet cocoa after trying this out! :)

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Combine the cocoa & sugar and stir until blended in a saucepan. Whisk in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to an easy boil while you stir. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and heat until very hot, but do not boil! Remove from heat and add vanilla. Divide between 4 mugs. Add the cream to the mugs of cocoa to cool it to drinking temperature. Top with Whipped Cream, or Marshmallow Cream.