I have to let you in on a little secret… but don’t tell. My grandmother, Nana, has never been on a commercial flight. Now, I can hear the collective gasp from some of you, but it’s the truth. She’s never had a reason to. But she’s always wanted that experience. I remember as a little boy laying on her couch with my head in her lap, she would tell me, “One day when you’re rich, you can take Nana on an airplane.” Well, a quick check of my bank account revealed that the check from Publisher’s Clearinghouse still hasn’t been deposited, so trust me, I’m far from rich. But I’ve been scrounging and saving all year long and this year, she’s going on her plane trip. We head out first thing Sunday morning. The fun part is where we’re going. You see, her favorite thing to do this time of year is to ride and look at Christmas lights. So, I’m taking her to see some lights – about 30,000 of them to start. Yep, I’m taking her to see the lights at Rockefeller Center, namely that big ol’ Christmas tree. So, y’all excuse me for a few days while I’m gone. It’s going to be a whirlwind tour of the city, but I’ll try to post a few pictures. Do you have any inexpensive recommendations for us? I’ve been to New York several times, but always feel I’m missing out on so much!
Speaking of my Nana, this is her recipe for a hot chocolate mix that she makes and gives out to family and friends each year. It’s a great inexpensive gift for neighbors, teachers, etc. It’s easy, too! Just dump everything in a BIG bowl and mix well. Then divide up into sealable, food-safe jars or containers. I’ve even included a printable sheet of gift tags you can print out, punch a hole in, and attach to your gifts.
Merry Christmas, y’all!!
Recipe Card
Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix
Ingredients
- 21.8 oz container chocolate beverage mix I used Nesquik
- 16 oz powdered non-dairy coffee creamer
- 25.6 oz instant nonfat dry milk
- 16 oz (1 lb) powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a very large bowl, combine ingredients well. Divide into individual sealable, food-safe containers.
- To serve, combine 1/2 cup mix with 1 cup boiling water. Stir well.
This is what my mom made us when we were kids some 40 years ago. The same exact ingredients! We would put all ingredients in a big Tupperware container with a tight fitting lid and all take turns shaking it to get it all mixed up.
Love that! Thanks for sharing, Julie!
I hope you and your Nana have wonderful trip to NYC. The city is all lit up for Christmas and is beautiful this time of year. I would suggest you taking her to see St. Patrick’s Cathedral which is on the corner across from Rockefeller Center. They have a life size nativity and you can walk throughout the cathedral. Saks Fifth Avenue is adorned with lights that are in sync with music and the lights change colors to the music. Both are in close proximity to Rockefeller Center. A good place to get a burger is Bill’s Burger (reasonably priced and crowded) located close to Rockefeller center also. Have a safe trip and wonderful time in NYC.
this is a fantastic recipe – but i had no idea how large of a bowl you were talking about. the amounts listed in this recipe combined surpassed every bowl in my house and i literally had to use a clean trash bag to mix them in.
haha
LOL!
Have an amazing trip! Went this past summer for a week and stayed in SoHo loved it. Now if you want a great Gelato place you need to head to SoHo and go to Mo IL Gelato 178 Mulberry Street. This is made the same way as in Italy, Rochelle and I found it by watching Live with Kelly when we were out there. But get your walking shoes on and enjoy every minute of your trip!
Thanks, Julie! That sounds like a great idea!
What a sweet grandson you are! Hope y’all have a GREAT trip! I have never been on a plane either, really don’t care to, I’m a chicken. So Nana-You Go Girl!
Thanks, Angela!
Hey Stacey, hope you two have a wonderful trip. Will be anxious to hear about it. Grannies do so much for us and it’s a blessing to be able to give a little something back. I took my Grannie on a shopping trip to a big city (driving because she was afraid to fly) and one of the biggest deals was her seeing and riding on an escalator for the first time. We take so much for granted. sometimes.
Thanks, Glen! I’m really looking forward to it and I know she will be so surprised!