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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012RACHAELRAYMAG.COM

When you want to snuggle up with a warm mug on a cold day, a packet of hot chocolate mix is certainly convenient. But here’s the real treat: Making your own using milk, cocoa powder, sugar and a dash of pure vanilla extract costs about 40 percent less! Save time on the next cup by mixing up the dry goods in advance and storing in a resealable plastic bag. Bonus: money left over to add crushed peppermint candies, mini marshmallows, or a dash of chili powder

to spice things up! !SHANNON FLOERSHEIM

INSTANT HOMEMADE

6 oz. mug (prepared with milk)

5 minutes$0.30

6 oz. mug (prepared with milk)

2 minutes $0.47

AND THE WINNER IS…

HOMEMADEHOT COCOA!

EVERY DAY WITH RACHAEL RAY PRESENTS

SHOWDOWN!BATTLE OF THE HOT COCOA

WEIGHT

PREP TIMEPRICE

BETTER BOXED CAKE MIXES The newest cake mixes to hit supermarket shelves have taken a cue from gourmet bakeries, with trendy new ! avors and high-quality ingredients. Here’s the best batch—and some bake-a-cake suggestions. BY JUDITH PEÑA

SPRINKLES CUPCAKES RED VELVET From the popular Beverly Hills cupcake shop, these treats are way easier to make than the homemade version (a tricky balance of cocoa powder, food coloring and white vinegar), and the results are moist and airy. ($14.95, williams-sonoma.com)

Over-the-top upgrade: Drizzle with a cream cheese icing, like Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Amazing Glaze ($2.19, at grocery stores). Just heat and squeeze on right from the bottle.

Supermarket Spy

WHOLESOME CHOW LIVELY CHAI SPICEThis mix has a lovely warming blend of nutmeg, cinnamon and anise, plus no artifi cial additives. You can even make it vegan by using soy milk, and it’ll still bake up fl uffy and perfectly browned! ($4.50, wholesomechow.com) Over-the-top upgrade: Slice the baked sheet cake into 4 squares. Whip 2 tsp. bourbon into 1 cup vanilla frosting and layer with the squares to make 2 individual cakes. Top with toasted shredded coconut.

WH

PILLSBURY DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIE This one’s got dark dutch cocoa powder for brownies with extra-bold, fudgy fl avor. ($2.09, at grocery stores)

Over-the-top upgrade: Pour the raw batter into the baking pan and swirl in some peanut butter. Halfway through the baking time, sprinkle crushed pretzels on top for a crunchy twist.

SPILLS

SPRIN

SHIPPED REV2!"#$%&'()*++,,,-.!"#$%&'()*++,,,-. /'0'0//,,,12'-2'',3"/'0'0//,,,12'-2'',3"