Most folks think you will find the best hot chocolate in Maine, Vermont, North Dakota, Wisconsin and other snow belt states.

But, when it come to food and drink, never underestimate the Cajuns of South Louisiana. They could make your car taste good.

In fact, my very favorite hot chocolate recipe belongs to a university administrator, wife, and mother who grew up in Abbeville, where nearly everyone is an accomplished cook, even the men. Here is Amanda's recipe.

Pour ten cups of powdered milk (dry) into a good sized bowl.

Add 2 1/2 cups of Coffee-Mate or a similar product.

Add eighteen ounces of Nestle's cocoa mix.

Lastly, pour in 1 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. Stir all the ingredients until they are combined uniformly.

Amanda suggests that you immediately try a cup of the cocoa to determine whether you might want to add a bit more of something. Just put two heaping teaspoons of the hot chocolate mixture in a cup of hot water. You'll love it as is, but you may want to add a bit more chocolate or sugar.

Whether you make a little ingredient adjustment or not, you and your family will love the results.