Cocoa Ice Pops

Adapted from Essence of Chocolate by Robert Steinberg and John Scharffenberger

~from Savoring Time in the Kitchen

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (the best you can find)

2/3 cup granulated sugar

1-1/3 cups whole milk

1-1/3 cups water

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar and 1/2 cup of the milk until you have a smooth paste. Whisk in the rest of the milk and water, 1/2 cup at a time.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir in a wooden spoon or silicone spatula just until the cocoa powder and sugar have dissolved just until you start to see steam rise. Do not allow to boil or be on the heat too long as flavor could be lost.

Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container, preferably with a spout, and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.

Stir to recombine the settled cocoa and pour into molds, allowing some room for expansion when the mixture freezes. Add sticks and cover according to the directions provided with the molds. Freeze for a least a few hours.

If you are serving to a group, chill a bowl in the freezer or serve over crushed ice.