1/2 cup dry cocoa, firmly packed
1 1/4 cup cold water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Artificial sweetener to substitute for 1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Mix cocoa, water and salt in a heavy saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, simmer gently, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool 10 minutes.

Add artificial sweetener and vanilla extract; mix well. Pour into a jar, cover and store in refrigerator. Stir well in jar before measuring to use.