Let it snow, it's HOT CHOCOLATE TIME!

I have this calendar on my desk, and today it reads:

" So I tried a dessert called, "Death by Chocolate" but it only made me stronger. "

 

So funny, so true! Right? Oh chocolate, such a sweet little decadent treat. Now I am sure you've all read the hub-bub that chocolate is actually good for you because cocoa contains flavanols which act as an antioxidant. SO where can these flavanols be found? Basically in a small portion of dark chocolate, the less processed the chocolate the better. That's why you see these chocolate bars labeled 70% cocoa, etc. (meaning more flavanols, less processed) That's great and all, but how many of you prefer milk chocolate or can't seem to keep your serving of chocolate down to one?!

I see some hands raised out there, and listen, I am with you! Sometimes I want milk chocolate, so there. So to get my chocolate fix more often, without the extra butter fat of those more processed chocolates, I turn to homemade hot chocolate. It's simple, fast and easy, low cal, low fat and all that chocolatey goodness you deserve. 'Cause we all deserve a little chocolate sometimes, right? And when you make your own, you avoid all that extra sugar (or fake sugar) of those packet mixes. ICK!

So when you have a hankering for chocolate, go with this, you're little black dress will thank you!

 

HOT CHOCOLATE

PS. you can even add a few marshmallows on top!

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup lowfat milk (I like to substitute almond milk, but you can do whichever you fancy)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Dark chocolate, as a garnish

Directions

Heat the milk and the cinnamon stick until just simmering. In a mug, combine the cocoa powder, sugar and water and stir to make a paste. Remove the cinnamon stick from the milk. Pour the milk into the mug and stir to mix well. Add the vanilla extract and stir. Grate a little dark chocolate on top for garnish.

Calories: 139 (slightly less with almond milk)
Total Fat: 3 grams
Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
Protein: 9 grams
Total carbohydrates: 20 grams
Sugar: 18 grams
Fiber: 0.5 grams
Cholesterol: 12 milligrams
Sodium: 8 milligrams