Hot Chocolate + Blizzard = Happy

Ah, there's nothing better than a rich cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night...when there's approximately a foot of snow outside...and more to come!

I steer clear of powdered hot chocolate mixes. Most have dismally small amounts of protein (about 2g) and calcium (43mg), are full of added sugar and, well, they're just not chocolatey enough for me! I usually make my own hot chocolate, which is just quick and convenient as a mix - and much more nutrient-dense.

Here's my favorite recipe for hot chocolate:

• 8 oz skim or 1% milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Microwave the milk in a mug for 1 minute. Mix cocoa and sugar in a small bowl (during the winter, I keep a small jar of this mixture in the fridge, to have on hand). Stir cocoa and sugar into the warm milk, crushing lumps of cocoa against side of the mug to blend well. Microwave again for 45 - 50 seconds or until hot. Top with cinnamon if desired. Enjoy!

You can adjust the sugar and cocoa to suit your taste; this recipe is on the bitter dark chocolate side of the spectrum.  Plain (unflavored) soy milk may be used in place of milk.

The recipe above made with 1% milk has:

• 157 calories
• 4g fat
• 27g carbohydrate
• 10g protein (milk is a high-quality, complete protein*)
• 304 mg calcium (30% of your daily value, based on a 2000 calorie diet)
• Antioxidants from the cocoa powder 

* This means milk contains all 9 essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are those the body cannot make on its own, so they must be consumed from food sources.