Healthy Hot Beverages to Keep You Warm
Winter can be long and bitter. Why not cozy up with a delicious beverage, without straying from your healthy track?
Mocha Chocolate à la Paris
A grande Caffè Mocha at Starbucks will set you back 330 calories, but this lightened version can be sipped guilt-free. Using low-fat milk keeps the calorie content in check while giving you a boost of bone-strengthening calcium. Plus, the creamy cocoa has just enough coffee to start your morning off right, while satisfying your chocolate craving.
Makes 8 Servings | 200 Calories
1 quart 1% low-fat milk
6 ounces high-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
1â„2 C Dutch process cocoa
1â„2 C sugar
1â„4 C hot, strong-brewed coffee
Whipped cream, for serving, optional
Grated bittersweet chocolate, for serving, optional
1. In top part of a double boiler, mix milk, chocolate, cocoa, and sugar. Place over simmering water and cook, stirring occasionally with a whisk, until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth and hot, about 20 minutes. (Don’t have a double boiler? Heat chocolate mixture in a small saucepan over a larger pan of boiling water.) Stir in coffee and heat through.
2. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and the chocolate shavings, if desired, and serve while warm.
Spiced Hot Cider
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the applejack and schnapps and add 2 tablespoons cinnamon-flavored syrup, such as Torani brand.
Makes 6 Servings | 143 calories
4 C apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
5 whole cloves
1â„2 C applejack (apple brandy)
2 Tbs cinnamon schanpps cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Bring apple cider, cinnamon stick and cloves to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add applejack and schnapps. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve hot.
