A Perfect {Healthy} Cup of Hot Cocoa

On a blustery winter day, there is nothing as comforting as a cup of delicious hot chocolate.



And if you make it with healthy dark chocolate and no sugar you don't have to count the calories, right? Right?



At least I don't. {Grin.} Here's what you need:



The Perfect Cup of Cocoa:
(all amounts are approximate)

2 heaping teaspoons of natural unsweetened cocoa (like Hershey's powdered, often found in the baking section)
2 heaping teaspoons of honey
dash of salt
1/2 teaspoon of real vanilla
~ 1/2 cup of hot water
~ 1/2 cup of milk

For whipped cream (optional):

1 cup of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of xylitol, or other sweetener



Mix cocoa, honey and hot water together in a large mug. Add dash of salt and vanilla, mix well. The cocoa tends to get lumpy on the bottom of the mug. Add hot milk, or if using cold milk (what I usually do) place mug in a microwave for about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Watch closely so milk doesn't boil over and make a huge mess in your microwave (don't ask how I know this). Mix well, again.



You can enjoy it just the way it is now, or add a generous dollop of whipped cream. I make mine by whipping together a cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon (or so) of xylitol. (Xylitol is a wonderful sweetener, great for your teeth, too! Read more here.)




Enjoy!