There’s something so comforting about sipping a steaming hot cup of cocoa. Most of us buy the packaged stuff but why not make your own? And, there’s sweet news about hot cocoa. It’s been elevated to a new status, “Health Drink”. In 2003 researchers at Cornell University found that cocoa teams with antioxidants that fight cancer and heart disease. In fact, cocoa has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times those found in green tea. I’ve made this delightful drink a little skinnier by replacing whole milk with reduced-fat. Sip on a cup…After all, it’s good for your health!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Hot Chocolate:
- 1 cup reduced-fat milk (2%)
- 1½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa (see shopping tip, below)
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for Topping:
- Light whipped cream
- Dash of cocoa powder
- Candy cane for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add the milk, cocoa, sugar and vanilla. Mix together and heat over medium heat. Stir often until hot.
- Pour into a mug, top with whipped cream and a dash of cocoa powder, if desired.
Notes
Makes 1 serving
Food Fact
Cocoa powder is made from ground powdered cocoa beans with the bulk of the cocoa butter removed. Cocoa powder comes either natural or Dutch- processed. Dutch- processed cocoa has a much richer flavor.
Substitution Tip
If you want to cut the fat and calories down further use 1% reduced-fat milk. You can trim more calories by also using a sugar substitute instead of the sugar.
Shopping Tip
Most supermarkets carry the usual Hershey’s or Nestles unsweetened cocoa. There are many brands of cocoa that taste richer like, Droste, Scharffen Berger, Waltkins, or Callebaut. Although some supermarkets now carry these brands, you can find them at stores like William Sonoma, Gelson’s, and World Market.
Weight Watchers (old points) 5
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 6
Food Fact
Cocoa powder is made from ground powdered cocoa beans with the bulk of the cocoa butter removed. Cocoa powder comes either natural or Dutch- processed. Dutch- processed cocoa has a much richer flavor.
Substitution Tip
If you want to cut the fat and calories down further use 1% reduced-fat milk. You can trim more calories by also using a sugar substitute instead of the sugar.
Shopping Tip
Most supermarkets carry the usual Hershey’s or Nestles unsweetened cocoa. There are many brands of cocoa that taste richer like, Droste, Scharffen Berger, Waltkins, or Callebaut. Although some supermarkets now carry these brands, you can find them at stores like William Sonoma, Gelson’s, and World Market.
Weight Watchers (old points) 5
Weight Watchers POINTS PLUS 6
| SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving 221 cal, 6g fat, 12g protein, 36g carbs, 1g fiber, 132mg sodium, 32g sugar |
| FAT FACTS: for 1 serving 271 cal, 9.6g fat, 10g protein, 42g carbs, 1g fiber, 132mg sodium, 37g sugar |
Skinny Facts
Serving: 1cupCalories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 12gFat: 6gSodium: 132mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gPlus Points: 6
