Homemade Hot Cocoa

This recipe originally appeared on the blog last December and I even entered it into a couple of recipe contests (to no avail). This cocoa is sure to become a family favorite at your home as well.

This is our traditional after Christmas Tree shopping beverage. Honestly it does not get that cold here in December, but we like to pretend. With the addition of the movie Polar Express to our lives this past Christmas, this beverage was consumed almost daily by my oldest son. To quote the book and movie my son says this cocoa is, 'as rich and thick as melted chocolate bars.' I vary the amount of cocoa powder based on whether the beverage will be consumed by child or adult.

6 ounces hot milk
2 tablespoons sugar
2 to 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
pinch of ground cinnamon
whipped cream (optional)
chocolate shavings (optional)

1. Warm milk on stove top or in microwave until desired temperature is achieved.
2. While milk is warming mix together the sugar, cocoa powder and ground cinnamon in your serving mug. Whisk warm milk into sugar and cocoa mixture until well incorporated.
3. Top with whipped cream and shavings if desired.
   

The calories for for the recipe using 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder and do not include the whipped topping shown in the photo above.

Serves one: Calories: 254, 4 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber