Hot Cocoa Mix

I love hot chocolate, and we have no less than 4 different varieties of hot cocoa mix in our cabinet (even one we got in Costa Rica!).  With my new attitude towards eating clean, those don't fit in my lifestyle anymore.  I was so happy to see a clean alternative in the November/December 2009 issue of Clean Eating magazine.  The original mix calls for peppermint tea leaves, and while mint is one of my favorite flavors, this time around I was drawn to the intoxicating scent of a fresh jar of Penzeys Cinnamon.  This hot cocoa has a rich chocolately flavor that is perfect on a blistery day, and best of all - it's portable! 

Warming Hot Cocoa
Adapted from: Clean Eating Magazine, November/December 2009

• 1/4 cup hot cocoa mix (recipe follows)
  
• 1 cup skim milk  OR 1/4 cup dry nonfat milk powder and 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steam the milk in a small saucepan (or heat the water til simmering).  Add cocoa mix and cinnamon to a large mug (along with milk powder if using water).  Pour the steamed milk or heated water into the mug and whisk or stir vigorously to dissolve mix and chocolate bits. Enjoy.

Hot Cocoa Mix

• 2 cups dry nonfat milk powder
• 1 cup sucanat
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped finely

Add to a large container with a tightly fitting lid and shake to mix well.  Makes 16 servings.