Hot Chocolate

Recipe by Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, Culinary Dietitian

Prep time 5 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

4 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup milk, (fat free, 2% or whole)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Miniature marshmallows (optional)

Unsweetened cocoa powder (a highly concentrated form of chocolate) delivers a real punch of intense flavor, making this hot chocolate extra flavorful and scrumptious.

Instructions

In small saucepan stir together sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk in half of the milk. Cook over medium heat until mixture just comes to boiling, stirring frequently.
Stir the remaining milk into the chocolate mixture. Heat through, stirring frequently. Do not boil. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla.
Pour into one 10- to 12-ounce mug. Top with marshmallows, if desired.
Microwave Hot Chocolate: In microwave-safe, 2-cup measuring cup combine sugar and cocoa powder. Whisk in half of the milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high about 1 minute or until just boiling. Whisk in remaining milk. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until hot, stirring after 1 minute. Stir in vanilla. Serve as directed in step 3 above. (Microwave cooking times may vary.)
Mocha Hot Chocolate: Prepare as above, except stir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder or instant coffee crystals into hot mixture along with the vanilla.
Cinnamon Hot Chocolate: Prepare as above except stir 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon into hot mixture along with the vanilla.
Hot Chocolate for Four: Prepare as above, except use 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 4 cups milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla.