Healthy Hot Chocolate? Too Good to be True?

With the days getting colder, and cozy weather coming upon us, there’s nothing I like better than settling down with my family, in front of a warm fire with a hot mug of chocolate warming my hands.

And when my kids come in from playing out in the snow, or from chores on a cold day, I try to have their favorite hot chocolate waiting for them!

I found this recipe several years ago, and it is our absolute favorite!

And you guys know I don’t like anything that comes from a package, so this from scratch recipe with a healthy twist, is perfect for my tastes!

I know the cayenne may seem a bit out of the ordinary, but trust me, it puts a kick in the flavor, and gets the blood flowing! But, you can always leave it out, if you prefer. However, I DO love the peppermint tea mixed in! It’s invigorating and delicious!

Think peppermint patties….

 Healthy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 Tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup
1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Small Pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla
1 Cup Strong Pre-Brewed Peppermint Tea
1 Cup Milk (raw cow or goat milk)

Directions:

1. Cook and stir chocolate, Honey, Cinnamon, Cayenne Pepper, milk, vanilla, and Peppermint tea in a large saucepan over low heat for about 10 minutes or until chocolate melts.

2. Remove saucepan from heat and beat with a rotary beater until very frothy. (Optional)

3. Serve in mugs. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and Cinnamon Sticks for that extra special touch.

4. Makes about 4 (8-ounce) servings.

(Recipe adapted from Bulk Herb Store)

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Now, go settle into cozy mode, put on a Hallmark movie, or read a book, maybe work a puzzle, and make some memories!

~ Tabitha