Creamy. Dreamy. Perfect. Something this good has gotta be bad, right? Well, for once, health food can be good for you, in the form of a wonderfully rich and steaming cup of organic hot chocolate. It will satisfy your chocolate craving, help control your weight, and give you a nice dose of nutrition. And, after years of experimenting, I’ve arrived at the perfect recipe.
But before I give away the goods, let me convince you that I’m not leading you into vice. First, recent studies show that non-fat or low-fat milk, as part of a reduced calorie diet, can significantly aid in weight-loss. According to Registered Dietician Elaine Magee, writing for the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic, “high-calcium, low-calorie diets have been shown to help reduce body fat and preserve muscle mass….” She indicates that calcium supplements alone may not be the answers, as “some experts suspect that other components in dairy foods may also contribute to this effect.” So, instead of popping all those pills, consider starting and ending your day with a big mug of organic hot chocolate.
According to WebMD’s Osteoporosis Health Center, the best source of calcium is milk fortified with Vitamin D (the vitamin D helps calcium absorb more readily). I get nearly three of those servings from my morning and evening hot chocolate. What’s more, the sweet milk satisfies my chocolate cravings and leaves me filled up. It’s usually the only dessert I have after dinner and before bed.
My organic hot chocolate not only keeps my weight in check and strengthens my bones, it also has other health benefits. According to the Got Milk? Campaign, milk can help you sleep better, relieve PMS symptoms, and beautify your hair, skin, nails, and smile. So, you have nothing to feel guilty about!
For a perfect, and quick, cup of hot chocolate, start with a large, microwave proof mug, and a good brand of organic cocoa. I like Trader Joe’s Organic Cocoa, but if you’re not lucky enough to have a Trader Joe’s nearby, then most stores carry Green and Black’s organic cocoa, or you could try your local store brand. Be sure you use organic milk as well.
While you’re preparing your cocoa base, heat a small amount of water on the stove. You’ll need that to make the syrup, as cold milk won’t dissolve the cocoa power well. Put three spoonfuls of sugar and three spoonfuls of cocoa in the bottom of your mug. Add about an inch of very hot (but not boiling) water to the mug and stir briskly until the cocoa and sugar are melted into a smooth syrup. (Don’t use hot running tap water, as doing so can apparently leach out lead from the pipes).
Once your syrup is ready, fill the mug to the rim with organic milk. Then, pop the concoction in the microwave and heat to taste. Mine takes exactly two minutes to warm to perfection, and I use that two minutes to straighten up the kitchen while I’m waiting.
Creamy. Dreamy. Perfect.
