Peppery Peppermint Cocoa

Here's another really decadent warming beverage that has just enough fat for to really satisfy the craving for decadence without blowing the calorie bank. Oftentimes we forget that fat is replaced in "low fat" foods with sugars. Adding sugars can fool us into thinking that the foods taste good without the fat but they also leave us wanting more food in a shorter time. The addition of the bittersweet chocolate chips, along with the peppermint oil and ground pepper, create a complex and satisfying treat that'll have you rummaging for a good book to read rather than more to eat!

INGREDIENTS:


1 ½ c. 2% milk
2 tbsp. cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp. bittersweet chocolate chips, 60% cacao (16 chips)
1 tbsp. raw honey
1-2 drops peppermint oil*


DIRECTIONS:

In saucepan on stove top, combine milk, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and honey. Wisk together and heat until chocolate chips have melted but mixture has not come to a boil. Remove from heat and add peppermint oil. Pour into two mugs and serve while hot.

Makes two ¾ cup servings. Nutrtional info, per serving:





* If unable to find peppermint extract, fresh leaves may be added in the beginning and heated in the cocoa. Strain before drinking. 4-5 peppermint extract may also be substituted after removing from heat.