As we move into December, and the upcoming winter months, one of my favorite drinks will always be hot chocolate. There are several brands on the market that you just add water and you have the yummy drink. But have you ever stopped and looked at the nutrition labels for these? Sometimes the sugar in one drink can be more than we need in 1 day! Here are a few different recipes for hot chocolate, where you know exactly what you're putting in the drink. Serve these this winter and enjoy!

Hot Chocolate

Healthy Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1 cup, plus 1-2 tablespoons skim or 1% milk
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or sweetener of choice)
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• cinnamon, optional

Directions:

1. Place milk in a small pot over medium low heat.
2. Meanwhile, place cocoa powder, sugar, and extra tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Whisk until a paste/thick mixture forms and powder is absorbed.
3. Whisk cocoa mixture into milk mixture. Heat till hot but not boiling. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon, if using.

Recipe adapted from: thechiclife.com

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients:

1 Cup Skim or 1% Milk (Plus 1 Tablespoon) 4 Teaspoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder 1 Teaspoon Honey 1 Peppermint Tea Bag

Directions:

Heat one cup of milk in a microwave safe container for about one minute Add 1 tablespoon of milk and the cocoa powder to a mug Mix with a fork until it makes a liquid Add the warm milk to the mug Add the honey and mix together Add the tea bag to the mug Let steep before drinking

Thanks to ncefnep.org for this recipe.