Looking for a warm, holiday-licious beverage that won’t wreck your figure? Look no further! You can allow yourself to enjoy this special treat during the holidays as a way to enjoy the flavors of the season – without being Grinch-like to your healthy eating goals.

Keep in mind, there’s nothing ‘Swiss’ or ‘Miss’ about this recipe. In fact, upon first sip, your taste buds will be in for a surprise. This is because the recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder. Thus, the concoction will have a slightly bitter taste – not unlike black coffee. But there’s also a subtle richness in the flavor (a richness that won’t add to your waistline) – along with the blissful taste of real cocoa.

To add interest (and some seasonal zest), mini candy canes (1 for each cup) can be used as stirrers and will sweeten the mixture up –  but not in an overpowering way. Yes, this Guilt-Free Hot Chocolate might be classified as a treat that’s an acquired taste, but it’s become of a favorite of mine (and friends I make it for). So why not be adventurous and try something new (that’s also happens to be good for your commitment to healthy eating)?

Ingredients:
8 cups 2% Reduced Fat Milk
1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
8 Mini Candy Canes

Directions:
Warm the milk on low heat on stove. Add the cocoa and mix with a whisk. When mixture gets hot (but before it boils), remove from heat and pour into 8 different coffee or cocoa mugs. Add 1 small candy cane on the side of the cup as a decoration (as well as to sweeten the mixture when used as a stirrer). Serves 8.

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