It is cold outside. The wind is howling. Perhaps you or a loved one spent some time in the snow or took a brisk walk in the chill air. Now you are inside, seeking warmth and comfort.

When the weather is hostile I love to curl up inside and sip my favorite comfort food: hot chocolate. 

Hot Chocolate is warm, delicious comfort in a mug. And what’s even better– good quality cocoa has many health benefits.

Changing a few ingredients made my home-made hot chocolate recipe healthier while keeping all the delicious flavors.

Hot Chocolate

For two servings:

• 4 Tbsp good quality Cocoa
• Pinch of sea salt
• 4 Tbsp Just-Like-Sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups almond milk
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Sugar Free Cool Whip (or whipped cream) optional
• Cocoa and/or grated dark chocolate for garnish

Mix cocoa, salt, sugar in a saucepan, add water and blend well. Heat almond milk in microwave for a minute and a half, add to the mixture, blend well. Slowly warm mixture over medium heat until thoroughly warmed. Add vanilla. Stir. Pour into mugs.

Add dollop of Cool Whip to the top and sprinkle with cocoa and/or grated dark chocolate.

Enjoy!