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This recipe was adapted from one printed by Prevention.    While their recipe calls for a handy packet of non-fat, reduced calorie cocoa mix, we made ours from scratch.   It's very high in calcium, if you wish to increase this nutrient in the diet - and has enough chocolate to satisfy any chocoholic.   Brown velvet in a cup!

 Guilt Free Hot Chocolate

2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1 tablespoon sugar  (Note #1)
2 tablespoons water
3/4 cup (or 1/2 can) evaporated skim milk.

Stir together the baking cocoa and sugar in a large teacup or a mug.  Add a little of the water to make a paste; stir in the rest of the 2 tablespoons of water. 

Place in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds.   Remove and stir again.    Add evaporated milk and stir to mix.  Zap for about 1 minute, watching to make sure it doesn't boil over.

Other flavors (Note #2) or a little more sweetener may be added if you wish.   Enjoy!

Note #1:  If you must follow a sugar-free diet, leave out the sugar, and sweeten afterwards with your favorite artificial sweetener.  If you are interested in a natural, possibly nutritious sweetener with virtually zero calories, check out Stevia at a health food store.

Note #2:  To vary the flavor add one of the following (or two, if you're feeling decadent):

• a pinch of cinnamon (add to the dry mix)
• a sprinkle of nutmeg
• a tiny pinch of allspice (add to the dry mix)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon instant coffee
• 1/2 teaspoon of candied ginger
• a drop or two of vanilla extract
• almond extract
• cherry flavor
• rum extract
• mint extract
• hazelnut syrup
• a glug of real rum or brandy
• 2 or 3 miniature marshmallows
• a dollop of lite or fat free whipped topping