Our hot cocoa is rich and chocolaty without the overly sweet taste of some packaged mixes. We give it a luxurious froth with a whisk or blender'or use a cappuccino frother if you have one.

Makes 1 serving, 1 cup

ACTIVE TIME: 5 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup 1% milk, divided
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon

1. Mix sugar, cocoa and 2 tablespoons cold milk in a mug until smooth. Heat the remaining milk in a small saucepan on the stovetop or in a 2-cup glass measure in the microwave until steaming hot but not boiling. Stir in the cocoa mixture and vanilla.
2. To froth the hot chocolate, whirl a whisk in it by rubbing your hands back and forth. (Alternatively, pour the hot chocolate into a blender, cover with the lid and a kitchen towel and blend until frothy.) Pour it back into the mug and sprinkle with cinnamon.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 227 calories; 3 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 15 mg cholesterol; 42 g carbohydrate; 10 g protein; 3 g fiber; 132 mg sodium.

Nutrition bonus: Calcium (31% daily value).

RELATED RECIPES: Spiced Hot Chocolate | Hot Cider with Apple Brandy & Spices | | Chocolate-Fudge Pudding Cake