As we move into fall and winter many of us will be drinking more hot cocoa.
And if you and your family enjoy a cup or two of hot cocoa each day,
copy the following recipes for drinks that’ll benefit your hearts.

The Heart-Healthy Hot Cocoa Drinks!
a) Maple Almond Hot Chocolate-
No need to travel to Canada to get top quality maple syrup, get some in the
states and add it to this cup of goodness.
Ingredients:
1 cup of almond milk
1 Tbs. of pure maple syrup
2.5 oz. of dark choc. chopped or use semi-sweet dark choc. chips
1/8 tsp. of vanilla extract
Slivered almonds, optional
To make:
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk and maple until warm.
Add chocolate, whisking constantly until choc. melts and mixture
begins to thicken (about 3 mins.) Whisk in vanilla. Remove from heat and
transfer to a large mug. Top with slivered almonds, if desired.
This drink will help you keep cholesterol levels in check. Dark chocolate’s
oleic acid and flavanols help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol. And almond
milk’s healthy fats raise “good” HDL cholesterol.

b) Spiced Orange Hot Chocolate-
Use the juice from an orange to make this drink.
Ingredients:
1 cup of whole milk
1 Tbs. of brown sugar
2.5 oz. of dark chocolate, chopped
Juice from 1/2 orange, about 1/4 cup
1/8 tsp. of vanilla extract
pinch of ground cinnamon
To make:
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk until
warm. Add sugar and chocolate, whisking constantly until choc.
melts and mixture begins to thicken (about 3 mins.) Whisk in
orange and vanilla. Transfer to a large mug. Top with cinnamon,
to taste.
The benefit of this cup of cocoa is lower blood pressure.
Dark choc. triggers the production of nitric oxide,
which improves blood flow. And mixing it with orange juice
adds some blood pressure-lowering vitamin C, so your heart
can do it’s job more easily.

c) Mexican Hot Chocolate-
A little chili powder in this drink is what makes it Mexican.
Ingredients:
1 cup of almond or 2% milk
1/2 tsp. of chili powder or cayenne pepper
1 1/2 oz. of dark choc. chips
2 Tbs. of cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. of cinnamon
2 1/4 tsp. of brown sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp. of vanilla extract
To make:
Add milk to a saucepan over medium heat; bring to a simmer.
Steep chili powder in milk for 5 mins. then strain. Stir in choc. until
melted. Transfer to heatproof glass. Add cocoa, cinnamon, sugar and salt
to the saucepan; whisk in reserved milk mixture. Stir in vanilla; pour into a mug.
The chili powder (or cayenne pepper) makes this drink not only spicy, but heart
healthy as well. Hot pepper works just like a plumber’s snake in that it keeps
arteries clear of sludge and debris, especially those arteries around the heart.

d) Homemade Hot Mocha-
Youthful skin and bodies seem to be all the rage, but you may also
want a youthful heart. Drink this and you’ll get that youthful heart.
Ingredients:
1 cup of whole milk
1/4 cup of brewed espresso or dark roast coffee
1 Tbs. of brown sugar
1/4 tsp. of ground cinnamon
2.5 oz. of dark choc. chopped
whipped cream, optional
To make:
In a saucepan, over medium heat, whisk milk until warm.
Stir in espresso, sugar and cinnamon. Add choc. whisking constantly
until choc. melts and mixture begins to thicken (about 3 mins.)
Remove from heat and transfer to a large mug. Top with whipped cream,
if desired.
Choc. is shown to shield against irregular heartbeat, and coffee
is an antioxidant powerhouse that reduces inflammation to help
keep arteries clear.

Important tip:
For the best health perks, try to use dark choc. with
around 70% cacao.

Sources:
* Maria del Mar Sacasa, author of Winter Cocktails
* Lisa Davis, Ph.D.–nutritionist

Please pass this article (and recipes) on to friends and family who
love a cup of hot chocolate in the fall and winter.
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