Over a Hot Cuppa...

I always dreamt of spending my winters sitting infront of a burning fireplace with my sweetie, enjoying a cup of steamy rich hot chocolate, while it snows cats and dogs outside. When Starbucks introduced their Mint Hot Chocolate last winter, and I had my first tasting, that was it! I thought I had found my winter solace! But drinking that warm breath of fresh air everyday for six months would only make my pockets real light. That's when I starting raiding grocery stores to find the perfect hot chocolate that could be made at home and for a much lesser price. But alas, a couple of packets and many trials later i realised that there was no hope to ome from a pack of powder. A few days ago when I was home sick with a big bad cold, I decided to test my culinary skills once again. All I had was 2% milk, which we all know is quite healthy, but not really the hot chocolate type. But stubborn as I am, I refused to listen. A cup and some chocolate chips later, I am bragging about my new magic touch - making the perfect hot chocolate! Try this recipe if you don't believe me. You can make rich hot chocolate with 2% milk and no sugar. I know I did! Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Ingredients: 1 cup 2% milk 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips sugar (if desired for a sweeter taste) 2-3 drops of peppermint extract Method: Warm a cup of milk without bringing it to a boil. Add chocolate chips, take off from heat and stir to melt chocolate into the milk. Pour into a cup and add a few drops of peppermint extract. Use a milk frother to get that frothy goodness if desired.