Rich, Creamy, And....healthy Hot Chocolate???

Just what it sounds like. I'm a bit of a health nut, but when I was a kid, I loved hot chocolate. This isn't Belgian Dark Hot Chocolate of Sumptuous Death, but it's way better than a mix, almost as easy, and way more adaptable...plus, it's as high quality as the ingredients you use. The cornstarch thickens it wonderfully without altering the flavor, trust me. Plus, with a bit more cornstarch, it can become a killer pudding.

• Ready In: 12 mins
• Serves: 1
• Yields: 1 mug

Ingredients

• 1  cup skim milk
• 1 1⁄4 tablespoons  hershey's cocoa powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1  teaspoon cornstarch
• 2  teaspoons cold water
• 1⁄8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon chili powder (optional) or 1⁄8 teaspoon sweet paprika (optional)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon dried mint (optional)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  almond extract (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup  espresso (optional)
• 2  tablespoons Kahlua (optional)
• 2  tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream (optional)
• 2  tablespoons  peppermint schnapps (optional)

Directions

1. Mix the cornstarch and cold water. Set it at your side.
2. Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and milk over low heat.
3. Raise the heat can continue whisking, adding the vanilla and your chosen options.
4. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, raise heat just a bit more, and whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes nice and creamy.
5. Options I recommend: Cinnamon and nutmeg for spiced hot chocolate, cinnamon and chili powder for Mexican hot chocolate, almond extract and Kahlua for amaretto, mint leaves and Bailey's for creamy mint hot chocolate -- the possibilities are endless.