Healthy Hot Cocoa Recipe

by Trina Robertson on December 13th, 2013 | 2 Comments »

As we approach mid-December, you very well may be searching for new ways to best pose your family’s Elf on the Shelf. Consider switching gears and having your Elf share in fun family food traditions. Eating meals as a family has been shown to benefit kids, so if you find yourself running to holiday events during dinner time, try sitting down together for breakfast or snacks. Follow the lead of our own #HealthyElf and enjoy hot chocolate together one chilly day for snack time.

Cocoa, and its special mix of antioxidants, has been widely studied for its heart protective effects and is an All-Star Food. Beyond the health benefits, any elf or child knows that cocoa tastes wonderful when added to hot milk for a gourmet hot drink this Winter! December 13 is National Cocoa Day so heat up this Favorite Hot Cocoa recipe to help you and your family have a healthy snack. Catch your Elf being healthy and tag your image with #HealthyElf so we can add it to the Ideas and Adventures of Elf on the Shelf Encouraging Healthy Habits Pinterest board.

Favorite Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

1/2 cup granulated Sugar
1/3 cup hot Water
1/4 cup unsweetened Cocoa powder
4 cups Milk
1/8 teaspoon Salt
3/4 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Preparation:

Mix cocoa, sugar, water and salt in a saucepan. Over medium heat, stir constantly until mixture boils. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla; blend well. Serve immediately.

Cook's Notes:

Nutrient Information: Calories: 197, Total Fat: 1 g, Sodium: 167 mg, Carbohydrates: 40 g, Protein: 8 g, Calcium: 308 mg Nutrition is calculated using fat-free milk. For spicier versions, add grated cinnamon and/or chipotle powder.

What healthy choices has your Elf on the Shelf made this season?

Trina Robertson, MS, RD is a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master’s degree in nutrition. As a HealthyEating.org Mom she shares her positive approach to healthy eating with the goal of inspiring others to prepare and enjoy foods from all the food groups. As a Project Manager with the Dairy Council of California,
Trina develops, evaluates and promotes nutrition education materials for students and adults. At home she enjoys cooking and sharing meals with her family. Her most rewarding accomplishment is that her boys
are good eaters and are learning to cook. Follow Trina on Twitter @TrinaR_RD and find more Healthy
Eating ideas on Facebook and Pinterest.

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Trina Robertson

Project Manager at Dairy Council of California

Meals Matter Mom Trina Robertson is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in sports nutrition. As a Project Manager with the Dairy Council of California, Trina develops, evaluates and promotes nutrition education materials for students and adults. Trina Robertson, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition. As a HealthyEating.org Mom she shares her positive approach to healthy eating with the goal of inspiring others to prepare and enjoy foods from all the food groups. As a Project Manager with the Dairy Council of California, Trina develops, evaluates and promotes nutrition education materials for students and adults. At home she enjoys cooking and sharing meals with her family. Her most rewarding accomplishment is that her boys are good eaters and are learning to cook. Follow Trina on Twitter @TrinaR_RD and find more Healthy Eating ideas on Facebook and Pinterest.