Hot Chocolate with Orange and Chocolate

Gluten-free, Vegetarian

This warming beverage is creamy and slightly sweet with a pleasant kick at the finish. Use whatever milk your prefer, dairy or non, and gather around the fireplace to enjoy.

Serves 8

8 cups 2% milk, soy milk or hemp milk
7 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks, broken into small pieces
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more to taste
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoons grated orange zest
8 ounces (1/2 pound) dark chocolate, at least 65% dark

Combine milk, cloves, cinnamon, cayenne, sugar and orange zest in a large saucepan. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, taking care it does not come to a boil. Stir occasionally and keep over low heat for 15 minutes to allow spices to infuse. Chop chocolate and transfer to a heat-proof pitcher or bowl. Strain hot spiced milk mixture into pitcher and stir well to melt chocolate. Pour into mugs and serve immediately.

Nutrition Info

Per serving (About 1 cup/237-vol.): 300 calories (130 from fat), 14g total fat, 9g saturated fat, 9g protein, 35g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 32g sugar), 20mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium.