Aztec Aphrodisiac Hot Chocolate

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http://www.care2.com/greenliving/aztec-hot-chocolate.html

By Crystal Ketterhagen, Yoga+

This sweet-and-spicy recipe is just what the love doctor ordered. The comforting aroma will calm your heart and stimulate your senses, making it the perfect Valentine’s Day brew. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 whole cloves, a pinch each of ground ginger and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. With a wire whisk, stir in 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom. Strain into 2 large mugs, top with whipped cream, and enjoy.

PREP TIP: For a lighter treat use water or almond milk instead of cow’s milk. For a richer delicacy substitute the cocoa with 1/4 cup of 70 percent dark chocolate chips by melting them in a double boiler and heating the milk, sugar, and spices in a separate pot. Strain the milk mixture before slowly stirring in the melted chocolate.

HEALTH BENEFITS: Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants.

Crystal Ketterhagen is Managing Editor of Yoga+ Magazine