Barcelona Hot Chocolate

Yesterday was a rare occasion -- Dave and I BOTH had snow days! After a perfect "snow day" lunch of grilled cheese and tomato soup, I decided to make a nice little snack. The Barcelona Hot Chocolate was a nice little afternoon pick-me-up. It tasted very similar to a mocha from a coffee shop.

Barcelona Hot Chocolate

Source: Cooking Light

• 2/3 C boiling water
• 2 oz good quality dark or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 1/3 C 1% low-fat milk
• 1 C brewed espresso or strong coffee
• 1/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 packed brown sugar
• 1 2-inch piece orange rind strip (I left this out and added 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon)
• 1/4 C frozen fat-free whipped topping, thawed
• Cocoa power (optional)

1. Combine 2/3 cup boiling water and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan, stirring until chocolate melts. Add milk and next 4 ingredients (through rind); cook over medium-low heat, stirring with a whisk. Heat 5 minutes or until tiny bubbles form around edge of pan, stirring frequently (do not boil). Discard rind. Pour 1 cup mixture into each of 4 mugs. Spoon 1 tablespoon whipped topping over each serving. Dust with cocoa powder, if desired.