Hot chocolate without extra calories

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. low-fat milk
• 0.5 cup cocoa powder
• 6 large pitted dates, chopped
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Unsweetened whipped cream and ground cinnamon, for serving (optional)

Preparation:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cocoa powder, dates, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until steaming. Continue cooking, but not allowing the mixture to boil vigorously, until the dates soften, for another 5 minutes.
2. Let the hot chocolate cool for 5 minutes, then pour it into a blender and blend until smooth. You can strain the mixture to remove any small date chunks.
3. Pour into mugs, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon, if using.