Christmas Cocoa

A spoonful of marshmallow creme tops steaming homemade cocoa with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of spice.

Makes 6 servings (about 3/4 cup each)

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups milk
3/4 cup marshmallow creme

1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

2. Stir in milk. Heat over low heat. Pour cocoa into 6 mugs. Top each with 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme.

Nutrition Information: 1 Serving: Calories 205 (Calories from Fat 35); Total Fat 4g (Saturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat ncg); Cholesterol 10mg; Sodium 90mg; Total Carbohydrate 37g (Dietary Fiber 1g, Sugars ncg); Protein 6g

Percent Daily Value*: Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 20%; Iron 4%

Exchanges: 1 1/2 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 1 Skim Milk; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat Carbohydrate Choices: nc

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Variation:
Make Mint Cocoa by omitting cinnamon and nutmeg and stirring in 1/2 teaspoon mint extract or 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candies. Make Mocha Cocoa by stirring in 1 to 2 tablespoons instant coffee (dry).

Special Touch:
Serve cocoa with candy canes to use as swizzle sticks!

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Betty Crocker 2007/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved