ORAC Hot Cocoa

The ORAC value of foods is an acronym for the Oxygen Radical Absorbancy Capacity.  In people speak, that means the food’s ability to combat free radicals in your body which helps to stave off disease and slow or prevent aging. Chocolate, in the form of dark cocoa is at the very top of the list of foods that are working really hard on your behalf.  Lucky us!

This beverage is so rich you feel as if you are having a decadent treat, yet it is the most nutrient-packed 60 calories per cup that you will find. It is important not to skip the maple syrup, which keeps the cocoa (and therefore the antioxidants) in solution rather than sinking to the bottom. Mixing the maple syrup in with the cocoa also creates a foamy top, a flourish that you would pay a barista way too much for.

Preparation time:        2 minutes                                             Servings:1

1 tbsp  pure maple syrup

1 tbsp cocoa powder (not Dutch processed)

pinch  cinnamon

¾-1½ cup boiling water

¼ cup low-fat milk

Use a fork to blend together maple syrup and cocoa powder; stir vigorously until completely blended. Add boiling water to fill your cup two-thirds full, stir thoroughly with fork. Top with milk.

Theresa Albert

I love food, try to watch my weight, know more than I want to about healthy living (sometimes I wish I knew less so I wouldn’t feel so guilty when I stumble), am a daughter, sister, friend, mom and wife who worries and scurries the meals onto the table. It is for all these reasons that I completed my nutrition, RNCP designation, wrote my book, hosted my Food Network show, consult with food companies to urge them to get it right (or at least better), constantly write about it, research it, all of this so I can cut through the nutrition and food “news” clutter. Happy to share with friends!