Not Your Children's Hot Chocolate!

Oh. Wow.

Or to quote our very own Yankee, Ruthy, "Oh. My. Lanta."

What if I told you I've discovered a way to enjoy natural, low calorie, healthy chocolate. All the antioxidants, none of the fat?

You'd think I was crazy, right?

But hold onto your seats, ladies and gentlemen, have I got a treat for you!

First of all, let me introduce you to the friend who connected me with this heavenly delight. 

I first met Jill Evely back in early 2001, when we had recently moved to Kentucky and I was trying to get connected with a local homeschool group. Jill was the coordinator, and as we became acquainted, we discovered we had a lot in common.

We're now both graduates of homeschool mom-hood, but while my path has led to spinning tales on my computer, Jill continues to keep her hand in the homeschool world as a Sonlight Consultant (check out her blog here), a soap maker (check out her Facebook page here) and a very, very delighted grandmother to three little girls!

A couple weeks ago, Jill mentioned this chocolate drink on Facebook and I was immediately captivated. After all, it IS chocolate!

Here's the scoop. You start out with ground cocoa beans. Yes, that's right. Just like ground coffee.

And then you brew them - yes, just like coffee. I like to use a french press, but you can use any coffee maker.

I use 2 Tablespoons ground cocoa beans to 6 ounces of water, as recommended on the package.

Actually, I use 4 Tablespoons to 12 ounces of water, but it works out the same :)

I let the beans brew for 15 minutes, because I've found I like my chocolate strong.

When it's done brewing, stir, and then press it. Pour the chocolately goodness in your cup, and you're good to go.

Of course, you could sweeten it, or add cream...but I like mine straight.

Don't expect this to taste like Swiss Miss or your other favorite hot chocolate. This drink is for grownups!

The good part? This cup of chocolate heaven is only 20 calories. 

20 calories in 12 ounces.

And enough chocolate to satisfy even a chocoholic like me :) Since I don't drink coffee (I've never liked the taste....), this is a fabulous alternative to tea. Winter mornings are looking good!

You can buy the cocoa beans on Amazon here. I also bought my french press on Amazon here.

There's one more thing Jill and I have in common - we enjoy our dogs. Here's a picture of her Rocky - 

Isn't he a beautiful Border Collie? He looks just like my Connor, right down to the freckles on his nose!

And that wall in the background? A Kentucky icon. These dry stone walls are all over the Bluegrass, lining the fields and edging the roads. This shot should make Missy homesick!

We'll end up today with some gratuitous puppy pictures. 

Chillin' with the chewies on a Sunday afternoon...

Wait a minute...is that the cat?

Forget the cat. Give me my chewie!