Candy Cane Cocoa

I always buy up the Celestial Seasonings holiday teas in December to keep me stocked up through the winter. Candy Cane Lane is a peppermint tea, also flavored with touches of vanilla and cinnamon. As a decaffeinated herbal tea, maybe it will let me sleep tonight. I have been rather addicted to my chocolate flavored coffees lately, but have spent a few too many nights wide awake after curling up with a cup in the evening.

Alone this tea blend is good. But add a half teaspoon of cocoa powder and some sweetener, and oh, my it is delish. I sweetened with a couple of packets of Truvia, but anything will do. This is obviously not as rich as a cream based hot cocoa. This is January after all, and those splurgy days are past. Very few calories here, but still lots of flavor. Go ahead and add a Mini Moo if you like, or even a splash of real cream. But taste it as is first; you might get addicted just like it is.

Just a note--swirl your cup from time to time as you sip, or keep a small spoon nearby. It will help keep the cocoa from settling. Serve it in a pretty cup and it will be an even better treat. This cup was from my mom's old service from my childhood. I had always loved the muted colors and the interesting design. They were very unusual for that era. I was delighted when she gave me a cup and small bowl for Christmas. Little things sometimes bring us the most pleasure. This is one of those little things that matters.