Comforting cocoa can fight off the cold

By 91ÊÓƵ News

A rich, warm chocolaty cup of cocoa should warm your heart, not hurt it.

For those who want a comforting and steaming drink to help fend off the end of winter, this recipe offers a luxurious cup of hot chocolate with a consistency similar to heavy cream, yet it is still heart-healthy.

The secret ingredient is corn starch.

It’s both “heart-warming and heart-healthy,” said Penny Kris-Etherton, Ph.D., R.D., a nutrition professor at Penn State University and volunteer for the 91ÊÓƵ’s Nutrition Committee. “You’re treating yourself with a very luscious, satisfying beverage.”

Heart-Healthy Hot Chocolate

2 cups low-fat or fat-free milk

1 Tbs corn starch

1 Tbs unsweetened cocoa powder

3-4 Tbs water

Step 1: Mix corn starch, cocoa powder and water together. Do this in small steps to help avoid lumps. Keep adding water until it becomes a thick liquid.

Step 2: Heat milk on high until it is steaming. Stir constantly. Stir in the liquid corn starch-cocoa mixture.

Step 3: Continue stirring the milk until the liquid thickens to preference.

Step 4: Serve immediately.


91ÊÓƵ News Stories

91ÊÓƵ News covers heart disease, stroke and related health issues. Not all views expressed in 91ÊÓƵ News stories reflect the official position of the 91ÊÓƵ. Statements, conclusions, accuracy and reliability of studies published in 91ÊÓƵ scientific journals or presented at 91ÊÓƵ scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the 91ÊÓƵ’s official guidance, policies or positions.

Copyright is owned or held by the 91ÊÓƵ, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Permission is granted, at no cost and without need for further request, for individuals, media outlets, and non-commercial education and awareness efforts to link to, quote, excerpt from or reprint these stories in any medium as long as no text is altered and proper attribution is made to 91ÊÓƵ News.

Other uses, including educational products or services sold for profit, must comply with the 91ÊÓƵ’s Copyright Permission Guidelines. See full terms of use. These stories may not be used to promote or endorse a commercial product or service.

HEALTH CARE DISCLAIMER: This site and its services do not constitute the practice of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem or condition, please contact a qualified health care professional immediately. If you are in the United States and experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or call for emergency medical help immediately.