Warm Up From Head to Toe With Mint Hot Chocolate

Reader Contribution by Justine Patton
1 / 2
2 / 2

Nothing quite says the holidays are here like the taste of peppermint. But why stop with after-dinner mints and candy canes, when can enjoy those invigorating flavors in a piping hot mug of mint hot chocolate?

In addition to sipping on a beverage that warms you from head-to-toe, you’ll also enjoy the benefits of one of our favorite, most versatile, herbs. Many people use mint for health purposes. In fact, mint has been an important medicinal herb since the 18th century. When Columbus and his colonists made their venture to the New World, they brought mint along with them, using the herb in tea for headaches, indigestion, gas, heartburn and as a sleep aid.

Today, mint is used to help stomach-related complaints, such as indigestion, flatulence and upset stomach. It can help relieve muscle spasms such as menstrual cramps and is an excellent cure for bad breath.

With all of these health benefits mint provides paired with the easiness of this recipe, you have no excuse not to give it a try. Enjoy!

Curl up with a hot cup of mint-infused cocoa to escape the frigid weather outside.
Photo by Andrea_R/Courtesy
Flickr

Mint Hot Chocolate

SERVES 4

• 4 cups milk
• 6 sprigs fresh mint
• 10 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate, cut into small pieces

1. Combine milk and mint sprigs in a saucepan. Scald milk over medium-low heat. Remove from heat, and let stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Strain to remove mint sprigs. Return milk to saucepan. Place over heat, add chocolate and whisk until chocolate is completely melted and milk is frothy.

3. Serve immediately.

If you aren’t a chocolate lover, we have many more mint-infused recipes to share with you. Simply click on the recipe for instructions:

Ginger Mint Ginger Ale
Lime Mint Bars
• Frozen Mint Berry Zen
Mint Jelly 

  • Published on Dec 7, 2011
Tagged with: Reader Contributions
Online Store Logo
Need Help? Call 1-800-456-6018
Free health and natural beauty tips from Mother Earth News!