Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate (reduced fat)

to my older sister, Mini

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

As I sit back and reflect on my relationship with my sister, Mini, I realize the first half of my life she completely overshadowed me with her intelligence which was really no fault of her own.  She was my parents’ vision, a diligent and hard-working child who went on to fulfill all their expectations.  Growing up with a sibling that I was constantly being compared to was anything but easy due to my parents’ incessant lectures on how smart she was (is), and how her report card was always outstanding, and why I couldn’t be more like her.  To be honest, it was just way too much work on my part to kick her ass, and so I accepted the fact very early on that my sister was brilliant, and I was A-OK with it.  🙂 

One would think these lectures would have a deep impact on me, and maybe they did… for like 5 minutes, however the competition that people around us created never quite affected me.  Ever!  At some level I believe this had a lot to do with my nonchalant attitude about things in general, and ultimately my parents’ lectures would just go way over my head.  Additionally, my sister is almost 7 years older than I am, and I saw her more as an annoying older sister, rather than someone who was competing with me since it was never in her nature to compete.  She was, and still is, naturally bright and someone who enjoyed learning, and I was just the opposite. 

So yes, growing up in my sister’s shadow was not always fun for me, not until I was 18, a freshman in college, and she was 25, a resident physician.  It was around that time I matured a little and she was able to talk to me, she also started earning (finally) and I was in need of a Sugar Mama.  It was a win-win!  She took me shopping, took me to the movies, and our tea & dessert moments at Applebees soon became a ritual where we talked about everything.  I loved those days, mainly because I was so happy being spoiled by someone, that someone being my sister.  It was nice.  It was really nice that my sister was able to do that for me before some guy, and for that I will always be eternally grateful to her.   

Fast forward the years, now that we “actually do” get along, Mini lives 3000 miles away.  Even though she no longer takes me shopping or takes me to the movies, but she still pays for my dessert, I am very fortunate our relationship has blossomed in the right direction and I seriously credit my “aloof” attitude for that.  Think about it, had I been overly sensitive and competitive, things may have been a lot different.  I bet my parents are happy now I didn’t let their painfully boring lectures get to me.

So Mini, on this 11.11, I wish you a very Happy Birthday.  I hope your life is filled with an inexplicable amount of love, surely a lot more than you have given me.  You have always been there for me when I needed you most, and now it is my turn to lift that weight off your shoulders.  It is my turn to take you shopping, take you to the movies, and treat you to Applebees Afternoon Tea dates.  Just keep being you and the wonderful person that you are… smart, funny, confident, nurturing, and strong-willed, and watch “magic” unfold.  For only another beautiful pair of eyes, just as beautiful as yours, can begin to behold your brilliance, and understand the beauty that is there.

“The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be.” ~Shakti

NUTRITION: Milk is a very good source of Calcium and Vitamin D. It is also a good source of Protein, Vitamins A and K.  Pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and Fiber. Bittersweet Chocolate Chips add some Antioxidants to this beverage. 

This recipe isn’t the healthiest given the amount of chocolate in this recipe, however it isn’t too overindulgent either.  Live, Enjoy!




INGREDIENTS (makes 2 normal servings, or 1 very large):
* NOTE: you can use 3/4 tsp of Pumpkin Spice if you don’t have cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger powder.

• Milk 2% Reduced Fat – 1 cup
• Libby’s Pure Pumpkin – 3 tbsp
• Pure Vanilla – 1/2 tsp
• * Cinnamon – 1/2 tsp
• * Nutmeg – 1/8 tsp
• * Ginger Powder – 1/8 tsp
• Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa – 2 tbsp  (for best results, use Godiva Dark Cocoa – amazing)
• Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 2 tbsp  (for sweeter results, try semisweet chocolate chips)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Start with a small pot on medium heat.  Add milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder.   
2. Add vanilla, hot cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.
3. Use a whisk to mix.  Allow the hot chocolate to really heat up so bubbles can form.
4. This is what you should have, a thin layer of skin may form, just whisk it in quick. 
5. Turn off the stove.  Pour and serve.  Should be thick and smooth.  DELISH!

p.s. Please DO NOT add any sugar, Godiva Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa is already sweetened enough in addition to the chocolate chips. 


TELL ME: Have you ever tried Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate?  Thoughts?