Hot Chocolate for One

I grew up watching my parents and extended family have their morning chai - warm black tea boiled and then steeped with spices (like cardamom, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise) and milk . I always loved the smell but never appreciated a good cup of chai until I was much older.

Now I would give anything for a morning cup of chai, but truth be told my hectic mornings just do not lend themself to the process, and when I do have the time I just cannot justify making a cup for just one person. So for a while I got on a black coffee kick, but that was short lived. The coffee would play havoc with my IBS like symptoms, leave me in jitters, and contrary to popular belief, it did not always cleanse out the system. I then tried tea bags, and while that was fine, but just not satisfying.

I wanted something a little more luxurious. Something that would allow me to forget about the hectic day ahead, even for a few minutes. Something that would make me feel like I was able to start the morning off on the right note. Thus was born the hot chocolate for one.

This warm sultry chocolaty milk drink is just want I need in the mornings. This hot chocolate is easy to make and uses minimal ingredients. It is just the right creaminess, just the right amount of chocolateness, and the salt adds a nice twist.  Though the salted maple rim is even better, I leave that for special occasions.

As I wake up at 5am every morning to take care of household chores before starting my work day, this drink is a huge welcome. It reminds me to stop, breath, and enjoy - if even for 5 minutes of everyday. And while I strive to do more for myself and my well begin, I will relish in these daily 5 minutes as a start in the right direction to bettering myself.