Sweet Sunday

Ever been to Serendipity, a NYC restaurant known for its over-the-top Frozen Hot Chocolate? If not, you must scope out this restaurant the next time you're in the Manhattan area. Their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate is phenomenal and one you should splurge on. But like anything that tastes phenomenal, it is overflowing with calories. Based on my calculations, each glass packs in over 800 calories, 40 grams of fat, and 22 teaspoons of sugar. Ouch.

I have always wondered how to make a slimmed down version of this recipe at home. With a little google search, I found that Joy Bauer, America's favorite nutritionist and author of the recipe book, "Slim and Scrumptious" that has over 75 delicious and healthy meals your family will love, has done just that. Now you can satisfy your chocolate cravings for only 150 calories and with virtually no fat. And even though it's frozen, hot chocolate passes as a winter drink in my book any day. If you're up for trying the variations, the peppermint one (very festive) tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream.

~Frozen Hot Chocolate~

Ingredients:
1/2 cup(s) chocolate syrup
1 cup(s) fat-free evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups of ice cubes
Garnish: reduced-fat whipped topping and/or dark chocolate shavings

Directions:
1.Combine chocolate syrup, evaporated milk, vanilla and ice in a blender until smooth.
2.Pour into glasses. Garnish with a dollop of whipped topping and/or a sprinkling of chocolate shavings if desired.

Variations:
~Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon
~Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Substitute 1⁄4 tsp mint extract for the vanilla extract