Only 65 calories and 2 weight watcher smart points for a chocolatey peppermint mocha – with whip cream? Crazy you say! Well, I have the recipe (and the cup in my hand) to prove it.
Experts say the best way to reduce the calories from the popular holiday favorite – a grande sized Peppermint Mocha topped with whipped cream from Starbucks (which contains over 400 calories and 12 teaspoons of sugar!) – is to downgrade to a tall drink, ask for skim milk and less peppermint and chocolate syrup, and of course, completely forgo the whipped cream. The result is a drink that has only 220 calories.
I have a better solution. By playing Barista at home, you can slash the calories and added sugar waaaay more, and you don’t even need to stand in line to do so! Your waistline – and your wallet – is sure to thank-you. Simply do not add the optional instant coffee for yummy peppermint hot chocolate! Cheers :).
Makes 1 drink
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (Hershey’s brand Special Dark works best)
2 tablespoons no-calorie sweetener (or 3 packets)
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch ( I use a rounded 1/4 teaspoon)
2/3 cup warm water
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 cup low-fat milk
2 tablespoons light whipped cream (from aerosol can)
Instructions:
1. Place cocoa powder, sweetener, and cornstarch in a microwave-safe coffee mug. Whisk in water and instant coffee if desired. Place cup in the microwave and heat on high for one minute (it’s good to keep an eye on to be sure it does not boil over. (Alternatively, you can heat the mixture in a small pot).
2. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint and milk. Return to microwave for 30 seconds. Top with whipped cream and enjoy!
Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories 65 | Carbohydrate 9g (Sugars 3.5 g) Total Fat 2g (Sat Fat 1g) | Protein 3g | Sodium 20 mg | Fiber 1.5 gms | Food Exchanges: 1/4 Low-Fat Milk, 1/2 Fat, Carbohydrate Choices: 1/2 | Weight Watcher Point Plus Comparison: 1 Weight Watcher Smart Point Comparison = 2!
Dare to Compare: A small (aka tall) peppermint mocha made with 2% milk and topped with “whip” at Starbucks has 350 calories, 42 gms of sugar and 13 gms of fat (8 saturated). Count points? It has 17 of them!
