Hot Cocoa With a Kick

I love hot cocoa all year long. I am positive it has to do with the chocolate content. With winter coming I thought it would be nice to have a cup of hot cocoa that keeps warming me up even after I drink it.
Let me say I do NOT like spicy hot food! I run from it, I don't like the burn or the heat involved. Then there is the cayenne pepper. In just small amounts it adds such wonderful flavor and just a bit of heat. Sometimes I have gotten carried away and added just a bit too much but it has never been too awful.
Let me also add that cayenne pepper is super healthy. I could list the benefits but there are too many. So I'm thinking cayenne and chocolate together has to be a 'good for you' food. I've heard of places that do this but I've never tried it myself. So here goes...


1/4 cup sugar
dash salt
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons hot water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of cayenne pepper-ok, a pinch may be too much, try using a smidgen instead

Printable Recipe
Directions:
Stir together sugar, cocoa, cayenne pepper and salt in medium saucepan;

Stir in water.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes.
Add milk; stirring constantly until hot.

Do Not Boil.

Remove from heat; add vanilla.
Serve with whipped cream or marshmallows.

Let me know how spicy you make yours.