So I have officially given up coffee (it just doesn't make my tummy feel good and I am all about feeling good these days) Since then I have tried all sorts of hot drink substitutes, green teas, white teas, red teas, oolong tea, pomegranate tea, you name it. I have tried it and it is just not as satisfying as a cup of coffee, bit bitter and creamy. I even went out and bought that organic coffee substitute and drank it for a while before I realized it contained barley which is a no-no for someone on a gluten free diet like myself.

When I was in New York, I mentioned that I went to the chocolate shop-Max Brenner and had the best cup of DARK hot chocolate that I have ever had! I usually don't like hot chocolate, too sweet for me but this was different. I purchased some of the powder mix that they carried but it was not the same as what they mixed at the "chocolate bar". So I have been mixing and experimenting like crazy woman. (I am weird that way.) I just ran across this recipe from another poor sole who tried to replicate a coffee bar experience. I am trying to avoid package mixes and go with pure ingredients...because of the whole gluten thing...I have really moved away from packaged everything. It's a good thing. Any recipe suggestions or additional ideas are welcome! help!

1/2 c unsweetened cocoa 1 cup sugar 7 tsp cornstarch 1/2 c water 4 c milk Mix sugar and cocoa together. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water by stirring, then mix it with the sugar/cocoa to form a disgustingly good looking brown goo. Heat the goo in a saucepan over a low-medium heat, always stirring with a whisk. Slowly add the milk to the mixture, and keep stirring. Bring the mix to a simmer and keep stirring, but slow it down a bit so you're only stirring occasionally. Once it's a thick, glossy molten liquid you're ready! It'll look like a thick chocolate pudding that's not quite set. Pour it into cups, grab a spoon and dig in. (Originally from worldwideschool.org)