It seems that we're experiencing more rush and bustle every day during December! Holidays are stressful times for anyone, but especially so if you are the main planner and executor of family parties and holiday occasions. If that is your experience, there is hope and hot chocolate for you.

Doesn't it look heavenly, steaming in its delicate cup? You can click here to find out some fascinating facts about the discovery of chocolate. Of interest, chocolate is a mind altering drug that contains chemicals which simulate those released while falling in love. Hence our fascination and in many cases addiction to this "food of the gods" and why in particular, one of its main components, theobromine, (a relaxant) makes chocolate a favorite of women. Chocolate also has superb anti-oxidant properties and is good for the heart. Why not indulge in this healthy treat as you relax? But not with a pre-packaged powder. Oh no.

First, you need to make my Mother, Doris Russell's, recipe for Homemade Hot Chocolate. A genuine restorative and sovereign remedy for many ailments of the spirit known to children and adults alike. A few years ago Starbucks sold a similar concoction known as "Chantico". But forty years ahead of them, my Mom brewed the business in this original recipe. For me, the Energies of Love she put into every cup are the essential ingredient.

In a saucepan combine:

• a quarter cup of good, dark cocoa powder. Hershey is fine for the cocoa, but foodies will want to invest in Valrhona or Ghirardelli.
• a quarter cup of sugar.
• Add a piece of butter the size of a walnut (this is my grandma Mimi's handwriting on the reciple at this point - like sage women from the dawn of time, she measured in agricultural metaphor)
• A quarter teaspoon of organic cinnamon (you can skip this if you don't like cinnamon)
• a teaspoon of real vanilla flavoring (never imitation)
• the energy of genuine love for whomever drinks this concoction (you are just as valid a recipient of your own love as anyone else)

Muddle all ingredients together with a little milk (just enough to make a smooth paste) using the back of a spoon to rub the wet ingredients into the dry ones.

Add a cup of milk very slowly to the paste, beating constantly to incorporate. Taste. You may want to add more milk, or any of the other ingredients to taste at this point. When you've got it right, put on the stove at low heat until it's as hot as you want it. Whisk briskly while heating and before pouring. Add a liberal dollop of unsweetened hand-whipped cream, if desired. If you like and can take the calories, add a scant capful of vanilla extract and a few teaspoons of brown sugar to your cream before you whisk it.

Slow down, savor and enjoy.  Mmmmm......

These are calories you want to plan for and not regret. They're worth it.

Now, if you're still ruffled and frazzled after that nice soothing cup of hot chocolate, put your skills to use and engage any one of the Stress Relief exercises at my website

Happy Holidays!