Chai-Spiced Hot Chocolate

Ingredients

• 6 whole cloves
• 4 whole cardamom pods
• 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 3/4 cups 1% low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 4 (1/4-inch) slices fresh ginger
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
• Additional cinnamon sticks (optional)

Preparation

1. Place first 4 ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag. Seal bag, and crush spices into small pieces using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
2. Combine crushed spices, milk, brown sugar, and ginger in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes, stirring until sugar dissolves and tiny bubbles form at edge of saucepan (do not boil). Remove from heat; cover and let stand 15 minutes.
3. Add cocoa to milk mixture, and stir. Cook mixture over medium heat 2 minutes, stirring constantly until blended. Strain mixture through a sieve, and serve immediately. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, if desired.