DESSERT: 72% Cacao Guilt-Free Hot Chocolate

Empty mug every time.

I don't crave hot chocolate often, but when I do, I want it to warm me up, sweeten my palette, and soothe my soul.  I am not a big fan of most commercial hot chocolate because in addition to being fattening, it is over-the-top sweet.  This recipe is easy to follow, gives you a great dose of protein and antioxidants, and  tastes amazing - enjoy:

Serving Size: 1

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce dark chocolate - try Trader Joe's Pound Plus 72% Dark Chocolate as 1 square is perfect
• 1 mug/cup of fat-free milk (measure milk in the mug you plan to drink out of)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• Low fat whipped cream and/or cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat milk in a small saucepan for 2-3 minutes
• Add in chocolate and continue to heat milk
• Once chocolate begins to melt, start to whisk chocolate and milk
• Continue to heat mixture, turn off heat once hot chocolate begins to boil
• Pour, garnish, and enjoy

DINNER: Spicy Thai Tofu with Red Bell Peppers and Spinach

I love Thai food, but all too often, I find it to be overly greasy.  I also don't care for all of the fried components, which I often feel add little to taste, but far too much to calorie count.  I came across a very useful basic recipe on Epicurious, but found it to be too bland (and mushy) for my taste.  I added my own spin by adding in additional ingredients, and of course, making it fat-conscious.  I served this with Thai spicy chicken curry (recipe to come) and brown rice  - enjoy:

Serving Size: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 3-4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil or canola oil
• 2 large red bell peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
• 3 tbsps finely chopped or minced fresh ginger
• 3 large garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
• 1 14-to 16-ounce package extra-firm tofu, drained well, cut into small cubes (I recommend you make four to five slices from the top and side to make nice sized cubes)
• Small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced on diagonal
• 3 tbsps soy sauce
• 1-2  tbsps fish sauce (available in the asian section of any grocery store)
• 2-3 tbsps Sriracha sauce (Thai sauce that comes in a clear bottle or squeeze bottle - people typically identify it by the Rooster on the label)
• 2-3 tbsps lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 1-2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 6-ounce bag baby spinach leaves
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil or 2 tbsps of prepared basil concentrate (try "Herbs in a Tube" - available in the produce section of most grocery stores)
• 1/3 cup lightly salted roasted peanuts
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp corn starch 

Instructions:

• Heat oil in wok over high heat
• Add bell peppers, ginger, and garlic; sauté on medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes
• Mix all sauces and oils (soy, fish, sesame oil, and Sriracha)
• Add tofu, green onions, and sauce mixture to the wok  - stir well and allow to heat for 3-4 minutes
• Add in peanut butter - ensure that it melts and get spread throughout
• Add spinach in three parts,  allow about 1 minute before each addition
• Mix in basil
• Allow ingredients to cook for at least another 15-20 minutes on moderate heat
• Add in cornstarch if mixture is too liquidy (mix first with a few tbsps of cold water prior to mixing in to wok)
• Mix in cornstarch, and allow mixture to cook for another 5 minutes
• Season with salt and pepper. 
• Sprinkle peanuts over finished dish