(Light) Cinnamon Mocha Greek Yogurt

You may have noticed that I love sweets. I want my oatmeal to taste like pumpkin pie, I like to mix my savory flavors with sweets, and I’ve even fashioned myself as a (burlesque) baker. In fact, when I was a young girl, I tended to eat lots of cake and would on occasion get my hands in it (without permission). (Myself in a pretty white frock rudely eating someone else’s cake with my hands.)

This morning I wanted to drink my morning coffee with something indulgent for breakfast that’s like a dessert or rich snack, but still light and healthy. Why not Cinnamon Mocha Yogurt? This yogurt has hearty, protein-rich greek yogurt, cocoa powder that has a ton of anti-oxidants, cinnamon (which has medicinal properties, like regulating insulin), and fresh-brewed coffee for a rich taste and even more antioxidants. (Picture from Leaner and Greener.)

I found this recipe from Running Leaner and Greener that I liked as a chocolate yogurt base. However, I wanted different flavors in my snack yogurt: a spicy mocha yogurt with more pizzazz than regular chocolate dip! I make-over this recipe with leftover fresh-brewed coffee or espresso from this morning and spices. And, if you feel so inclined, add a touch of Kahlua or Bailey’s for a more-than-fun start to your day! You could also make this in larger batches and keep in your kitchen for whenever you get a chocolate craving. This really satisfies my sweet tooth. Cheers!

(Light) Cinnamon Mocha Snack Yogurt

Ingredients:

1/8 cup fresh coffee or espresso

1 container of Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tsp Stevia, Splenda, or Honey

1 tsp cocoa powder (unsweetened)

a shake of allspice and cayenne pepper (optional to make into a spicy Mexican Mocha flavor.)

Directions:

Prepare your morning coffee or espresso, but make an 1/8 of a cup extra and let cool til warm (not scalding hot). Add a touch of milk or almond milk to if you’d like to bypass waiting. Put coffee into a bowl and add the cinnamon, stevia, cocoa powder and any extra spice. Stir until the cocoa powder and stevia have dissolved and add in the greek yogurt. Stir together, and serve in a pretty dish with fresh berries, banana, oats, granola, or chocolate chips. You could even blend this yogurt with a banana and milk or almond milk for a “Chunk Monkey” smoothie. Yes, please!