15 minutes prep time. Makes 2-1/2 cups mix.

What you need:

• 1 c instant nonfat dry milk powder
• 1 c sugar
• 1/2 c cocoa powder
• 1/4 c dried egg whites
• 1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 6-inch cinnamon sticks, optional
• Black tea bags
• Nonfat whipped cream or mascarpone, optional

What you do:

1. In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the first nine ingredients, making sure all the tiny clumps are broken up. Spoon the mixture into a jar and seal tightly.
2. This mix can be used with 1 percent milk to make hot chocolate or a tea bag for making chai. To give as a gift, include instructions for using 1 to 2 teaspoons, according to taste, per serving.
3. For chai, brew one tea bag in a cup or mug of hot milk. Remove the tea bag and stir in the mix. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer, if desired.
4. For hot chocolate, place the mix in a mug and gradually stir in hot milk. Add a cinnamon stick as a stirrer, if desired, or 2 to 3 drops of vanilla extract, or 1 drop of almond extract. Top with whipped cream or mascarpone, if using.
5. For hot mocha, mix 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso into the hot chocolate.

Per serving of hot chocolate: 164 Calories, 12 g Protein, 22 g Carbohydrates, 3 g Total fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono), 177 mg Sodium, Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), B12, Calcium, Iodine, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B6, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, Magnesium, Molybdenum, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc