For those of us who are experiencing cold winter months right now, warm beverages are a must early in the morning. Below are two hot drinks you can prepare quickly in your microwave. These recipe are from Vegan Microwave Cookbook, by Chef Nancy Berkoff. You can purchase this creative cookbook from The Vegetarian Resource Group in the USA only: http://www.vrg.org/catalog/

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
(Serves 4)

1 quart soy or rice milk
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate powder (about 4 Tablespoons)
¼ cup organic sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Place all the ingredients in a 2-quart container or bowl and stir. Microwave on HIGH for 5 minutes or until hot. Stir and serve.

Moscow Tea
(Serves 3)

1 teaspoon orange juice concentrate
½ teaspoon organic sugar
2 Tablespoons instant tea (powdered)
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups water

In a small cup mix together all the ingredients except the water. Stir well to combine and set aside. Place water in a large container or 2-quart casserole and boil. (This should take 3-4 minutes, depending on your microwave.) Stir tea mixture into water until well blended. Pour into individual cups.