What’s a holiday like the Fourth of July without something just a little bit decadent?

For your commitment to eating healthful organic food and living an organic lifestyle, we offer an enthusiastic “high five.” But every once in a while (emphasis on “a while”), it’s OK to splurge on a treat that makes your eyes roll back into your head. The good news? You can prepare such epicurean luxuries with organic ingredients.

The key, of course, is moderation. Enjoy this recipe for Frozen Hot Chocolate every day, and your pants will start to squeeze you like a python. Sip a single serving during a special holiday barbecue, and you won’t pay a heavy (pun intended) price.

This recipe creates a dessert beverage that’s rich, frothy and thick enough to eat with a spoon or enjoy through a straw.

Frozen Hot Chocolate
Makes 4 servings

• 3 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar (or baking sugar)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons double-chocolate, rich-chocolate or milk-chocolate flavored hot cocoa mix
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
• 1/3 cup milk chocolate morsels
• 12 fluid ounces milk, divided
• 4 cups ice cubes
• Whipped cream

1. Place sugar, cocoa mix and butter in top of a double boiler set over gently boiling water. Stir frequently until melted and a smooth paste forms. Add morsels; stir. When morsels begin to melt, slowly stir in 1/2 cup milk. Stir until smooth and velvety. Cool to room temperature.
2. Place chocolate mixture, remaining milk and ice in a blender (in batches, if necessary); cover. Blend until smooth. Pour into individual glasses or bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional chopped morsels, if desired. Serve with straw and/or spoon.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Jenny Harper, senior culinary specialist for the Nestlé Test Kitchens and VeryBestBaking.com