9 Hot Drink Recipes You've Gotta Make This Winter

These hot drink recipes will boost your temperature (and mood) on blustery winter nights. Long day shoveling snow and scraping ice off your car? That's exactly why we provided a spiked option for each.

Beth of Tasty Yummies says this recipe has both the rich silkiness of hot cocoa and the spiciness of a chai. Bonus: It's dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and Paleo-friendly.

Spike it: Heat things up with a shot of spiced rum, tequila, or bourbon.

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This spiked coffee from Amy at Living Locurto is a coffee lover's dream. The butterscotch and caramel sauce may just convert you non-coffee peeps, too.

Unspike it: Substitute butterscotch syrup for the butterscotch schnapps.

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You'll swear off dry cocoa mixes for good after trying this white hot chocolate recipe from No. 2 Pencil. Tip: Use high-quality white chocolate like Ghirardelli for optimal sweetness and flavor.

Spike it: Spice it up with a little spiced rum.

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This apple cranberry cider from Real Housemoms is perfect for parties. The morning of your soirée, just toss the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover, and cook for two hours.

Spike it: An ounce of rum or whipped vodka is sure to make your guests warm and fuzzy inside.

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Taylor of Food Faith Fitness promises this steamer has all the sweet butteriness of a gingersnap cookie, minus the actual butter. Not to mention, it takes less than a minute to make!

Spike it: For an even creamier version, stir in a shot of Irish Cream.

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For years, people have been sipping hot toddies to cure common cold symptoms. This cinnamon-spiced hot toddy from Everyday Dishes & DIY is a perfect remedy for whatever ails you, even if it's just everyday stress.

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This peppermint mocha coffee from Love Grows Wild guarantees you a high from its steaming hot awesomeness. Plus, at only 140 calories, it gives you another reason to be on cloud nine.

Spike it: A splash of Kahlua Peppermint Mocha delivers an extra dose of minty marvel.

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No espresso machine, no problem. You can still brew this pumpkin spice latte like a pro, thanks to this recipe from The Magical Slow Cooker. Feeling ambitious? Whip up your own homemade whipped cream topping, too.

Spike it: For a little extra spice, add some vanilla vodka.

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In Old English, wassail was a cheerful toast meaning "be well." Drink to your health with this updated version from Susan of Fat Free Vegan Kitchen.

Spike it: Want to drink wassail like Shakespeare? Add a little brandy. Traditionally, wassail was an alcoholic drink.

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5 Foods That Reduce PMS Symptoms (And 3 That Make Them Worse)

Find yourself reaching for that bottle of Aleve every 28 days on the dot? Put it away. Even though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists estimates that at least 85 percent of menstruating women experience one or more PMS symptoms each cycle (think bloating, cramping, irritability, and breakouts), popping pills isn't the answer. What is? Food. "Diet can play a significant role in a woman's experience during her menstrual cycle," says Justin Shelton, DO, ob-gyn at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. To the rescue: five foods that can help relieve your pesky period symptoms—and three that are making them worse.

Best for: Cramping

Aside from their rich and creamy texture, which pairs well with just about anything, avocados are nutritional powerhouses because they host a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. So if you find you're curled up on the couch in pain more often than you're standing up, it might be time to rock some guac. "[Avocados are] high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help fight inflammation and relieve pain due to menstrual cramping," says Kristen Carlucci, RDN, a wellness coach and registered dietitian in New York City. "Try adding a few slices to a sandwich wrap, or whip up a guacamole to dip fresh vegetables into for a snack." For breakfast, we like adding it to your morning smoothie or using it to make avocado toast (try this recipe).

Best for: Irritability, fatigue

Repeat after us: Fat is not always your worst enemy. In fact, the fatty acids found in salmon, almonds, and olive oil can be excellent for your general health—especially during that time of the month. A recent study in Reproductive Health found that taking capsules with about a gram of three essential fatty acids significantly relieved PMS symptoms. To get those same benefits without a pill, reach for the pink fish. "Salmon is the premier food source of the fatty acids DHA and EPA, which can help boost mood and reduce those PMS blues," says Rima Kleiner, MS, a registered dietitian based in Greensboro, North Carolina. "It's also rich in B vitamins, like vitamin B6, which can help reduce irritability and breast tenderness, and vitamin B12, which helps boost energy." We love these salmon burgers, mostly because you can make the tasty mixture in your blender.

Best for: Breakouts

You know those large, oval nuts you find in almost any variety pack? They're jam-packed with nutrients and antioxidants that work wonders for your skin. "Brazil nuts are helpful in reducing breakouts that may occur during our menstrual cycle," says Carlucci. "They contain vital nutrients including selenium, vitamin E, and other fatty acids that help hydrate the skin, neutralize oil production, and reduce skin inflammation to prevent unwanted breakouts." So next time you make an energizing trail mix for a pre- or post-workout snack, load up on Brazil's finest. Carlucci suggests a combination of Brazil nuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, raisins, and shaved coconut for maximum skin protection and a bonus energy boost.

Best for: Bloating, food cravings

You might think straying from dairy will ease your tummy troubles, but the probiotics and calcium found in yogurt are a triple threat against period symptoms. "Foods high in calcium have been shown to decrease the amount of menstrual cramps, likely because it's relieving a natural calcium deficiency in your myometrium [a layer of the uterine wall] during menstruation," says Shelton. It also tames those time-of-the-month cravings and bloat, as it helps reduce water retention, says Jolene Brighten, ND, a naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health and hormonal issues in Oakland, California. But if you struggle with acne or are sensitive to hormonal outbreaks during that time of the month, Brighten suggests avoiding dairy products, as it may worsen breakouts. Instead, find calcium in vegetables like broccoli and green snap peas, or even sardines.

Best for: Fatigue

Chocolate lovers of the world, rejoice! Thanks to dark chocolate's antioxidant levels and endorphin-boosting qualities, these bittersweet bars of heaven are not off the menu during your period. "Chocolate increases blood flow to the brain, and this makes us feel energized, which can help the fatigue and brain fog that is often a part of PMS," says Shelton. Consider that permission to indulge in a few squares during your next afternoon slump—or you can try grating it over a bowl of oatmeal for a morning kick.

When your energy's plummeting fast, be careful not to use coffee or soda as a crutch. "Caffeine is a stimulant that causes stronger and more painful uterine contractions during our periods," says Carlucci. Translation: Your cramps could get much, much worse. And that unwanted bloat that shows up before you've even had breakfast? Your cup of joe could be to blame. "Food and beverages high in sugar and caffeine can aggravate PMS symptoms and cause even more bloating," says Shelton. Instead, reach for caffeine-free tea, decaf coffee, and water until your next cycle begins, suggests Carlucci.

The foods that we tend to crave most during our periods—queue the salty chips, sugary treats, and fast-food parade—unfortunately cause more harm than good when it comes to relieving cramps and bloat. "We already retain excess water during our periods, and eating a diet high in salt can make bloating and menstrual pain even worse," says Carlucci. "Try to stay under 2300 mg of sodium per day, or under 1500 mg per day if you have a history of high blood pressure." Take the time to read over the nutrition labels of any processed soups, snacks, or beverages to keep a low sodium count, and fill up on water to help curb cravings.

As much as we love to relax with a glass of wine after work, you may want to skip this ritual when you're on your period. "Alcohol naturally dries out the body, causing you to retain excess fluids," says Carlucci. Enter excess bloating and through-the-roof junk-food cravings. Not good. If you can't give up alcohol entirely, Carlucci suggests checking in while you have your period. "My clients keep a monthly tracker and rate themselves on how they feel," says Carlucci. "It's the best way to judge whether you can have one or two drinks without consequence, or you should hold off until your period has passed."

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8 Delicious Weight-Loss Smoothies

When you're looking to slim down, look no further than the mighty smoothie. These super-simple weight-loss smoothies pack protein and flavor, so you won't feel deprived. Let's get sipping.

Half an avocado per serving makes this smoothie totally worthy as a meal replacement. To make it even more filling (and flavorful), Cassie Johnston—whose new cookbook Chia, Quinoa, Kale, Oh My! is out now—adds peanut butter.

Makes 2 servings

1 avocado, pitted

1 cup fresh spinach

1 large ripe banana

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter

1 cup milk

Handful of ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in a blender on high speed until very smooth.

This smoothie, also from Johnston, might taste like dessert—but with a half a cup of Greek yogurt in each serving, it's a much better alternative to doughnuts and coffee cake.

Makes 2 servings

1 large ripe banana, frozen

1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons honey

1/3 cup unsweetened nut, soy, or cow's milk

Handful of ice cubes

Graham cracker crumbs, crushed, for garnish

Combine banana, yogurt, vanilla, honey, milk, and ice in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top before serving.

Johnston put together this killer antioxidant duo of dark chocolate and cherries to make this smoothie feel extra decadent. But chia seeds turn it into a nutritional powerhouse—just a tablespoon packs 2 grams of protein and more than 5 grams of fiber to keep you full till lunch.

Makes 2 servings

1 cup unsweetened nut, soy, or cow's milk

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups pitted, halved cherries

1 medium-size ripe banana

4 to 5 ice cubes

Combine ingredients in the order listed in a blender. Blend on high speed until everything is smooth.

Go for coconut milk in this antioxidant-rich mixed berry recipe by Mimi Kirk, author of the new cookbook The Ultimate Cookbook of Modern Juicing, for plenty of healthy fats to keep you satiated.

Makes 1 serving

1/2 cup almond, hemp seed, or coconut milk

1/2 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen

2–3 Medjool dates

Blend all ingredients in order listed until smooth.

Research hints that adding 2 tablespoons of coconut oil—made up of medium-chain fatty acids that may help speed up your metabolism—to your daily regimen will help you burn more calories. In this recipe, Kirk adds 1 teaspoon of the oil for a satiating effect.

Makes 1 serving

1 cup almond or hemp seed milk

1 cup fresh or frozen peaches

1/2 cup fresh pineapple juice

1/2 frozen banana

1 teaspoon coconut oil

Blend all ingredients in order listed until smooth.

Avocado and hemp seeds both deliver protein in this recipe by Christine Bailey, author of this month's smoothie recipe book, Supercharged Juice & Smoothie Recipes. The smoothie also contains raw cacao nibs and wheatgrass, which both deliver magnesium, a chemical element essential for energy production that athletes tend to not get enough of.

Makes 1 serving

1/2 banana, chopped and frozen

1/4 ripe avocado, pitted

1 small handful spinach

1 handful frozen berries

1 1/2 teaspoons shelled hemp seeds

1/4 teaspoon wheatgrass powder

1/4 cucumber, chopped

1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs

Scant 1 cup coconut water or water, plus extra if needed

Chop banana and place in a freezer bag. Seal and freeze overnight until solid. Put banana in blender with remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little more water if necessary.

Another recipe from Bailey's Supercharged, this one offers healthy fats, protein—and a big brain-boosting benefit. Bailey spikes the smoothie with the ancient Chinese herb gingko, which may help improve cognitive function and prevent memory loss.

Makes 1 serving

1 small handful blueberries, fresh or frozen

3 strawberries, stalks discarded, chopped

2 teaspoons shelled hemp seeds

1 teaspoon acai berry powder

1 tablespoon goji berries

1/4 teaspoon gingko powder

1/2 teaspoon flaxseed oil

1/2 teaspoon coconut oil

1/4 ripe avocado, peeled and chopped

Scant 1/2 cup pomegranate juice, coconut water, or green tea

Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

In her new book, Raw Energy in a Glass, Stephanie Tourles has a delicious protein-rich smoothie made of hemp seeds, almond butter, and mango, plus a splash of vanilla extract.

Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 cups purified water

1 cup fresh or frozen mango, pitted, cut into chunks

2 medium or 3 small frozen bananas, cut into 1-inch chunks

1/4 cup raw hulled hemp seeds

2 tablespoons raw almond butter

1 tablespoon raw honey

1 teaspoon natural vanilla

Put water, mango, bananas, hemp seeds, almond butter, honey, vanilla, and salt in a blender and blend on high until very smooth and silky, 60 to 90 seconds.

Excerpted from Raw Energy in a Glass by Stephanie Tourles, used with permission from Storey Publishing

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10 Brilliant Gluten-Free Breakfast Ideas

Giving up gluten? No need to sacrifice your fave breakfast foods! The morning meal still has plenty of promise thanks to these 10 gluten-free breakfast recipes. We pinky swear you'll never be enslaved to eggs and bacon again. Now bring on the pancakes, please.

This melt-in-your-mouth moist coffee cake by Mary of Barefeet in the Kitchen is so delicious, you might find yourself feasting for lunch, dinner, and dessert, too. We won't tell.

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Elana from Elana's Pantry suggests mixing in a healthy teaspoon of ground cinnamon, which has been proven to lower blood pressure.

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These light and fluffy waffles from Sharon of What the Fork are sure to wow all of your senses: The rich, red color almost makes them too beautiful to eat—almost. Powdered sugar adds a pretty (tasty) touch. Bring on the Instagram "likes."

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It only takes three ingredients and 12 minutes to achieve the flaky fabulousness of these super easy-to-make biscuits, courtesy of Erin from Yummy Supper.

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DIY bagels have two big benefits: 1. You can customize the "everything mix." (You want 90% sesame seeds, 5% poppy seeds, and 5% dried onion? You do you, girl.) 2. You control the portion size. Cara from Fork and Beans promises a healthy palm-size one will fill you up.

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Pick your favorite berries, let them simmer with maple syrup, and then dribble the sweet, gooey goodness over these fluffy pancakes from Emily of Best of This Life. See ya, syrup.

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This make-ahead French toast is as time-saving as it is mouthwatering—just quickly prep at night and pop in the oven the next morning. Liz of The Lemon Bowl guarantees the peach-packed, mouth-bursting flavor will win over non g-free folks, too.

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Need a grab-and-go breakfast? These no-bake, nut-free, gluten-free granola bars are your answer to eating on the run. To make these even healthier, Nicole of Gluten-Free on a Shoestring suggests substituting coconut palm sugar (a nutrient-dense, unrefined sugar) for brown sugar.

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Refrigerate these crepes, courtesy of Julia's Album, for up to a week and have seven days of délicieux petit déjeuner.

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Luscious layers of creamy, lemony ricotta and tart berries combine to create this light, refreshing parfait. To balance the parfait's smooth texture, Carolyn of All Day I Dream About Food recommends adding a little crunch by sprinkling chopped, toasted hazelnuts on top.

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