We know it sounds crazy, but believe it or not dark chocolate is actually really good for you! In fact, cacao is the most anti-oxidant rich food on the planet. It contains 4 times as much anti-oxidant power of goji berries (the highest non-cacao source of antioxidants) , acai berries and blueberries. Additionally cacao is an incredible mood booster. It fends of depression by promoting the release of feel good neurotransmitters such as endorphins and serotonin. It’s no wonder we reach for chocolate during down times! What better way to celebrate the holiday season and health benefits of cacao than with a delicious cup of healthy hot chocolate?
Here are a few delicious, satisfying, healthy hot chocolate recipes you’ll love!
Healthy Pumpkin Hot Chocolate
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 can organic coconut milk (full fat version)
- 2 Tbsp. raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 2 Tbsp. organic pumpkin puree
- 2 Tbsp. pure organic maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice)
Directions:
- Put all ingredients in a speed blender. Blend on the highest setting until warm, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Stovetop directions: Put all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until combined and smooth, about 30 seconds. Pour into a medium sized sauce pan and heat over medium heat setting, stirring occasionally, until warm. Approximately 5 minutes.
via AndreaHood.com
Superfood Hot Cocoa
This recipe contains three powerful superfoods: raw cacao, raw honey and organic unrefined coconut oil.
Ingredients:
Serves 2
- 2 cups vanilla almond milk
- 1 tbsp. (heaping) raw cacao
- 1 tbsp. raw honey
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
Directions:
Heat the almond milk on the stovetop, to just under a boil and then add all the ingredients to your blender or Vitamix and blend for a minute.
The coconut oil gives it the creaminess, richness and the frothiness that make a good cup of hot cocoa. The cinnamon works together with the honey to boost the sweetness without adding sugar, and also offers the many proven benefits of cinnamon, including blood sugar regulation.
via Mind Body Green
Vegan Hot Chocolate
To make Vegan Hot Chocolate use your favorite vegan ingredients for the recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups non-dairy milk (soy, almond, hemp or rice)
2 heaping tablespoons vegan cocoa
2 teaspoons organic vegan sugar
Optional ingredients:
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Do not let the milk boil.
2. Add cocoa powder and sweetener. Whisk to combine ingredients, then add to milk.
3. Whisk the cocoa powder, milk, sweetener and any extra ingredients until the mixture is completely blended.
4. Pour into your favorite mugs or cups.
5. Sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
6. Enjoy.
2 servings. Double for 4 servings.
Alternatively you can put all of the ingredients in a Hot Chocolate Maker and let it do the work for you.
via Squidoo.com
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
2 cups milk or almond milk
2 heaping tablespoons 70 % + dark chocolate cocoa powder
2 teaspoons sweetener – Organic cane sugar, agave nectar or a sugar substitute
1 medium (3 – 4 inch) cinnamon stick [Use large (6 inch) if doubling the recipe]
1 teaspoons Mexican vanilla extract or 1/2 split vanilla bean with the seeds scraped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
1. Heat milk, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean (if using) in a saucepan over medium until steaming. Do not allow to boil. Turn down to simmer.
2. Add cocoa powder and sweetener. Whisk to combine ingredients, then add to milk.
3. Keep whisking the cocoa powder, milk and sweetener until the chocolate mixture is completely blended.
4. Whisk cocoa mixture into milk until well blended. Remove from heat.
6. Stir in vanilla extract to taste if vanilla bean was not used.
7. Add the cayenne to taste.
8. Remove cinnamon stick and strain prior to serving if vanilla bean was used.
9. Pour into your favorite mugs or cups.
10. Enjoy.
Serves 2. Double for 4.
To truly make Mexican Hot Chocolate you may want to mix the ingredients with a Molinillo in a Chocolatera.
