Nourished: Hot Chocolate recipe
Don’t you just love a sweet treat, a warm chocolaty concoction, something that soothes you after a long day? I know I do. But you know that I love even more? When my favourite warm drink on a rainy day has amazing health benefits - so I’m not only drinking for comfort I’m also drinking for nourishment.
I absolultey love a hot chocolate, but you know what I don’t love? The secret additives, the spike in blood sugar, the less than ideal ingredients and the inflammatory properties of commercial based pre-mixes. Which is why I crafted my own.
I crafted this recipe as a base years ago, sometimes I add peppermint, lavender or this brand new take on it.
Peppermint: winter
Lavender: soothing
Brand new: even more gut health supportive
I wanted my evening beverage to not only be relaxing but comforting. I was tired of drinking the same tea every night and needed to switch it up, I was also dealing with gut health issues such as constipation so upping my fibre game was nessecary.
which brought me to…
This nourishing Hot Chocolate Recipe has 6.5g of fibre per serving! Contains whole food magnesium from the Cacao & Cacao nibs - perfect for a mid-afternoon calming beverage or before bed for restorative sleep. The honey or maple syrup (depending on your taste) has so many health benefits, and as a natural form of sugar you don’t get that blood sugar spike/crash scenario. I love using coconut milk (yay nut free and dairy free), but coconut milk also contains healthy fats, which are equally as beneficial to your blood sugar levels, and digestive function.
Nourished: Hot chocolate recipe
Ingredients
¼ cup Coconut Milk
1 tbsp Cacao Powder
1 tbsp Honey or Maple Syrup
Dash of Celtic Sea Salt
½ - ¾ cup of boiling filtered Water
1 tbsp Cacao Nibs
Directions
Add water to kettle and set to boil
Start by adding coconut milk, cacao, honey and salt to a mug
Use a milk frother to blend together all ingredients until smooth
Pour in boiling water until you reach your desired consistency
Top with cacao nibs & enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Stovetop Method: You can do this all in a pot on the stove on medium-low heat - just ensure you whisk together all ingredients before turning the heat on. And add water after
If using the stovetop method: do not bring to boil, this will burn the Cacao. Instead test with finger (carefully) until just warmer than body temperature
Mug Method: before you add the water it will be a thicker consistency. I like to add around ½ cup of boiling water to start and then reach my desired consistency (p.s i do love a hot chocolate a tad on the thicker side, I dont want to feel like I’m drinking watery chocolate here)
Nourished: health benefits
Cacao Powder: Cacao is a great source of magnesium, and rich in iron and potassium. It is known as a superfood since it is packed with antioxidants, specifically ones called ‘flavanoids’ which have been linked to provide many health benefits. Cacao has been shown to reduce inflammation, boosts brain function, and calm mood. With just 1 tablespoon providing 2g of fibre and 35mg of magnesium - it’s a great little hack for keeping you digestion flowing and happy. My favourite and trusted brand: Navitas Organic Cacao Powder
Coconut Milk: Coconut milk is rich in MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) which support healthy weight management, metabolism, promotes fullness and offers anti-inflammatory properties. It’s my favourite nut-free alternative to milk, as well for me I find dairy can be a flaring food so since it’s also dairy-free my digestion and skin stay happy. Unsweetened is best here, my favourite brand is Silk Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk Beverage
Honey: Natural, raw honey is great for the immune system. I love not only supporting local farmers, but when you source your honey locally these bees feed off flowers native to your location which helps strengthen your immune system against allergies. Honey supports healthy blood sugar levels because when raw, it contains no processed sweetners.
Maple Syrup: Maple Syrup is rich in minerals, which supports immune function and healthy blood pressure levels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to aide healthy digestive function. Also, increases the health benefits when you source it naturally from a farm vs store bought.
Celtic Sea Salt: Celtic Sea Salt is packed full of minerals
Cacao Nibs: Cacao nibs have very similar benefits as Cacao Powder listed above. Although, my favourite thing about Cacao Nibs is the fact that they have 4g of fibre per tablespoon! C’mon enjoying chocolate and also hitting my fibre goals? Amazing! My favourite brand is: Inari Organic Cacao Nibs
Approximate nutrition Facts
Calories:122
Protein:3g
Fat:8.5
Carbs:26g
Fibre:6.5g
