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Healthy Hot Chocolate

This Ayurvedic version of hot chocolate can help curb the coffee craving and nourish your body, while serving you a warming treat!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • saucepan
  • small whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 c cacao powder (can substitute cocoa, see note below)
  • 1 Tbsp Maple syrup, or other sweetener of your choice
  • 2 c milk of your choice (can use 1/2 milk, 1/2 water)
  • 1 tsp spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cloves
  • 1 tsp Ashwaganda

Instructions
 

  • Combine cacao and sweetener in a saucepan.
  • Add milk and the rest of the ingredients. Beat with whisk until smooth.
    hot chocolate spices immune
  • Warm, stirring frequently with whisk, until steaming. For a little latte-like foam, blend with a hand blender for 30 seconds or so.
    hot chocolate spices immune
  • (Optional) If "bulletproofing" your drink, add ghee or coconut oil as you blend it just before serving. If you heat the hot chocolate with the oil in it, it can become a burn hazard.
  • Enjoy!
    hot chocolate spices immune

Notes

  • Cocoa or Cacao? There is a difference.  Cacao is the raw, more vibrant and alive version of cocoa.  Both will work in the recipe, and cocoa is more readily available, so don't not make this over the issue.  However, you'll notice your body appreciates the more alive cacao if you can get it.
  • The spices are part of the medicinal magic.  They each have their own benefits to bring to the table.  All of them promote good digestion, though ginger is the queen of digestive spices.  Turmeric is renowned for helping with joint issues.  All of them help to warm and soothe the system in the rigors of "hot chocolate season." What ones sound really good? Use them.  Play with  quantities till you find what you like.
  • Ashwagandha is a balancing, warming ingredient that soothes the nerves.  It lends a thicker, malty texture to the mix.  It's optional, but a blessing to a stressed out nervous system in the holiday season!
  • Play with the cacao to sweet ratio to find what suits your tastes. And it may vary with the season, time of day, and mood.  Take some creative license as you nourish your body and soul with this drink!
  • Recipe is adapted from The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook by Kate O'Donnell
Keyword spices, sweet