Dark Hot Chocolate

 

If you need an excuse to eat more chocolate, here's your sign! This dark hot chocolate recipe is super rich + luscious without all the added sugar and dairy which can wreak havoc on the skin. It's no secret what we put IN and ON our bodies matters. This recipe is full of antioxidants and minerals that are good for you and feed your glow from the inside out.

Cocoa vs. Raw Cacao

Cacao powder is extremely rich in polyphenols, which are antioxidants that can protect + repair skin cells from premature aging, and improve your complexion and skin elasticity. Cacao has also been linked to feeding good gut bacteria, thus reducing inflammation in the body. Yes, please! 

Raw cacao is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans. This process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao alive, separates the fat (cacao butter), and produces nibs. Cocoa, in contrast,  is raw cacao that is roasted at high temperatures which reduces the enzyme content and thus the overall nutritional value. So opt for raw cacao when you can.

When shopping for dark chocolate pieces or bars, please know, not all chocolate is created equal. The % of cacao listed directly relates to the amount of cacao in the product. The higher the % the greater the health benefits! Also read your labels for added oils, sugars, and soy lecithin. 

Ok, let’s skip to the good part!

This Dark Hot Chocolate is super simple to make. All you need is a small saucepan and a wooden spoon.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup any nut, oat, or hemp milk

2 tbls full fat coconut milk

2 tbls 70% dark chocolate chips (we like HU)

1 tbls cacao powder

1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Splash vanilla

pinch of Himalayan salt

 

How To:

Add all ingredients to your saucepan and heat over low heat stirring constantly. Be careful, chocolate can burn fast! Heat through until hot.

Pour into mug + enjoy

 

Love + Eat Well,

by natalie