Hot Chocolate Using Cacao

Source: collectiveevolution.com

Cacao is a healthy chocolate substitute that provides tons of minerals. It is a good source of iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, selenium and it tastes great.

INGREDIENTS

One 13.5 oz can “lite” coconut milk (this truly is the best milk to make hot chocolate, I would advise against subbing as others I’ve tried were not good. Lite leaves NO coconut taste!)

2 tablespoons (12 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

3 heaping tablespoons (40 g) semi-sweet dairy-free chocolate chips (I used Enjoy Life)

1-2 tablespoons (20 g) maple syrup, depending on your sweet-o-meter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground espresso or instant coffee (you can leave out if you want, it just makes the chocolate flavor stronger)

1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Optional: whipped cream, shaved chocolate, marshmallows, etc.

DIRECTIONS

Add all of the ingredients to the blender and blend for a few minutes on high until completely smooth and frothy

Add the mixture to a pot over medium heat and then add the chocolate chips

Once it begins to bubble, whisk continuously for about 4 minutes until well heated and has thickened just a bit

Remove and pour into mugs and add whipped cream, shaved chocolate, marshmallows, cinnamon, etc.

This makes enough for 2 mugs. If you are just wanting 1 serving, then place the rest in the fridge and when you are ready to use it, give it a good whisk and reheat on low

Recipe is from Brandi at The Vegan 8.