I used to love drinking hot Cocoa as a kid. I mean who doesn’t? But I also didn’t know what I was missing with the real stuff. I had the traditional pouches of hot cocoa you’d buy at the grocery store, with the tiny marshmallows. While those are yummy, they’re also pretty unhealthy. They’re full of highly processed ingredients and copious amounts of very processed sugar, corn syrup solids, not to mention preservatives and stabilizers AND a very small amount of actual cocoa! It’s practically an Inflammatory cocktail- yuck!
But, I’m here to tell you that real hot cocoa not only tastes better, but actually has health benefits! Cocoa is high in antioxidants, decreasing inflammation, helps with memory, focus and brain function and can be protective for the heart as well.
Real hot cocoa is also super easy to make. You can actually make your own homemade mix (sans preservatives and gunk) ahead of time and store in an airtight container like a mason jar to make it even easier. Get ready for the richest, most delicious and decadent hot cocoa you’ll enjoy this season! Here’s how easy it is.
Hot Cocoa for Two
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons coconut sugar
dash of Himalayan pink salt
1 teaspoon pure bourbon vanilla extract
2 Cups unsweetened whole coconut milk or cashew milk*
Optional
*I prefer canned whole coconut milk without preservatives blended with water to desired consistency. I also love whole cashew milk. Both are super creamy and satisfying.
Directions:
Mix together the cacao powder, coconut sugar, and salt in a small saucepan with a whisk. Add in a small amount of milk and whisk into a paste. Now add the remaining milk and whisk well until warm on medium-low heat. Lastly, stir in the vanilla. Top with optional clean marshmallows. Serve immediately. Enjoy!