Homemade Organic Hot Chocolate

It’s that time of year again. Leaves are falling from the trees, the air is cool and brisk, and autumn is in full-swing. I love looking at the mountains outside my window and seeing them dotted in red, yellow, brown and gold! It’s truly breathtaking!! 

One of the things my family always looks forward to in the fall is the first batch of hot chocolate on a chilly day. Unfortunately, the store bought variety hot chocolates are full of ingredients I don’t want to put in my body— artificial sweeteners, preservatives, GMO ingredients, etc. 

Instead, I prefer finding ways to remake unhealthy treats so that my family and I can enjoy them and actually benefit our bodies by doing so. The ingredients needed are quite simple. The most basic elements are cacao powder and a sweetener. 

Most hot chocolate mixes use cocoa which is processed with high heat causing it to lose some of its beneficial properties. Instead, I use raw cacao powder which is said to have the highest source of antioxidants and of magnesium of all foods. It is also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, natural carbohydrates and protein. 

Instead of cane sugar which is predominantly GMO, I use coconut palm sugar. It is only 35 on the glycemic index compared to cane sugar at 100. It also is a good source of potassium, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus. It looks and tastes similar to brown sugar with a caramel, nutty flavor.

Here is my nutritious version of this otherwise unhealthy seasonal treat. It is surprisingly simple to make and super delicious!

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut palm sugar

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

1 tsp Redmond’s Real Salt 

1 tsp pure cacao chips (mini chocolate chips)

1 to 1 1/2 cups Whole organic or raw milk 

(water or nut milk may be used as a substitute)

Optional:

Spicy blend: 1 pinch to 1/8 tsp organic cayenne pepper

Cinnamon: 1 tsp Saigon cinnamon 

Directions:

1. Measure all dry ingredients into a bowl. Stir til all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This is your basic mix.

2. Transfer the mixture to a container with a lid, and use it for making your own hot chocolate!

3. Warm up a cup of milk in a sauce pan on medium heat. 

4. When bubbles just start to form around the edges of the pan, but no skin has formed over the milk, the milk is ready to accept the chocolate mixture. 

5. Add 1 1/2 to 2 tbs hot cacao mix to the milk and stir til completely incorporated. Drink and enjoy!!

My family loves to add a homemade marshmallow on top. Stay tuned for that delicious recipe!