This time of year, as Christmas approaches and the night air becomes cold, I miss hot chocolate. I grew up drinking my mother’s made from scratch hot cocoa. Many holiday traditions included the warming drink.
Later in life I’d tear open a packet of hot chocolate mix, add hot water and instantly have this favorite winter drink. Since adopting a plant based lifestyle I have not enjoyed hot chocolate. Typically, the commercial varieties are full of processed sugar and dried milk.
Thankfully, I successfully adapted a recipe to create a healthy hot chocolate that is dairy and sugar free.
Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe
Ingredients
1 can coconut milk, full fat
1 cup non dairy milk (I used almond coconut)
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Directions
In a small saucepan, whisk together canned coconut milk, non dairy milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup. Continue to stir over medium-low heat, until hot chocolate is heated through and well combined. Makes 2 servings.
Top with whipped coconut cream, tiny dark chocolate chips, sweetened with stevia, or peppermint leaves.
Hot Chocolate is Back!
Oh my, this hot chocolate is delicious. I savored it, sipping on the steaming liquid as I edited photos for tonight’s blogs.
The recipe is easy to adapt. One half a teaspoon of peppermint or pure vanilla extract could be added to change up the flavor. Leave off the whipped coconut topping if desired. Or, leaving it on, switch out the dark chocolate chips for unsweetened shredded coconut.
I’m so glad to have hot chocolate back in my life. This rich chocolate drink won’t be a nightly treat. However it’s good to know that if I am missing hot chocolate I now have a healthy option.
It will be perfect for Christmas Eve, with a Rustic Apple Galette!
