Healthy {Homemade} Hot Cocoa

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…a cup of Healthy {Homemade} Hot Cocoa! I love this time of year, but I will admit that in years past I’ve indulged in the excessive festive goodies that always abound during the holidays. Over the years I’ve become more aware and informed and consequently have started making some different choices in what I feed my family. Does that mean we can’t enjoy some holiday treats? No way!!
Even though I’ve found several brands of hot chocolate mix that are gluten free they certainly aren’t free of refined sugars or things like, “Mono and Diglycerides” and “yellow #5″. Genetically modified and artificial ingredients don’t really give me warm fuzzies. So not only will this rich and creamy hot cocoa tickle your sweet tooth, but it’s crazy good for you! Full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and if you add in an essential oil for some flavor variation then you’ve added even more health benefits!

This hot cocoa is made with unrefined coconut sugar, coconut milk and cacao (cocoa) powder. As a bonus the natural coconut oil from the sugar and milk will leave your lips super soft after each sip. Which may come in handy if you find yourself under the mistletoe (wink, wink, nudge, nudge)

1 can unsweetened (full fat) coconut milk
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1/8 – 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 heaping tbsp. unsweetened cacao powder
1 cup water
2 cups almond milk
*optional: 1 drop CPTG peppermint essential oil OR 2-3 drops wild orange essential oil

Start by heating the coconut milk, coconut sugar, syrup, vanilla, and cacao powder in a medium sauce pan. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat, and simmer (stirring frequently) for 20-30.  The coconut milk should reduce and thicken to a syrup consistency. If you’re preparing this on Christmas eve to have on Christmas morning then stop there, pour into a jar, and store in the fridge. In the morning simply add the water and almond milk to the coconut cocoa syrup. I poured everything into my Cocomotion Hot Chocolate Maker and let it get hot and frothy or just heat it in a saucepan on the stove. Add peppermint essential oil for a mint chocolate flavor or wild orange oil for chocolate orange!