Can you believe that it’s already time for snowy season? If you’re anything like us, you’re ready for all the gift giving, awkward family parties, and twinkling snow-covered walks through downtown. In light of being cold however, we wanted to concoct a beverage cozy enough to warm up your insides and indulgent enough to get you through this Christmas season.
While in transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the possibilities are endless when it comes to festive drinks. We decided to stick to the basics and create a Spiced Paleo Hot Chocolate for you and your loved ones to enjoy during these cold winter months.
As you know from our previous posts, while on the Paleo diet there are some dietary limitations to follow. To stay within these guidelines we made this recipe completely dairy and grain free. Instead of the traditional milk or water based mixture, we used coconut cream and almond milk to create the same creaminess without the use of animal products.
Welcome to Science Class Everyone!
For tradition’s sake, we stuck to the chocolate flavor that everyone has come to love and enjoy throughout the years. However, instead of cocoa we drifted more towards it’s alternates, Carob and Cacao. Which through lots of research, we found to have a few more beneficial components than cocoa.
Those components being;
Carob powder contains no caffeine, promotes digestive health, contains many beneficial antioxidants, and in some studies even promotes weight loss.
Cacao powder, while still under speculation, also contains natural antioxidants such as Polyphenols. Which are said to reduce high blood sugar and pressure, increase blood circulation to the brain, and even lower your risk of a heart attack. Along with several other health benefits that include improved mental health, immune stimulating properties to improve your skin and teeth, and lessened symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
To test some these theories for ourselves we thought “why not?” and made the switch. In conclusion this recipe also contains a good amount of honey (a natural alternative but still contains glucose). So if you’re more curious about this matter and its benefits, we’d opt for some healthier recipes to try it out on. On that note, if you’re in the mood for some added indulgence. We also created a Paleo coconut whip cream to top this “not so healthy” Spiced Hot Chocolate alternative.
While you may not get the same endorphin high from this cocoa free, dairy free Spiced Paleo Hot Chocolate that you would the more traditional kind. There are plenty of endorphins to be made while spending time at home with loved ones this Christmas season. We hope you and your family’s have a wonderful start to this month and a beautiful ending to this decade. Happy Holiday’s!
Spiced Paleo Hot Chocolate
Ingredients
Hot Chocolate:
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. Carob Powder
- 2 Tbsp. Honey
- 1 can Coconut Cream
- 4 cups Almond Milk
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
Coconut Whip Cream:
- 1 can Coconut Milk full fat
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup to sweeten
Instructions
Hot Chocolate:
- Add coconut cream and almond milk to medium sized sauce pan. Bring to a simmer stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scalding. Once at a simmer, reduce heat to low.
- Add cacao powder, carob powder, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until dissolved.
- Serve and enjoy! 🙂
Coconut Whip Cream:
- Add full fat coconut milk, vanilla, and maple syrup to a small bowl.**Refrigerate can of coconut milk overnight to solidify coconut fats**
- Using a hand mixer, mix to create a whipped-like texture. **is best served chilled**
- Serve over hot chocolate and enjoy! 🙂
