Cozy winter evenings by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa make up some memorable childhood evenings! Just because you’re aiming for a low carb, low sugar lifestyle, does not mean you need to give up this delicious treat. In fact, cacao is extremely nutrient-rich, and adding it to a hot beverage is a perfect way to load in your antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals including copper magnesium and potassium.
If you buy a sugar-free cocoa mix packet at your local grocer it is probably sweetened with artificial sweeteners that are toxic to your body. Making cocoa yourself, means you are in total control of what you are ingesting and choice ingredients, which are actually healthy for you. This is a versatile recipe, which you can make with your choice of milk. I will choose either organic grass-fed whole milk or unsweetened almond or coconut milk, or a blend. Try Califia Farms’ https://www.califiafarms.com
Toasted Coconut Almond Blend if you want a low carb dairy alternative. I also prefer organic cacao powder over cocoa because it is more nutrient-rich, but you can use either.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. whole milk or unsweetened milk alternative
- 1.5 tablespoons organic cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1 packet stevia
- optional: 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil (for extra healthy fats)
Directions
- Stovetop version: In a small saucepan whisk together: milk, stevia, and cocoa powder. Heat on medium-low temperature and continue to whisk, to remove all lumps as it heats. Do not boil. Add coconut oil if you want, and melt. Pour into mug when heated to desired temperature.
- Alternatively, you can heat ingredients together in a microwave-safe mug for 1.5 minutes. When heated, stir with a spoon until well-combined. You can also shake ingredients (except coconut oil) in a lidded container which has a wire whisk ball, as you would a protein shake before pouring into a mug for heating in the microwave. This will remove the lumps before heating and fake it frothy! Add coconut oil before heating if using.
