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Psst…For my local friends: Save the Date! Feb 28, 7pm in Potomac
Three 15 Minute Meals Workshop
For my not-locals: I can do this where you live too! See my workshop page
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Now that most of you have been freed from the trappings of 2 feet of snow…Don’t be afraid to go to the health food store (although these ingredients are often available at my local Giant) to pick up a couple new pantry items.
Just like oatmeal, I’m going to ask you to put down the store-bought hot chocolate packet (or box mix) full of high fructose corn syrup, “milk solids,” and who knows what else.
Here’s a healthier hot chocolate choice.
Healthy Hot Chocolate
Cacao powder is a less-processed powder from the cacao bean. Unlike alkali (“dutch”) processed cocoa powder, its many antioxidants are intact. That’s what news reports are talking about when they say “chocolate is healthy.” They’re not talking about the usual hot chocolate packets containing high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated milk solids and dutch processed cocoa.
2 teaspoons cacao powder (such as Navitas Naturals)
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup almond milk (other non-dairy milk is also fine – or water in a pinch)
Optional, but so delicious!: Splash of vegan vanilla creamer, vegan marshmallows
Mexican hot chocolate option: Add a dash of cinnamon and vanilla or vanilla creamer
Place the cacao powder and maple syrup in your mug. Stir (ideally with a small whisk, but a spoon will work too) well until the powder is completely mixed into the syrup. It should be smooth like chocolate syrup. Heat the milk and pour into your mug. Stir. Add splash of creamer and stir again. Add marshmallows if using.
Drink, enjoy, and stay warm!