Paleo Rich & Creamy Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

Usually for me the first snowfall of the year means that is is officially hot chocolate time! With no snow in sight I can’t wait any longer. This healthier Paleo hot chocolate is easy to prepare and you can actually feel good about what you are drinking. Raw Cacao is a super food that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is also known to improve your mood and act as an anti-depressant as well as boost energy. Coconut milk is full of good fat and is an anti-inflammatory. Coconut milk can also raise the metabolic rate and has immune boosting qualities. Cinnamon, also an anti-inflammatory, can increase blood circulation. All of these benefits will help you survive and thrive in the cold weather months! See more healthful spices to add at the end of this post.

Ingredients:
1 can of Full Fat Coconut Milk
1/2 C. Water (Omit for a richer drink)
2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder
1/4 C. dairy-free/sugar free chocolate of your choice
1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1/4 tsp. Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup (or Honey)
(Optional) 1/4 tsp. Turmeric
(Optional) 1/4 tsp. Cardamom
(Optional) 1/4 tsp. Ginger

Heat coconut milk, chocolate, water, vanilla and cinnamon in a pot on the stove for 10 mins. being careful not to let it boil. Add cocoa and maple syrup, stir and let heat for a few more minutes to let the flavors mix. P(Serves 2)

If you want to add even more of a boost to your beverage try one or all of the optional ingredients. Turmeric is an antioxidant containing anti-inflammatory compounds. Turmeric has also been shown to improve liver function, indigestion and dementia. Cardamom, which is a good sweet spice, has been known to promote digestion and may help prevent cold and flu symptoms as well as lower your blood pressure. Traditionally ginger has been used to relieve colds and stomach troubles. Ginger is rich in inflammation-fighting compounds which may help reduce arthritis pains.

I topped my cocoa off with marshmallow cream from Vanessa Barajas’s cookbook Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind. What’s better than a cozy cup of hot chocolate, fireside, on a cold winters day? Whenever the cold hits – I’ll be ready!