Hot Cocoa Love Elixir
A cup of hot cocoa is so very soothing and welcome after being outside on a cold day or as an after-dinner treat to settle into the rest of the evening. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy for you with natural sweetening from the maple syrup, tahini which is a healthy fat, an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antioxidant, with cinnamon and allspice that both reduce inflammation, manage blood sugar levels and allspice prevents bacterial infections, to warm and protect. A hot beverage perfect around Valentine’s Day (or any day!) for reasons you’ll read below!
First, what is the difference between cacao and cocoa? Cacao powder and cocoa powder are similar - both are derived from the bean of the cacao plant. The bean is separated from the fatty part of the plant and that fatty part is cocoa butter. The bean is fermented for flavor and texture. Cacao is processed at low temperatures and then milled into a powder or ground into bits, called nibs. This results in a product that is a little bitter in taste and higher in nutritional content. Cocoa on the other hand is made from beans that are fermented, then roasted at a much higher temperature, and then ground into powder. This result is a less bitter, slightly darker powder with a slightly lesser amount of nutritional value due to the high roasting heat.
So whether you are a fan of cacao or cocoa, you will get great benefits when consuming either. Both are rich in magnesium which relaxes the smooth muscles of the body, the heart and the intestines. These are passive muscles that you can’t work out like you can other muscles, like a bicep for example. Cacao and cocoa can help with constipation due to stress and anxiety. Both contain anandamide and theobromine which are potent neuro benefiting components and help with an overall sense of well-being and calmness, joy, bliss and enhances euphoria – the same feelings we get when we are in love!
Both Cacao and cocoa are powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidants and are rich in calcium, zinc, copper and potassium (and magnesium as above). These minerals and vitamins help to boost memory, clarity and immunity.
The history of chocolate is as rich as its flavor. Cacao beans were thought to be more valuable than gold and were used as currency by the Aztecs!
Prep time: 5 Minutes / Cook Time: 5 Minutes / Number of Servings: 2 Generous Mugs
Ingredients:
2 cups Almond Milk (or any milk of choice, dairy or plant-based)
3 Tablespoons Cocoa Powder
2 Tablespoons Maple Syrup (use 3 if using cacao) – or more if you wish it sweeter
2 Tablespoons Tahini
1 tsp Vanilla
½ teaspoon Cinnamon and some for sprinkling as a topping)
¼ teaspoon All Spice (Option: ground Ginger or Nutmeg)
2 Tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut – topping (Optional)
Dark Chocolate – shavings – topping (Optional)
Mini Marshmallows – topping (Optional)
How It’s Made
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, combine all of the ingredients, except the topping ones.
Whisk until the mixture is combined and smooth.
Continue whisking until the hot cocoa begins to bubble. Watch it carefully now as it can boil up when it fully hot.
Carefully pour the hot cocoa into 2 mugs. Add the toppings of your choice. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.
Enjoy!
