I remember when I first read that people used to drink a cup of hot chocolate every morning. How deliciously opulent! I thought. How unhealthy!
But of course we now know that dark chocolate is nutritious and rich in antioxidants, good for your heart and shown to be protective against cancer. It's the sugar, which chocolate is generally paired with, that is not so healthy. And when it comes to hot chocolate, specifically, most people are still drinking instant hot chocolate mix. It's easy because you can just open a packet and add water, but it's basically lacking in any health benefits, packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners, powdered milk, and often even artificial flavors. The original cup of chocolate in the morning was free of this health sapping crud. Here is how to make your own rich, healthful beverage for seemingly decadent mornings.
First of all, if you like black coffee this is going to be exceptionally easy. Simply take a mug of hot water and stir in a generous spoonful of unsweetened chocolate powder; bakers' chocolate or raw cacao powder both work. Drink up and be amazed. It's better than coffee, in my humble opinion, and still has a bit of the caffeine kick that makes it a good morning drink.
If you prefer things a bit more sweet, you of course can sweeten this simple chocolate drink however you want to, and add any kind of milk you like. For my own hot chocolate, I mixed 4 parts cacao powder with one part unsweetened carob powder. Carob is naturally sweet, and cancels out the bitterness of dark chocolate nicely. If I have some kind of milk or cream, I add a dollop. This mix is lovely. I don't drink coffee these days, and with this dark, rich beverage I really don't miss it.
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Your Healthy Morning Cup of Chocolate
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7 comments
Write commentsThank you! I'll do that :)
ReplyI want to try this some time! I am a dark-roast coffee drinker, but a chocolate drink might be fun once in a while! I could sweeten it more for my young cousins when they come over. A special treat!
ReplyThanks for linking up at the Weekend Wind-Down party! I hope you will add our link so you can be featured!
Thanks Nicole!
ReplyI do have your link up. It's in the drop down "link parties" menu on the sidebar, or at the bottom of the page on the mobile version.
This sounds great! Just sweeten with a little honey! :)
ReplyYES! I'm going to make some with a little honey right now :D
ReplyI always follow the recipe on the back of the Hershey's cocoa container except that I substitute part of the milk for water. The white sugar is terribly unhealthy, though. I might have to try this if I can stand the bitterness! Maybe some honey would help?!
ReplyYes, honey would be better! But I find it's about the same bitterness of black coffee, so if you can get used to the idea of a less sweet hot chocolate, it's really pretty good with very little to no sweetener :)
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