- Jessica Pecush
Golden Hot Chocolate
An anti-inflammatory, from-scratch, amplified hot chocolate! What could be better at this time of year? As I struggle to stay warm amidst these bitterly-cold temps here in #YYC, a from-scratch hot elixir is never a bad idea!
Why a homemade hot chocolate?
There is a distinguishable difference between raw cacao powder and refined cocoa powder, the latter being what we find in store-bought hot chocolate mixes (amidst other undesirable ingredients that have no business being in there!).
Raw cacao powder is true raw chocolate powder, generated by the cold-pressing of un-roasted cacao beans.
On the contrary, cocoa powder is roasted and has been subjected to high temperatures as a result. Such high-heat processing and refinement strips the original, raw food from the nutritional value it has to offer.
Raw cacao is antioxidant-rich and a wonderful source of our "anti-stress" mineral magnesium - nutrients we certainly don't want to lose!
In terms of taste, raw dark chocolate tastes very bitter; processed cocoa, on the other hand, has a sweeter taste.
Therefore, I highly recommend ditching the store-bought options that contain unnecessary ingredients, added/refined sugars, ingredients we cannot pronounce, and get back to the basics! Whole, real food!
Golden Hot Chocolate
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 packet Four Sigmatic Reishi Mushroom Elixir (or pre-brewed reishi tea)
1 heaping tbsp. raw cacao powder
1/4 tsp. maca powder (I use Organic Traditions)
1/4 tsp. Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon)
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1 small chunk cacao butter (approx. 1" thick)
Raw cacao nibs, for garnish (optional)
Directions: 1. Dissolve reishi mushroom elixir in 1.5 cups boiling water. Let sit for a moment to cool for a bit, then pour into a VENTED blender (so heat can escape!). 2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. 3. Pour into your favourite, cozy mug and sprinkle with raw cacao nibs. Enjoy! *If you feel you require a bit of sweetness, add a touch of raw, unpasteurized honey.
Special Notes:
Reishi mushroom elixir is a combination of (organic) reishi mushroom extract, field mint and rose hips extract - an immune-supportive blend! Learn more about it, as well as its benefits, HERE!
Raw cacao nibs are small pieces of crushed cacao bean
Please do NOT add the maca if pregnant or breastfeeding. Please research as to whether this adaptogen is suitable for you.
Enjoy my promo code "dijesstion" for a discount on any of your online FOUR SIGMATIC orders!