Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love hot chocolate?

Wintertime and Homemade just make it better.

Less Sugar and Almond Milk help to make it healthier.

hot chocolate cup

My super easy, lower sugar, extra creamy recipe (can be doubled)

What you will need

2 heaping Tbsp unsweetened cocoa

pinch salt (optional but worth it)

2 Tbsp sugar

3 Tbsp hot water

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 cups almond milk ; you can use any milk product, but I think almond milk makes creamiest drink

homemade almond milk

  • mix cocoa, sugar, salt and water in heavy bottomed pan (I use a whisk)
  • bring to a boil over med heat stirring constantly; boil and stir for about 2 minutes (do not burn, there is no coming back from burnt chocolate)

homemade hot chocolate recipe

  • add almond milk and heat until warm; drink gets creamier as it heats. Do not boil
  • Add Vanilla and Enjoy!!

 

 

Almond Milk

 

Almond Milk

1 cup almonds

2 cups water + more for soaking

1 – 1 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • soak almonds in water uncovered (just enough to cover almonds) overnight or up to 2 days; I didn’t see any difference in end product with either soaking time frame.
  • rinse almonds in cold water
  • put almonds and 2 cups cold water in blender; pulse a couple times then blend for 2 – 3 minutes.
  • strain through cheesecloth using a spatula to move mixture and remove as much liquid as possible; then squeeze and flatten cheesecloth with hands (I use food grade gloves to reduce mess) until pulp is clumped and dry. See below for pulp ideas.
  • mix in syrup and vanilla to taste
  • store in glass container in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This recipe makes 2 cups and tastes even better the 2nd day. I find that it becomes super creamy when heated for hot chocolate or added to hot cereal.

almond pulp

*Pulp – I have used it in oatmeal, yogurt and granola. You can dry it further by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at low temp (200) for about 1 1/2 hr.