Spiced Hot Cocoa

On chilly mornings and evenings, there’s nothing like a cup of hot cocoa to warm you up. This less-traditional spiced hot cocoa boasts subtle spices to kick the warmth up a notch.

Growing up, one of my favorite things about winter was my mother’s homemade hot cocoa. I didn’t care much about playing out in the snow, but I would do it just so I would have an excuse to ask her to make a pot full of cocoa upon coming back inside to warm my frozen toes and fingers.

She usually obliged. Being a health-nut, her version contained raw goats milk, carob or cocoa, and no refined sweeteners, so there was no problem indulging my hot cocoa-love.

This Spiced Hot Cocoa is a simple twist on my mom’s homemade version. Sweetened with honey, and with the addition of healthy spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, it provides a little extra nourishment to an age-old treat.

Cinnamon is a nutritional powerhouse and a powerful anti-bacterial. Its antioxidant properties protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, and it’s also one of the most effective substances against E–coli, and Salmonella.

The anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger are said to rival those of NSAIDs and come from gingerol, the compound in ginger which helps to lower the risk of infections.

Nutmeg contains the powerful trace minerals potassium, calcium, iron, and manganese, which help to keep the immune system strong. It also contains a natural organic compound called myristicin, known to shield the brain against degenerative diseases.

Cloves are high in antioxidants, can improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, and have antibacterial properties potent enough to kill a number of human pathogens. They’re also known to improve the immune system by increasing the white blood cell count.

With the addition of these healthy spices, this honey-sweetened pot of hot cocoa is a delicious and nutritious drink that’s sure to warm you up and put a smile on your face, especially when paired with a few healthy chocolate chip cookies or a homemade scone.

Spiced Hot Cocoa

 

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Author: Raia

Ingredients

• ¼ c. cocoa powder
• 6 T. + honey (local is best)
• ½ t. cinnamon
• ¼ t. ginger
• ⅛ t. nutmeg
• pinch cloves
• dash of sea salt
• 2 c. milk of choice (I recommend raw whole milk or coconut milk, for dairy-free)
• 1 t. vanilla extract (find out how to make your own here!)

Instructions

1. In medium-sized saucepan, whisk together cocoa, honey, spices, and ¼ cup of the milk until creamy.
2. Pour in the remainder of the milk and heat through (don’t boil!).
3. Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla.
4. Serve with a cinnamon stick or a dollop of whipped cream.

3.3.3077

What’s your favorite drink during the chillier winter months?

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Raia

Raia lives in the south with her husband/best-friend, five wonderfully crazy kids, six free-range chickens, and a gazillion mosquitoes. In between being a full time wife, mom, and homeschool teacher, she blogs over at RaiasRecipes.com, where she shares all her gluten-free and allergy-friendly food.

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