What says holiday season more than a steaming cup of hot chocolate?

Bonus if you make it peppermint!

 

Truth be told, I can drink hot chocolate all year round. I actually used to drink it in the middle of the heat of northern California summers and I had a hot chocolate bar at my wedding reception, where guests could mix their own cups. It’s the perfect combo of hot, flavorful, comforting, and delicious. But truth be told, I didn’t always feel the best after those cups because many of them are laden with sugar and dairy which can be problematic for many people.

 

So I’m sharing a couple recipes for how to make quick, easy, hormone healthy hot chocolate in your home without the sugar and dairy, but with the flavor you love!

 

Option 1: Using Active Stacks Protein Powder

I love Active Stacks Protein Powder because it’s made from beef and not cow’s milk, so it doesn’t contain Whey protein. Whey protein can be problematic for some people and so those avoiding dairy for that reason can have Active Stacks. It’s sweetened with stevia so no artificial sweeteners either. In addition to all the amino acids you get from the powder, they also add glycine which is an important nutrient for gut health and for all the growing changes that come with pregnancy. Glycine is needed in larger amounts during pregnancy because it helps the stretching and growing skin, uterus, and other organs.

 

Ingredients for 1 serving

1.5 cups homemade almond milk (I love using my Almond Cow or you can make it in a high powered blender)(if you choose store bought, look for organic and carageenan free)

1/2 tbsp cocoa powder

1-2 tbsp coconut cream (I love this brand or this brand or this brand for better options with no or little added gums)

1 scoop Active Stack Chocolate Protein Powder

1/2 tbsp maple syrup

1-3 tsp cinnamon powder (optional) or

1 tsp peppermint extract (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat almond milk in small pot over stove over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in chocolate protein powder until no clumps remain.
  3. Whisk in cocoa powder until no clumps remain.
  4. Add coconut cream, maple syrup and whisk until incorporated
  5. Optional: add choice of cinnamon OR peppermint depending on your flavor preference.
  6. Add additional toppings like coconut whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved dark chocolate, a candy cane, or whatever else you like!
  7. Drink it warm and store any leftovers in a glass container in the fridge for a few days.

Note: Nutrition facts include 2 tbsp coconut cream and exclude any optionals or toppings. 

 

Option 2: Using Powdered Collagen

The idea is pretty simple: increase the cocoa powder and add in collagen!

 

Ingredients for 1 serving

1.5 cups homemade almond milk (I love using my Almond Cow or you can make it in a high powered blender)(if you choose store bought, look for organic and carageenan free)

2-3 tbsp cocoa powder (depending on how you like it)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 tbsp coconut cream (I love this brand or this brand or this brand for better options with no or little added gums)

2 scoops (1 serving) Collagen (I like this brand)

2 tbsp maple syrup

1-3 tsp cinnamon powder (optional) or

1 tsp peppermint extract (optional)

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat almond milk in small pot over stove over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in collagen until no clumps remain.
  3. Whisk in cocoa powder until no clumps remain.
  4. Add coconut cream, maple syrup and whisk until incorporated
  5. Optional: add choice of cinnamon OR peppermint depending on your flavor preference.
  6. Add additional toppings like coconut whipped cream, marshmallows, shaved dark chocolate, a candy cane, or whatever else you like!
  7. Drink it warm and store any leftovers in a glass container in the fridge for a few days.

 

Note: Nutrition facts include 2 tbsp coconut cream and exclude any optionals or toppings. 

 

Let me know what you think!

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