Paleo Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate [vegan, no sugar added]

A Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate perfect for winter months! Filled with superfood spices and adaptogen herbs. Paleo, vegan and a “no sugar added” option. 

*WINTER IS COMING*

If you would have said that to me four months ago I would have looked at you and said “Yeah but not for a while!”

However I now understand that is a reference to Game of Thrones. Drew and I started watching this fall and obviously we’re hooked. I somewhat understand what all the hype is. Although I haven’t a clue what is actually going on. I mean I *kind of* understand but if you were to quiz me with flashcards on who is who, what their full names are, what kingdom they belong to, etc. I would likely fail.

Can ANYONE actually keep track of everything that goes on? Serious question. We’re currently in the middle of the third season and every time we watch I probably ask at least once, “Wait who is that?” In which case Drew responds with, “I don’t know.” SO basically we’re both very lost but still continue to watch because we live very marvelous, exciting lives. 😀

Alright so while our lives are clearly not that exciting, superfood hot chocolate is VERY EXCITING.

Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate

Fine, fine. Maybe not all that exciting to some but definitely exciting to me! And maybe some of you too?

We’re taking a simple dairy-free/vegan hot chocolate recipe but taking things up a notch by adding some superfood spices and herbs for a lovely healthy concoction. You really can’t go wrong with the ingredients here:

• unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
• maca powder
• cinnamon
• ginger
• turmeric
• cayenne (just a pinch!)

If you’re not familiar with maca, it’s a root from the member of the cruciferous family (broccoli, cabbage, kale, etc.) with over 20 amino acids and rich in phytonutrients.  It has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, i.e. balancing hormones, stabilizing blood sugar, etc.

Maca is also considered an “adaptogen”. Adaptogens are names give to certain herbs/plants that help the body naturally adapt to stress. Anything from a busy schedule to getting sick to too many workouts (yes working out stresses the body), adaptogens can help bring the body back into balance.

Well + Good shares a great article here. 

Maca adds a nice nutty flavor but you can also use Reishi too, which is an adaptogenic mushroom. And if you decide to opt out of the adaptogens – the other spices act as superfoods too! Cinnamon and turmeric both being great for inflammation.

Everything gets warmed up on the stove top and it’s super easy. I recommend the stove top here over the microwave because the constant heat helps break down the spices a little bit better.

For the sweetener you can use honey, maple syrup or blend in a Medjool date for a no sugar added option  – like I did with this Golden Milk Latte.

Let me know if you try it!

Vegan Paleo Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate

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• Author: Ashley
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2
• Category: Drinks
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

A Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate perfect for winter months! Filled with superfood spices and adaptogen herbs. Paleo, vegan and a “no sugar added” option. 

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Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups non-dairy milk (I used cashew)
• 1/4 cup cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1-2 TBS maple syrup, honey or 2 Medjool dates* (or date paste)
• 2 tsp maca powder or reishi powder**
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ginger
• 1/8 tsp turmeric
• pinch cayenne pepper

Optional add-ins:

• 2 tsp ghee or coconut oil (optional)
• 2 servings collagen peptides

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Instructions

1. Heat milk in medium saucepan over medium-high heat until simmering.
2. Add in cacao or cocoa powder and sweetener of choice; whisk until smooth.
3. Add in maca or reishi powder, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and pinch of cayenne. Whisk continuously while mixture is simmering, about 2 minutes.
4. Add in optional add-ins of ghee, coconut oil and/or collagen peptides. You can divide mixture here depending on personal preference. 
5. Pour spicy superfood hot chocolate into two mugs, enjoy!

Notes

*Use 2 Medjool dates per 2 servings if you’d like a Whole30 option. Pure maple syrup, honey, agave, coconut sugar or even a stevia sweetener would work depending on personal preference.

**You may leave out the adaptogens of you’d like but if you’re interested in adding them into your diet this is a fun way to enjoy them!

Keywords: Vegan Paleo Spicy Superfood Hot Chocolate, hot chocolate recipe, healthy hot chocolate

SOME OF THE PRODUCTS I USED IN TODAY’S RECIPE

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