Peppermint Hot Cocoa

My kids like to drink hot chocolate several times a week in the winter.  Most hot cocoa mixes contain chemicals, colorings and unhealthy sugars and sweeteners, some with Nutrasweet.  Nutrasweet is also known as Aspartame and turns to ethyl alcohol when heated.  I avoid these processed ingredients by making my own hot chocolate recipe.   My kids see this recipe as a treat,   I feel good knowing that it can be pretty healthy when I’m selective about the milk & sweeteners I use.  If you really want to get it healthier substitute the cocoa with carob powder.  When I make my own hot chocolate I can use organic ingredients and adjust the sweetness using low-glycemic sweeteners that won’t cause a jump in their blood sugars.  My kids don’t care about how “healthy” it is as long as it takes good.  This combination of ingredients fits the bill for all of us.  I feel the flavors in this homemade version are even richer than any packaged mix and come together in about the same time.  

Adding a therapeutic food grade peppermint oil gives a cooling minty flavor.  Add a full drop for adults only to get a therapeutic dose – drinking slowly.  You can see me prepare this recipe and learn about more options with sweeteners in this video my daughter taped:

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

8 ounces of milk of your choice (organic cow’s, rice, coconut, almond, etc)

1 tsp organic 100% cocoa

1 T  sweetener of choice (Rapadura, date sugar, coconut sap, agave nectar) – if using Stevia, only use 1-2 drops – or adjust to taste

toothpick application of  therapeutic, food-grade peppermint essential oil

Whisk together milk, sweetener and cocoa and heat to desired temperature.  For an adult therapeutic dose of peppermint oil, drop 1 drop in bottom of a ceramic mug.  For a kid’s serving, take a toothpick and run along the inside rim of your essential oil bottle and stir toothpick into cocoa.  Gently pour warmed cocoa into cup.  Enjoy! Makes 1 serving.