When I first went dairy-free it was reason enough to have a happy gut. When I ate dairy, I had all sorts of unpredictable symptoms from bloating to frequent trips to the bathroom. Most dairy-filled foods I easily found alternatives for or simply did without. This was until it came to winter when I wanted more than anything to snuggle up by a fire with a warm cup of hot cocoa that I found myself a little perplex for what to do.
Sure I could absolutely make a decadent fancy hot cocoa, but what about when I was coming in from shoveling snow or on a winter hike and wanted to warm up fast? This is where my instant dairy-free recipe comes in!
This recipe is simple!! It can be mixed ahead of time and made just as easily as instant packets. The trick is, powdered coconut milk and coconut sugar! (Two things you may or may have in your cabinet).
I absolutely love full fat coconut milk and keep it in my diet as a source of healthy fat. Coconut milk helps:
Lower blood pressure
Lower bad cholesterol
Build muscle
Reduce fat
Prevent fatigue
Assist in balancing weight
Improve digestion
Relieve constipation and more!
That alone is reason to keep a can or two in the pantry. I also use canned coconut milk in many of my dairy-free "cheesy" recipes like my dairy-free mac and cheese.
If you haven't tried coconut sugar before, it takes nothing like coconut and leans more towards the taste of brown sugar. I love it mostly because the taste is perfect and it has a lower glycemic index, meaning your body absorbs the sugar slowly. Unlike refined sugar, it retains nutrients found in the coconut palm and contains iron, zinc, calcium, potassium and antioxidants.
Although approved on the paleo diet, coconut sugar is still a type of sugar and should be consumed in moderation. When you find yourself needing to feed that sweet tooth with a cup of hot cocoa, I believe coconut sugar wins over refined sugar every time!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup coconut milk powder
1 cup coconut sugar
Recipe:
Sift all three ingredients together and whisk together.
Add approximately 2 tablespoons of hot cocoa mix to one cup of water.
Top with coconut whipped cream or cinnamon if desired.
Stir well and enjoy!
Let me know if you try this and be sure to tag @thewellnessrewind so I can see your delicious cup of cocoa!
Also, if you have a health conscious or dairy-free friend, package this up in a cute jar with a bow! Our cocoa jar is a repurposed coconut oil jar that Jeff etched a heart onto.