It’s starting to get relatively “chilly” here in Arizona.  Which means it’s time for hot drinks!  I love me some spiced herbal tea, but sometimes I need something a little more… chocolaty.  You know, like hot chocolate!  Problem is, I don’t drink milk.  Dairy and my stomach do not get along.  Enter coconut milk.  Rich and flavorful, and an excellent source of vegan fat.  Pair it with cocoa and you’ve got yourself a real treat!  A sweet, hot drink that pleases the palate and the tummy.

Coconut Hot Cocoa

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 T. cocoa powder
• 2 T. brown sugar
• pinch of salt
• 3/4 c. water
• 1/4 c. coconut milk
• 1/8 t. almond extract
• 1/8 t. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in small saucepan.  Add water and mix well; heat over medium heat until boiling.  Cook for two minutes.
2. Stir in coconut milk and remove from heat.  Add almond and vanilla extract and mix well.

Variations: If you’re not a huge coconut fan, and/or if your food allergies go above and beyond dairy (ie. vanilla), then omit the water, coconut milk and extracts.  Instead, simply heat 1 c. of rice milk (almond milk works great, too) and add the cocoa, sugar and salt.  Enjoy!

We’re still on the lookout for some nutritious and delicious recipes!  If you’d like your favorite healthy recipe featured, email me at beth {at} naturalparentsnetwork {dot} com.  Please submit a quality picture with your recipe and refer to contributor guidelines for general directions.