Baby it’s cold outside.

I love this time of year. My wardrobe is better. There are coats. I get to wear trackies and hoodies. My shoe collection gets a work out seeing as I’m not living in Havianas like the rest of the year. I get to have a BLANKET on my bed instead of just a sheet, and I can justify my plush velvet Sheridan bed set that’s too much for the other 10 months of the year.

This time of year would also see hot chocolate with some fluffy, delicious marshmallows. Not this year! Whilst cutting the sugar has mean’t cutting the hot chocolate, I am happy to report I have found a completely respectable alternative with three simple ingredients. And when I say ‘I found’ Rojo made it for me and now I’m hooked.

First thing is first – I did try this:

And if you like a super dark bitterish hot chocolate this is definitely for you. If you want some sweetness you will need to add it – it does already contain coconut sugar. Because of the ingredients it is also a lumpy mix and I would recommend getting it through a sieve, and cooking over a stove top with constant stirring.

But a cheaper and equally tasty solution is to simply use a raw cacao powder! Warning – this is going to be one of those ‘test and see recipes’!

What you need:

• Milk. Enough for your serving, I would recommend a full cream organic. If unsure of how much to make, pour your milk in the mug first to measure.
• Raw cacao powder. Maybe like 1/4 per serve pending your mug size.
• Honey – to taste. Start with a little and work your way up until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Get it done:

1. Add milk to a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Using a sieve, add cacao to the saucepan and stir constantly to combine.
3. Start adding honey and test sweetness, add as required.
4. Be sure to continue to stir to ensure even heat and to keep the cacao moving.

 

Keep in mind this is cacao powder, and not specifically designed to dissolve like other pre-made products. With this is mind you are going to have it start to settle in your drink and the remainder will be a thick muddy mess.Still totally worth it.

It might be sans marshmallows, but that’s it! Enjoy!