Did you know that "cocoa" in its raw form is actually called "cacao," and that it is very good for you?  Unsweetened cocoa powder tastes the same as unprocessed and unsweetened cacao powder, but the heating and processing of cacao into cocoa makes it lose the status of :superfood" and a lot of its nutritional benefits.  Some of the benefits of cacao include antioxidants, magnesium and a portion of health-promoting saturated fats.  Yes, you read correctly: HEALTHY SATURATED FATS.  We need saturated fat to survive and thrive; they have been proven not to be the cause of high cholesterol.  Now that that is out of the way, lets make some hot chocolate, yes?

Superfood Hot Cacao

Prep time: 2 minutes   Cook time: 5 minutes   Total time: 7 minutes

Yield: 1 cup/serving

Directions

Ingredients

1.  Warm milk on medium heat in a pot on the stove.

2.  While milk is warming, add in cacao powder, honey, and vanilla.  Whisk with a fork until well- blended.

3.  Continue whisking as the temperature rises, allowing bubbles to form.

4.  Just before the hot chocolate bubbles over, turn off the stove and serve.  Plop in a few Refined Sugar-Free Marshmallows*, if desired.

1 cup Almond Milk (or other milk of choice)

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

1/2 tbsp local honey

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Optional:  Top with my Refined Sugar-Free Marshmallows*

 

*Note:  My Refined Sugar-Free Marshmallows are a little more dense than traditional ones, so they will not float on top of your hot chocolate.  The picture for this recipe has some of these marshmallows in it, but they sink to the bottom when you place them in your hot cacao.  However, they will still add that extra touch of sweetness and froth that traditional marshmallows bring!