BROWNIE HOT CHOCOLATE
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This family is a HUGE fan of HOT COCOA!!! You would think living in Hawaii we don’t have much need or desire for hot drinks but the reality for people born and raised in warm climates is when the temperature drops below 75 degrees you bust out your socks, sweaters, cozy blankets and hot chocolate making skills!
When we are in Portugal it is an everyday request. For the most part our family is dairy free. We never buy dairy products for our home. If my children are out with their Nona or friends and offered dairy they happily accept but it is not something common place for them.
From my years of studying, reading and observing I have never seen dairy help anyone. On the contrary I have only seen it cause congestion, asthma, skin conditions etc etc. This is not to say you won’t catch me enjoying a slice of pizza every now and then or some delicious burrata while I am in Italy but on a day to day basis I go with the slogan “Dairy is Scary.”
I believe everything we put in our mouth is either medicine, leading us to health and longevity or poison, aggravating any dis-ease in our body. So this brownie inspired hot cocoa is #dairyfree and #vegan !!!
Another disclaimer about this particular recipe is that I am on a 3 month genetic health plan where I am eliminating all salt, oil, sugar (even honey and maple syrup), garlic, onions, spices, dairy, red meat, pork, fermented foods, vinegar, and soy. Yes, it is intense. So this recipe uses dates as the sweetener. I highly recommend that if you do not have any extreme health condition to add a little raw honey or organic maple syrup to your hot chocolate and if you are making a kid friendly version then definitely add the extra sweetness.
Why do I call this Brownie Hot Chocolate? Because I use walnut milk, which for me I love walnuts in my brownies so it makes me feel like I am eating a gooey chocolate brownie loaded with nuts !!! I swear by the Almond Cow (no I am not getting paid to say that) to make any type of nut milk you can imagine. It is not mandatory but does make a difference if you soak the nuts first.
For the next three months I am also alcohol free, including the alcohol in vanilla extract. Luckily, I have vanilla bean pods from our last trip to Taha'a Tahiti. I love seeing the little specks of fresh vanilla bean in the walnut milk and then I use organic dates as the sweetener.
Normally I would sweeten with raw honey and add a dash of Himilayan pink sea salt so if you are not SOS free (salt, oil, sugar) I would by all means add these in.
I like to use Fair Trade Cacao. The health benefits are plentiful. Cacao has more antioxidants than blueberries, is loaded with magnesium and has more calcium than cows milk.
Reishi is a great addition to this super potion hot chocolate. It boosts your immune system, is most known for its anti- cancer properties, helps improve sleep and relieve stress.
Walnuts are also a power house food with natural antioxidants, omegas, copper and folic acid. Dates boost brain power, regulate blood sugar and reduce blood pressure.
When I have in my possession I love to add Sun Potion Pearl to any of my drinks. It literally makes you feel like you are glowing from the inside out. Pearl is a revered longevity food that has been used for centuries by Taoist Herbalists to support one's inner and outer radiance. It is an excellent source of minerals including calcium, zinc, iron, selenium, and amino acids. Pearl has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps to support the body's natural collagen production, even and clear skin, strengthen bones, and support the nervous system, healthy sleep cycles, and Shen (Spirit).
I always like to know the health benefits of what I am consuming because it helps set the intention with every sip. I know what I am taking in is doing good work in my body and makes it taste that much better.
Without further ado here is the recipe:
For one self care serving:
1 cup walnut milk (I like to make my own fresh nut milk)
1 tablespoon fair trade cacao
1 packet Reishi Elixir
1/4 Teaspoon Sun Potion Pearl Extract
2 pitted dates
1/4 Vanilla bean pod or a splash of vanilla extract
Place everything in a high speed blender and blend on high until the dates have vanished. Heat in a pot on the stove. Do not bring to a boil just heat to your desired temperature. You don’t want to over heat the Pear or Reishi. Pour into your favorite mug.
Light a candle, play your favorite song, set an intention and enjoy!