The Joys of Cacao Powder

Cacao powder in its raw form is high in fiber and a great source of iron and magnesium.  It is also is a very powerful antioxidant which makes it a good addition to the daily diet.  It is best to buy a high quality organic cacao powder which you can typically purchase at any health food store – we like to use the Organic Traditions brand.  Cacao powder can be used in baking, smoothies and to make your own homemade hot chocolate.  Premade hot chocolate from the grocery store is loaded with refined sugar, milk powder and other unnecessary ingredients.  Also, 'cocoa' powder is very different from 'cacao' as it is processed and mixed with sugars to sweeten it. The recipe below is delicious and can warm you up on a cold winter day.  (It’s even better served with coconut whipped cream – see previous blog post).  Cacao powder can also be used in baking and is especially good in healthy brownie recipes.

Simple Homemade Dark Hot Chocolate Recipe

Serves 1

·         1 cup organic soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk

·         1 tbsp organic cacao powder

·         1 tbsp local unpasteurized honey

·         Pinch of vanilla powder and cinnamon (optional)

Add all ingredients into a small pot and whisk together on medium to high heat.  Continually whisk until cacao powder mixes in and milk heats up.  Alternatively, if you have a high speed blender like a Vita-mix or Blend-tec you can put it in here and run it until it heats up.

Chocolate Chai Recipe

·         1 tsp of coffee substitute (like Inka, Krakus)

·         1 tsp of cacao powder

·         ½-1 tsp cinnamon

·         ¼-½ tsp cardamom powder

·         ½-1 tsp honey

·         1 cup boiling water

·         Splash of organic soy milk, almond milk or coconut milk (optional)

Add all ingredients to a mug and add boiling water.  Mix well

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