The low temperatures, snowfall and gusting winds leave students shivering and doubling up in layers as they face the pestering cold of winter. The fastest and best way to stay warm is with a delicious, soothing mug of hot chocolate. Not only is hot chocolate the perfect recipe to help us tolerate the cold weather, but it can supply nutrients in its rich, decadent taste. Warm up with Healthy Nutella Hot Chocolate and enjoy the comforting, sweet chocolaty flavor.
What you will need:
· 60g (1/4 cup) Healthy Homemade Nutella
· 1+1/2 cups Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
· 1 tbs. Truvia Spoonable (or 4 packets Truvia or Organic Stevia)
· 1/16 tsp Xanthan Gum
Photo courtesy: dessertswithbenefits.com
Instructions:
Homemade Nutella:
1. In a stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, add the hazelnut butter, milk and Stevia. Mix on low.
2. Add the erythritol, then the cocoa powder and salt.
3. Give it a taste, add more Stevia/erythritol or salt if you like.
4. Scoop into a jar, seal tightly and refrigerate to store.
Hot Chocolate:
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the DIY Nutella and a splash of almond milk. While whisking, slowly add in the rest of the almond milk.
2. In a tiny bowl, whisk together the Truvia and xanthan gum. While whisking, slowly add this into the “Nutella milk” and place the pan over medium-high heat.
3. Whisk occasionally until it’s hot and starts to steam. Remove from the heat and pour into serving glasses.
4. Serve immediately with all-natural whipped cream and mini dark chocolate chips!
The Benefits:
· This is a low carb, gluten free, vegan and no sugar added recipe.
· There is more nutritional value in homemade Nutella compared to the store-bought brand. Homemade Nutella has fewer calories, less grams of fat and zero grams of sugar. Sugar needs to be consumed in moderation in order to prevent intakes of additional calories.
· Almond milk ranks high in nutritional value. It’s proven that almonds contain extra amounts of nutrients, which provide energy and help maintain body repair. It is also high in vitamins, including the regulation of vitamin A and does not contain any amounts of cholesterol.
· Dark chocolate is used in this recipe rather than milk chocolate. The benefits of dark chocolate include lowering blood cholesterol by improving blood flow and acting as an antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that work to protect other compounds in the body.
Where to find more healthy recipes:
Be sure to visit Desserts with Benefits for more ideas!
Main photo courtesy: dessertswithbenefits.com