Raise your hand if hot chocolate is traditionally served on Christmas morning at your house? I know I have to have it out, along with cinnamon rolls (which have been paleo for the past few years 🙂 and though I drink coffee, I make sure hot chocolate is served for the family. What tickles me though, is my kids don’t always drink it BUT we have to have it – because that’s how they picture Christmas morning to be. So even if it’s dumped after a few sips, I’m happy to know they appreciate the traditions that we started way back when.
As I mentioned, I drink coffee while presents are being opened but I think I’ll get my hot chocolate on this year! I was craving chocolate but wanted something warm so I decided to take a stab at a hot chocolate that I wouldn’t feel guilty drinking. I know there are many recipes out there but I found that with just a few ingredients that I had on hand, I was able to put this together in a jiffy. Last minute I decided to add some peppermint which I LOVED! Obviously you can omit the peppermint but if you like the chocolate and peppermint combo, you’ll like this recipe 🙂
Another addition to this drink is Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. I add it to my coffee each morning so I figured why not add it to this hot beverage and amp it up with some healthy proteins. If you haven’t heard about this product, read all about it here! But here are a few reasons I keep this in my daily diet:
Collagen Peptides Benefits:
*Promotes youthful skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails
*Helps keep bones healthy and strong
*Supports joint health
*Contributes to a balanced diet and helps maintain weight
*Supports healthy inflammation response due to overexercise
*Natural glycine improves sleep quality.
So if you traditionally serve hot chocolate around this time of year, I suggest giving this recipe a try. Why not? It’s much healthier than the stuff you’ll get on the shelves at the supermarket — so whether it’s for you or your children, you can feel good about sipping on this guilty pleasure!
*Peppermint* Hot Chocolate (w/collagen)
Notes
*The coconut milk does have a coconut flavor but I don’t mind it and I like how thick/creamy the hot chocolate is. If you don’t care for the coconut flavor, it works with cashew or almond milk as well.
**Optional
The collagen peptides are also optional and will not change the taste of the drink if omitted.
Ingredients
- 1 can full fat coconut milk*
- 1 cup almond or cashew milk (water works too)
- 8 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tsp coconut sugar
- 1 scoop collagen**
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 drops peppermint essential oil (or 1/8 tsp peppermint extract)
Instructions
- In a small pot, warm coconut milk and other milk of choice (or water) through.
- Add in the cocoa powder, coconut sugar and collagen. Whisk until fully incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract, as well as peppermint EO or peppermint extract.
