Chia Hot Chocolate
If you live in South Florida, quick…make this hot chocolate because by tomorrow it will be warm weather again! If you live elsewhere, no rush as you most likely have a several more weeks of cold weather. I woke this morning to a real chill in the air, about 50 degrees! We get really excited to open our windows and let in the cold!
I fell in love with Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate when I was in Atlanta. Full, very, very rich dark chocolate, honestly just an espresso cup to sip will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. Then over the holidays I had seen a healthy version of hot chocolate that I was wanting to try, but honestly with warm weather, it’s hard to get into the mood. Plus it’s always a balancing act with me over the holidays on where I want to splurge to get the most pleasure from my eating and drinking!
This morning, hot chocolate was calling my name. But with New Year’s resolutions still fresh, it is only January 7 after all and I can’t cheat just yet, healthy was the only option. Don’t misunderstand though, it has to taste good to me. And this one definitely does. I did end up making it a few weeks back when we had a dip in the temp and the memory of its good taste was still on my mind.
The recipe uses unsweetened almond milk; however I first made it with fat free milk and today with banana milk. Being in the new year healthy phase, I’ve been keeping my meals super clean. Making homemade almond milk is on my list; however…..not having a paycheck to fund my cooking adventures, I had to forgo purchasing nuts and use bananas instead!
It had dawned on me the other day when I was a bit discouraged about my funds, that I had made banana milk a lot when my kids were babies. For a treat, I would whip up one banana with about 1 1/2 cups filtered water, a touch of vanilla and fill up their baby bottle! I don’t recall that I sweetened their banana milk back then, however, I do add in a teaspoon of coconut sugar now.
Looks pretty good, huh? I use it right away or refrigerate it for a few hours for a colder drink; I’ve only kept it 1 day, shaken well before using again.
For making the Chia Hot Chocolate, using the banana milk will just give it a slight banana taste, increasing the amount of cocoa pretty much wipes out any banana taste! All together, this is one healthy drink to warm you up inside and out!
Chia Hot Chocolate, makes 1 small cup, double for a full cup!
adapted from Bldg 25, Vegan Hot Chocolate
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or banana milk or milk of your choice
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon cocoa nibs
1/2 tablespoon coconut sugar or to taste
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch sea salt
Pinch cayenne powder
Place the chia seeds in the banana milk, cover, refrigerate and allow to soak for about 10 minutes.
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until you reach an even consistency. Just for one serving, pour into a mug and microwave or gently warm on the stove top. Seriously full of nutrition!!
spicegirlfla
I love being in the kitchen. Early mornings, soft music, a hot espresso. Easing into the preparation of delicious meals. Glancing through cookbooks, gathering inspiration and planning my day. I look forward to the cycles of the seasons, the pleasures of tasting and savoring and sharing this with those dear to me. Weekends are special to me as my week days are often rushed, but still I create the ambiance, light the candles, set the table and uncork the wine.
23 Comments
SallyBR
Oh, I love this take on hot chocolate and might just make a cup tonight before I freeze and move to Hawaii leaving my job behind 😉
(can you tell Sally is NOT happy about the winter?)
spicegirlfla
I have seen it is mighty cold up North! Hawaii does sound good, however, make sure you get a job there first 🙂 Ahh, but is there really a perfect world, perfect place…I have to believe it is where we are right now, no matter our circumstance, life is good…and better with a cup of hot chocolate!
Mad Dog
That sounds great with the cayenne 😉
spicegirlfla
yep, just a slight, subtle touch!
Jovina Coughlin
This looks like a wonderful drink to keep us warm on these cold January days. I also like to use almond milk in my cooking. It adds great flavor to baked goods.
suzanne
Love this with banana and chia, a healthful version of hot chocolate. I would love it cold too when the weather turns warmer.
betsyb
I think you left Atlanta just in time, Linda. It was 5 degrees here at 9 a.m., and a cup of this cocoa would have been mighty good!
spicegirlfla
Ooh Betsy!! That is cold!! I didn’t buy a winter coat when I was up there, but that temperature would have definitely made me go and get one!! Stay warm!!
Geni
Linda, this hot chocolate is just what I need to sweeten my brisk evening tonight. I am also trying to eat very clean, but you always can do a better job of that any day of the week compared to me! I can’t wait to try this. Looks scrumptious!
spicegirlfla
oh, I have my weak moments, trust me! But a little bit of chocolate seems to satisfy me and keep me on track, at least 90% of the time!
Prudy
I love the fact that this can be cold or hot… and healthy!! I wonder if ice cubes could be added to make it a milkshake… Not that I need a milkshake in these sub zero temperatures right now… 🙂 Lovely recipe!
spicegirlfla
I suppose it would be good cold in a milkshake too…our weather is already warming up, so I can try it out!
yummychunklet
What a delicious drink!
Debra
This is great! I wouldn’t ordinarily think of adding the chia seeds, but what a good idea. I’ll be at Trader Joe’s any day now…and I’ll pick up some of the sipping chocolate. I passed on it last time, and now I wish it were already in my cupboard. 🙂
spicegirlfla
Thanks Debra, the chia seeds thicken it up a bit and provide some extra healthiness – helps me feel less guilty sipping hot chocolate!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef
It’s the middle of summer but this hot chocolate sure does sound good!
Judy @Savoring Today
I’m with you, healthy has to taste good too! Love this drink and the idea of banana milk, you could use it for so many things. Praying for prosperity and blessing for you in this new year.
David
Banana Milk? Hot chia chocolate? Both new ideas! love it. I wish it were 50 degress cold. We just had wind chills of -45!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Your opening sentence made me smile. Cold days were few and far between when I lived in Florida and it was fun to prepare something warming. Now the way I warm up is to head back to Florida for a couple of weeks in the winter. 🙂
The Vegan 8
Chia seeds in hot chocolate?? That’s a new one! Ha! I put them in my smoothies every morning, but never in a million years would think to put them in hot chocolate. I am really picky about textures…for example, I’m ont into chia pudding….I like it very creamy. So, as long as I could get this really blended well for hot chocolate, I think this could be really yummy!!! I am a huge, HUGE lover of hot chocolate! 🙂
Barbara Bamber | justasmidgen
My gosh.. this is healthy, but so yummy looking too! I’m intrigued by the flavors, having never tasted cocoa nibs or made banana milk before. I can see why children would love that! It’s great to have something that tastes so rich and creamy but not loaded with calories. I made a hot chocolate today, but I’m blushing when I think of the calories in mine, lol! Wishing you a wonderful 2014, Linda!! xx
Amy @ Elephant Eats
I would never think to add chia to hot chocolate but I bet it makes it thick and delicious! Looks great 🙂 Certainly healthier than the kind i usually make….
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