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Recipe | Hot Cacao: Sweet or Dark

Hot Cacao: Your Self-Care Sip for Focus, Calm, and Cozy Vibes

Forget sugary hot chocolate mixes! Hot cacao is the grown-up way to indulge, offering a warm hug in a mug and a plethora of health benefits. It's the perfect self-care drink for when you need to:

  • Feel grounded and calm: Cacao boasts calming properties (like magnesium) that can help you unwind and de-stress.
  • Sharpen your focus and clarity: Studies suggest cacao may improve blood flow to the brain, potentially enhancing cognitive function. Cacao is packed with flavanols, a type of antioxidant that may also play a role in focus by supporting the production of neurotransmitter compounds like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are essential for mental clarity and concentration.
  • Find a natural energy boost: Looking for a coffee alternative? Cacao can give you a gentle lift without the jitters.

The Beauty of Customisation:

The best part about hot cacao? It's entirely yours to create! This recipe offers two base options - a slightly sweeter version and a darker, richer one. From there, you can personalise it to your taste with different milks, spices, and sweeteners.

nibbed milk choices

Ingredients:

For a Slightly Sweeter Cacao:

  • 20g pure cacao (grated or chopped block)
  • 1 cup oat milk (or your preferred plant-based milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup (or to taste)

For a Darker, Richer Cacao:

  • 20g pure cacao (grated or chopped block)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup oat milk (or your preferred plant-based milk)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method:

Choose Your Weapon: You can whip up your hot cacao in a saucepan, blender or hot chocolate maker (velvetiser). Whichever you choose, make sure to emulsify it well for a smooth and frothy drink.

Saucepan Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly (or use a frother stick), until warm and slightly frothy. Do not let it boil.

Blender Method:

  1. Heat your milk (or water and milk mixture) until hot but not boiling.
  2. Add all ingredients to your blender.
  3. Blend for 5 seconds.

Hot Chocolate Maker Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients in your hot choc maker or milk frother.

Pour, Sip, and Unwind!

Customisation Tips:

  • Milk Matters: Experiment with different milks like oat, almond, cashew, coconut or dairy for a variety of flavours.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of warmth or a dash of nutmeg for extra complexity.
  • Sweet? Sweeteners are totally optional! Use honey, maple syrup, or a touch of stevia to suit your taste.
  • Top It Off: For an extra decadent treat, top your hot cacao with a marshmallow or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

So remove the stress and embrace the self-care vibes with a warm mug of hot cacao. It's the perfect way to unwind, boost your focus, and enjoy a delicious moment of calm.