My sister is obsessed with hot chocolate and I’m obsessed with eating and drinking things out of her ceramics (almost all my photos are taken in her bowls or mugs). I invited her over the other night for dinner and hot cocoa. Thankfully, I tested this recipe beforehand since she’s quite the chocolate snob. It was a hit! I got her hooked on the collagen and adaptogens that make up this luscious drink. She was already in with the cacao powder. We’ve got those winter vibes back in Chicago today after temps were in the 50s yesterday. This calls for getting hygee with a cup of this healthy hot chocolate and soft blanket. Mmmmm. Sounds delicious.

Hot chocolate is a staple in the winter months, especially when the weather transitions from spring in January back to winter in a matter of 12 hours. But, can you imagine a hot chocolate that is actually good for you? The collagen in this recipe is beneficial for your hair, skin and nails. It also makes the hot cocoa frothy! I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. The chocolaty taste comes from cacao powder. Cacao is the most raw form of chocolate. It has also been linked to increased cardiovascular health including lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. I get most of my superfoods, like cacao powder, from Imlak’esh Organics. They package everything in glass containers. This is great if you’re trying to go zero waste. Use RIDGE10 at checkout if you want 10 percent off when you order. I added a bit of cinnamon for a little extra warming taste. Cinnamon helps balance your blood sugar. The adaptogens, which are herbs and mushrooms that help your body adapt to stress, are from Moon Juice. I used the Spirit Dust mixture. This cozy drink is topped with a delicious marshmallow from Katherine Anne Confections. The marshmallow is purely just good for the soul but it is made with local honey instead of corn syrup.

Serves: 1 12-oz

Hands-on time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Gluten free, dairy free, soy free

Ingredients

12 oz. non-dairy milk or ½ milk, ½ water (make your own almond milk here) (make your own hemp milk here)

1 scoop Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

2 Tbsp Imlak’esh Organics cacao powder (Use RIDGE10 for 10% off)

1 Tbsp raw local honey

¼ tsp cinnamon + a sprinkle for topping

1 tsp adaptogens (I use Spirit Dust from Moon Juice)

Directions

1. Heat milk over the stove. About 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil or let it slightly cool before blending if you do to lessen the chances of it exploding in the blender.
2. Put everything in a Vitamix or Cuisinart/NutriBullet smoothie maker. (I use this one). Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until frothy.
3. Pour into your most comforting mug and top with a marshmallow.
4. Enjoy! Watch out for chocolate mustaches.