Make this gourmet hot chocolate alternative if you are looking for a hot beverage that is rich and creamy and sugar-free.
I have been searching for an alternative to hot chocolate. Don’t get me wrong, it had to be at least as good as hot chocolate. But I’ll have to tell you, I was aiming for something far superior.
I wanted a decadent cup of hot cocoa without being wired from the ill effects that both caffeine and sugar can have or the massive headaches that would always ensue.
This grown up version of hot chocolate is the perfect substitute and it’s even healthy for you. Don’t wait for the snow to pile up outside to wrap your hands around a mug of hot carob. It will surely put a smile on your face.
GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE ALTERNATIVE
I have created a gourmet hot chocolate alternative that uses carob powder instead of cocoa powder. Carob is sweeter than cocoa and has a mild roasted flavor that is not bitter. To me, it is better than cocoa powder hands down. So, carob became my base with which to build this rich full-flavored drink. I use Anthony’s Organic Carob Powder.
SWEETENING THE MIX NATURALLY!
Standard hot chocolate is laden with sugar which contributes to weight gain, diabetes and other health related issues. And, while this beverage does deserve some sweetness, sugar doesn’t need to overpower it.
This is why I use pure monk fruit extract powder as the perfect sugar substitute. There are no chemicals in it and it doesn’t raise blood glucose levels. I use the 50% mogroside powder which simply means that it is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. A smidgen goes a long way. I use this organic monk fruit low carb sugar substitute.
ADDING CREAMINESS
To make this beverage creamy and even filling I add a little bit of heavy cream. I prefer heavy cream instead of milk because it doesn’t have the added sugar in it that milk has. This means for those with weight issues or other dietary concerns you will not find any carbohydrates a.k.a. sugar in heavy cream. To balance out the heavy cream, I add unsweetened almond milk.
SECRET INGREDIENT
To kick this recipe up a notch and give it that grown up appeal, I add a little almond butter. This is the kind with just almonds on the ingredient label and nothing else. Not only are almonds healthy for you, they are also filling because of their fat content.
So, now you have a rich and creamy caffeine and sugar-free beverage that is better than hot chocolate. Enjoy a mug of this healthy gourmet hot chocolate a.k.a. carob today!
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GOURMET HOT CHOCOLATE ALTERNATIVE
Rich and creamy caffeine and sugar-free beverage that is better than hot chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 T Carob powder
- 2 T Water
- 1/16 t Pure monk fruit powder
- 1/2 T Almond butter
- 1/4 c heavy cream
- 3/4 c almond milk
Instructions
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In a small saucepan stir carob powder and water to make a thick paste.
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Add in pure monk fruit powder and almond butter and stir to combine.
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In a measuring cup combine heavy cream and almond milk. Add half of this mixture to the saucepan and gently heat while stirring. When warm, add remaining milk and gently heat mixture to your liking.