Jayashee
I remember looking forward to cold events outdoors as a kid because inevitably someone would have a hot chocolate stand, and there’s no better way to warm up than with some good ole hot chocolate! It’s really hard to find store bought hot chocolate that doesn’t have dairy and refined sugar, so we love this date sweetened homemade version! Dates are an awesome source of fiber, antioxidants, and potassium! Go ahead and have a second glass. Maybe add brandy too for good measure. This is how we made it:
Ingredients:
Salted Date Caramel
1 cup dates, chopped
½ cup coconut milk
2 tbsps tahini
2 tbsps maple syrup
⅛ tsp salt
Hot Chocolate
10 oz plant based milk
2 tbsp raw cacao
2 tbsp salted date caramel
½ tsp vanilla
Directions:
To make the salted caramel, place all ingredients in a food processor. Pro tip: If your dates are really dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes first, and then drain. Process until smooth and well combined. This may take 5 minutes or so to really dice up the dates. Store in the fridge until you’re ready to use. You will not need all of this caramel if you are making one hot chocolate, but you can refrigerate the caramel for up to a week, or freeze it indefinitely. We also have some alternative uses for your caramel coming up soon, so you’ll be glad you made it!
For the hot chocolate, heat your milk in a pan or in the microwave. Add the milk, cacao, date caramel, and vanilla to a blender and blend until smooth. Blending it also makes it nice and frothy like you’re fancy and went to Starbucks, but without the dairy and 1000 grams of refined sugar.
Pour into a pretty mug, serve with coconut whipped cream, drizzle with more caramel, and watch holiday movies!
Loving our hot chocolate? Tag us in your photo on Instagram @notthatkindofveganofficial or on Facebook for a shoutout!
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