Homemade Hot Cocoa

I remember as a  child, before there were commercially available cocoa mixes in individual packets, my family made the most delicious  hot cocoa from scratch. During the time between Christmas and New Year's, while you are enjoying all your new gifts, perhaps a good cup of old fashioned cocoa is just what you need to hit the spot. Cocoa has health benefits as well as having the ability to bring on a soothing, feel-good mood. I have decided to devote this week's blog to recipes for homemade cocoa.  So here goes.

Regular Homemade Cocoa

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 pinch of salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half and half

Combine cocoa, sugar and salt in a saucepan. Blend in boiling water. Bring to a boil. Simmer and stir for ab out 2 minutes. Stir in 3 1/2 cups milk and heat till hot. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Add half and half to cool cocoa to drinking temperature

Sugar and Milk Free Cocoa

Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Dairy-free semisweet or dark chocolate
Raw sugar, or sweetener of choice

Mix ingredients in amounts of your choosing and warm up in the microwave or use a saucepan on the stove. Cool and enjoy.

There are many flavorings you can add to your cocoa. Some people add peppermint extract or a peppermint stick. Vanilla is another favorite. Some folks like marshmallows. My favorite is cinnamon.

Sources:
tp://allrecipes.com/recipe/20211/creamy-hot-cocoa/
http://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-hot-cocoa/
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/simple-hot-cocoa-for-one-369469

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author/Herbalist
valerielull923@gmail.com

Warm Cocoa is Good for You

Most people who follow the news in the nutrition world are aware that chocolate is good for you. Does that apply to hot cocoa drinks? The answer is yes. Cocoa originated in South America with the Incas called it the "food of the gods". It spread to Europe around in the sixteenth century.

There have been several studies done on cocoa that suggests it can boost your brain health, lower high blood pressure and more.A study conducted on older adults with high blood pressure problems found that drinking two cups of cocoa a day for a month showed significant improvements in cognitive function and blood flow to the brain. One of the beneficial substances in cocoa called is flavanols. These are found in in red wine and tea as well. These flavonols help other things besides the brain. They help the circulatory system to maintain elasticity.

Along with helping hypertension, cocoa has been associated with helping decrease cholesterol in folks under 50, and increasing good cholesterol.It appears to lower risk factors in diabetes. Other health effects that have been associated with cocoa consumption include relief of angina pectoris, stimulation of the nervous system, helping digestion, mental fatigue, fever, kidney stones and stimulation of the appetite. In recent times the focus has been on ageing, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

There are some things you need to watch for. Cocoa is often made with milk and sugar. The milk lessens the good effects of the cocoa and sugar is not good for you. Cocoa can be made with milk substitutes such as soy, coconut or almond milk. Stevia, or agave or even honey may be a good substitute for sugar. Here is a simple recipe that might help.

Dairy and Sugar Free Cocoa

1 cup non-dairy milk
1 Tablespoon of Cocoa
Stevia to taste
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla and/or cinnamon if desired.

Place everything in a saucepan and stir over heat until heated to the desired warmth.
Pour out into a cup and enjoy.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20110323/cocoa-rich-in-health-benefits
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/10/1433.full
http://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/9_11/current-articles/Drinking-Cocoa-Boosts-Cognition-and-Blood-Flow-in-the-Brain_1270-1.html
http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/homemade-hot-chocolate-recipe-dairy-free-sugar-free/

Are there any particular topics you would like to see published here? You are welcome to make  suggestions in the comments sections. I am interested in knowing what my readers want to know about.

Be sure and check out my website. Go to www.valerielull.com  My new digital book is out. It is called "Ten Spices for Health and Longevity". Many spices have good health benefits. You can have good food and be healthy too!

Valerie Lull

Author

"Ten Spices for Health and Longevity"

valerielull923@gmail.com

www.valerielull.com