Although the weather here in Austin has been a little sporadic lately, I woke up to a chill in the air this morning, so I'm craving my favorite hot chocolate treat. Every year when cold weather rolls in, I want to rush to the nearest coffee shop and order a peppermint hot chocolate. But, these days I've been trying to cut refined sugars out of my diet so I came up with my own recipe to make at home!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate
makes 1 12-oz serving
3 dates, pitted
2 Tbsp cocoa powder (you can also use raw cacao, but I find that gives me a bit too much energy at night, so I stay away if I'm making this in the evening)
a few pieces of whatever dark chocolate I have on hand (I usually add about 1oz)
1/4 cup coconut milk (or whatever non-dairy milk I have in the fridge)
3 drops peppermint essential oil (or peppermint extract)
1 cup boiling water
Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend on high until well blended and frothy. Pour into a mug and enjoy!