Baby it's Cold Outside...Let's Have Hot Chocolate

Let's face it, winter is here and she's not going anywhere anytime soon. Might as well make the best of it and enjoy warm and cozy things while you're holed up in the house. After a long day at the office - or playing in the snow if you're lucky - hot chocolate is a great thing to come home to. My fiancé and I recently traveled to Chicago and were lucky enough to experience Mindy's Gourmet Hot Chocolate, which inspired me to write this blog post.

So, my recommendation is to take the time to treat yourself to one or all of these sweet treats this winter season and make the best of the cold weather. PS: I've tried all of these recipes and each one is fabulous.

Of course since this is a health and fitness blog, these recipes are healthy versions. However, don't think that you can skip the gym or your normal diet after trying these!

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
• 3-4 packets Truvia, or other sweetener to taste
• pinch of instant coffee (optional)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1. In the bottom of your mug, use a fork to whisk together the first 4 ingredients plus 1 Tbsp of the almond milk for 20-30 seconds. It takes a little effort to get the almond milk to incorporate, but you'll end up with a smooth paste.
2. Add ¼ of the remaining almond milk and mix again until smooth. (Should look like chocolate syrup.)
3. Add the rest of the almond milk and stir until smooth, being sure to scrape the sides.
4. Microwave for 1-1½ minutes. 

Raspberry Hot Chocolate 

• 2 cups non-dairy milk
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1.5 Tablespoons dark chocolate
• 1 Tablespoon coconut sugar, raw honey, or maple syrup
• ¼ Teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Heat milk to desired temperature in a small saucepan.
2. Stir in cocoa powder, sweetener and vanilla until completely combined.
3. Mash raspberries into the bottom of each 2 mugs with a spoon, extracting the juice as much as possible. Pour hot chocolate over the berries.

Coconut Hot Chocolate

• 1 can full fat coconut milk (15 oz.)
• 1 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1.5 Tablespoons dark chocolate
• ¼ vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt 
• Coconut cream

1. Heat milk to desired temperature in a small saucepan.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients until completely combined.
3. Pour hot chocolate into 2 mugs. Top with coconut cream.