ADAPTOGEN HAZELNUT HOT COCOA

Serving size: 1

There's nothing more cozy or comforting than curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, but you already know I won't tolerate a Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix or anything that dares come close to it (sorry).

Of course, my version has to have some sort of health promoting properties. I make mine with homemade hazelnut milk (a natural compliment to the cocoa flavor), a couple different adaptogens, and mesquite which is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

HOT COCOA INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup homemade hazelnut milk* (recipe below)

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha

• 1/8 teaspoon shilajit

• 1-2 teaspoons mesquite

Ashwagandha is one of my favorite adaptogens because it's ideal for stress management, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep quality.

Shilajit, while lesser known, is said to support every system of the body, primarily brain function, energy levels, immunity, and reducing general fatigue. It's also packed with naturally occurring phytonutrients and more than 85 trace minerals. A little bit goes a long way and packs a punch of flavor so not much is needed.

I source both my ashwagandha and my shilajit from Moon Juice and I like this brand of mesquite from amazon. Side note: mesquite also actually acts as an adaptogen by helping the body respond to stress.

HAZELNUT MILK INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup hazelnuts (soaked for 2 hours)

• 3 cups water

• 3 dates, pitted

• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla powder

• 1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt

I don't personally drink coffee, but I'm told my hazelnut milk pairs nicely with it. Other than that, it's delicious on its own or with any chocolate flavored drink.

When making homemade nut milks, be sure your nuts of choice are always raw and not toasted or salted.

HAZELNUT MILK DIRECTIONS

Place the hazelnuts in a bowl, cover with room temperature water and allow to soak for 2 hours. Once the nuts have finished soaking, strain out all the water from the bowl and discard.

Place the hazelnuts and 3 cups of fresh water, along with the dates, vanilla powder, and salt into a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth, then pour the contents of the blender through a nut milk bag over a bowl. Wring out the bag to squeeze all the milk out (this recipe will make about 2 1/2 cups of milk).

Pour the milk from the bowl into glass jars and enjoy throughout the week.

I use these nut milk bags because they are reusable, easy to use & clean, and also filter out the nut milk pulp perfectly.

HOT COCOA DIRECTIONS

Pour 1 cup of the hazelnut milk into your frother followed by the cacao powder, maple syrup, ashwagandha, shilajit, and mesquite. Set your frother on the heat and foam function and let it do the rest! Once complete, pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.

I have this most nights after dinner as a little sweet and rich treat. I've grown to crave it as a pre-bedtime wind down ritual and the ashwagandha in here definitely sets me up for a better night's sleep. If you're looking for a ready-made healthy alternative hot cocoa mix, I HIGHLY recommend Moon Juice's Cosmic Cocoa which is a blend of cacao, adaptogens, and more with the most incredible flavor to it. Some nights I'll even use this in place of my own recipe.