Drinking a mug of warm hot chocolate was always meant to be a rare treat when you consider that the first hot chocolates were made from real chocolate, like the thick delicacy from Caffe Florian. Though drinking melted blocks of chocolate with milk sounds overly rich and not too healthful. Regrettably, I’ve also found that powdered hot chocolate and the plant-based powdered hot chocolates taste sour, weak and bland.

When cacao, macadamia nuts and dates are blitzed with plant milk and warmed, a creamy delicious hot chocolate is the result. It’s best to add only a few nuts or the drink will become grainy in texture.

Research has found that regular sipping of hot drinks may damage the lining of your stomach. Drinking hot chocolate, coffee and tea, even if they’re herbal teas, may dilute the gastric juices and hinder digestion, so it’s best to drink a hot beverage when its temperature is less hot.

Health benefits:

• Cacao powder is rich in polyphenols that provide several health benefits.

• May reduce high blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels.

• May lower your risk of heart attack and stroke.

• Polyphenols improve blood flow to your brain and brain function.

HEALTHY HOT CHOCOLATE

PB, V, DF, SF

Makes 1 cup

2 macadamia nuts

1 medjool date

1 tbsp cacao powder

1 cup (250 ml.) plant milk

Add all ingredients to the blender and blitz until smooth and creamy. Blend extra long to ensure the nuts a blended. Pour into a saucepan and heat or froth with a coffee machine wand.