Nourishing Hot Cocoa
We are smack dab in the middle of winter and my family and I have been keeping our spirits high and bodies cozy with these nourishing hot cocoas. My little toddler loves hot cocoa (I don’t know many toddlers who don’t!) As a rule of thumb, I try to be mindful of sugar and make sure the ingredients I serve are good for her little body, not overly sweet, and full of things that help her body thrive.
Every week, my sweet girl and I drive a mile up the road to grab our 1/2 gallon of fresh milk from a local diary. Whenever we’re en route she talks about making a hot cocoa when we get home. It’s become part of our weekly ritual on milk pick-up day and I absolutely love that we do this together. Of course, you don’t need to have your own personal dairy farmer to make a killer hot cocoa (though I’m not saying that doesn’t help!!) These will taste great with any type of non-homogenized whole milk. If your little one is diary free you can try these with a plant based milk but just know they won’t be quite as creamy.
These hot cocoas are sweetened with dates (which are considered a whole food and don’t spike blood sugar the same way honey or maple syrup does).Children under the age of 2 are advised to refrain from any added sugar in their diet(even in the form or honey or maple syrup). According to the CDC, whole fruits are the only type of sweetener a young toddler should have. These hot cocoas fit the bill for children young and old!
We took our hot cocoas up a notch with a touch of vanilla extract and pinch of cinnamon. It’s an option in the recipe to add a scoop of collagen powder for extra nutrition. The collagen also makes these extra frothy which we love. That foam is what it’s all about in our household!
And for those of you who may wonder- collagen powder is a safe, nourishing ingredient for toddlers. As always, do your own research if you’re concerned or check with your pediatrician.
We topped our hot cocoas with homemade whipped cream and these awesome, naturally sweetened marshmellows from Sweet Apricity. These marshmallows are legit, free of artificial ingredients and make great s’mores too!
I hope you and your little ones love these hot cocoas as much as we do! Cheers from our little family to yours.
Nourishing Hot Cocoa
PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES COOK TIME: 5 MINUTES SERVES: 2
2 cups whole milk
1 large Medjool date, pitted and roughly chopped
3 1/2 Tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (See note)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon unflavored collagen powder (optional)
Preparation
In a saucepan over medium heat add your milk, date and cocoa powder. Bring to a simmer, whisking often (making sure to not scorch the milk). Once warmed to your liking remove from the heat.
Pour the contents into a blender along with the remainder of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
Top with your desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
I like using Navitas Organic Cacao powder because it’s 3rd party tested for heavy metals.
