Ingredients:
- 300mls Milk of Choice (I use Koko Coconut milk)
- 1 Scoop Chocolate Protein (I use Shake Up+)
- 1.5 – 2TBSP Cacao
- 1 TBSP Pure Nut Butter (I use Meridian Cashew)
- Pinch Salt
- Drop of Agave
Topping Options:
Grated Dark Chocolate, Grated Ginger, Grated Orange Zest, Pinch of Cinnamon, Black Pepper, Pinch of Nutmeg, Coconut Sugar, Protein “cream”…. the list is endless!
Method:
The above recipe is for 1 person so multiply this out per person you are making this delish recipe for. For kiddies if you don’t want to add the protein use 2 full TBSP of cacao powder (not the red tub of cocoa!).
- In a pan add the protein, cacao and nut butter. Add a little of the milk at a time until a smooth paste is formed.
- Top up with the remainder of the milk (I sometimes like to reserve 100mls for steaming for a frothy topping) and whisk over a medium heat.
- Add the pinch of salt at this stage and also your agave syrup to taste.
- You do not want to boil this mixture so remove from the heat just before boiling and pour into individual mugs.
Toppings:
To make protein cream mix 1 TBSP Philadelphia or Ricotta cheese with 1/2 Scoop Vanilla Protein and top your hot chocolate with a drop just before serving.
I like to steam milk and load it up with a frothy top with dark chocolate and fresh ginger grated over this.
Flavour Additions:
For a mint variety you can add a few drops of peppermint essence to the mixture.
For a mocha option add a teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
For a chocolate orange, grate in the zest of 1/2 orange per person and also a few drops of orange essence.
For a chocolate chilli option add a pinch of cayenne pepper and chilli powder.
If you want a warming spiced blend you can pre-heat the milk in a pan with some crushed cardamon pods, a cinnamon stick, some cloves and a star anise. Once simmered for 10+ minutes on a low heat to let these flavours infuse strain well before before beginning at step 1 above.
For a slightly more naughty hot chocolate add a drop of Rum or even Ruby Port!
You can also make hot strawberry with the Strawberry Shake Up +