I wrote about coconut butter a while back and used it to make homemade peppermint patties. Update: I’m still a bit obsessed with coconut butter a year later….I think I’m making up for lost time not knowing about it. So if you’re into it as much as I am, or if you just love a creamy hot cocoa, this recipe is for you. This hot cacao drink tastes exactly like the York Peppermint Patties in my opinion ;)

Nutrition 101:

-Soy and almond milk: These are great alternatives to cow’s milk as they’re easier for the body to digest and less inflammatory.  I love organic soy milk because it contains protein and calcium (soy milk gets a bad wrap, but if you buy the unsweetened organic version, you avoid all the negative jargon about it! Soy in certain forms can be great for your health.

-Cacao: Using cacao, vs traditional refined baking cocoa, increases your antioxidants which are powerful in fighting disease.

-Coconut Butter: Coconut butter is high in vitamins and minerals, and it contains antibacterial properties to support your immune system. By adding a healthy fat to meals and snacks, you increase nutrient absorption, satiety (feeling full and satisfied longer), reduce blood sugar crashes, and support brain and digestive function. Sign me up for that!

-Raw Honey: Raw honey is full of antibacterial and anti-fungal components. If you buy a local version, you’ll also benefit from its allergen fighting properties.

-Peppermint Oil: Some people experience a relief in abdominal pain, bloating, IBS, and nausea when ingesting peppermint oil.  Be sure you buy from a high quality source that you trust when purchasing essential oils to ingest. 

Here’s the recipe!....

Peppermint Pattie Hot Cacao

1 Cup almond or soy milk (I like to do 1/2 almond and 1/2 soy)

1 1/2 - 2 Tablespoons raw cacao powder

1/2 Tablespoon raw honey (add more if you prefer it sweeter)

1/2 - 1 Tablespoon coconut butter

1 drop peppermint essential oil (or peppermint extract)

*Heat the milk over the stove or microwave 
*Add all other ingredients into a blender and then pour the warm milk on top
*Blend until well combined

Substitutes:
You can use any of the following substitutes depending on what you have accessible. It will change the taste and nutrient profile mildly, but will still create a tasty drink! —
-Cacao for baking cocoa
-Honey for maple syrup or one soft date
-Coconut butter for coconut oil
-You can omit the peppermint if you just prefer a basic creamy hot cacao

Note:
When heated, most foods lose a small amount of their antioxidants, however you’ll still be getting a much more significant amount when you use less processed ingredients like cacao vs baking cocoa in recipes.

Are you a hot chocolate fan? Is there a special way YOU like to make it?? Tell us in the comments below!