Baby it’s cold outside… which could only mean it’s time for a cacao drink recipe. Let’s make raw hot chocolate with banana marshmallows!
We are thrilled to bring this information to you.
Let’s get started, you will need cacao powder.
Cocoa Powder usually contains sugar, so cacao powder is the best option to ensure that there are no extra ingredients in your drink. If cacao is not available, raw chocolate can be used instead.
Now let’s talk bananas, ripe bananas work best for this recipe since they have a sweeter taste and give more body to the drink. Now some may say that using just cacao and bananas may result in a bitter beverage but cocoa contains several alkaloids that give it that bitter flavor which is why some prefer cacao over cocoa. Cacao also has antioxidant called flavonoids while cacao does not have these antioxidants cacao has antioxidant polyphenols.
Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamins C and B6, sucrose, glucose and fructose. Potassium works to lower blood pressure reducing the risk of strokes or heart attacks. Fiber is great for digestion as it keeps us fuller longer. Vitamin C can aid in weight loss by increasing metabolism while reducing fat storage at the same time. The B6 vitamin helps with muscle relief after exercising as well as nerve function.
Both of these receipes call for pure ingredients, be sure to look for the highest quality, pure cacao and we suggest you not settle for over-processed cocoa.
Enjoy this treat as you lay by the fireplace watching your favorite movies this time of year, or anytime of the year. This chocolatety drink only takes a few minutes to make, however the marshmallows will need to be prepared ahead of time using a dehydrator.
Recipe Ingredients & Directions For Marshmallows:
(Make the night before, they freeze good for later use)
Ingredients:
1- 15 bananas
- Directions: Peel and slice into 3-6 pieces that resemble large marshmallows.
- Arrange on a dehydrator try and set at 105-115 to dehydrate 6-10 hours or over night.
- Once dried to the desired consistency use in the Hot Chocolate and or freeze any extra for later use.
- If you don’t have a Vitamix Blender, you will want to presoak your dates (see the recipe below for details)…..
Recipe Ingredients & Directions for Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dates
- 1 – 1.25 liters Hot water
- 2 tsp Raw Cacao Powder
- 1-2 tsp raw sesame seeds
Directions:
Pit all dates and place in the vitamix blender. If you don’t have a vitamix you may want to do this 4-6 hours in advance and soak with just enough water to cover to soften. Also, use tahini instead of whole sesame seeds.
Scoop raw cacao powder and sesame seeds into blender, heat water till steaming and add to the blender. Fasten the lid tightly, very important.
Blend on high till very smooth, pour into a mug or thermous to enjoy now or later on a cold day! Now, add the marshmallows for a special texture and taste!
Original article and photo courtesy of The Raw Advantage therawadvantage.com/2015/11/raw-vegan-hot-chocolate-and-marshmallows-recipe/
Here’s another great, healthy recipe using delicious chocolate blends
This brew has the health benefits of reishi combined with the soothing, therapeutic benefits of cacao, and the healing properties of ginger.
Reishi is a medicinal fungus. It’s called Lingzhi in China and other East Asian countries, and has been used as an adaptogen and anti-inflammatory for centuries.
Reishi is one of the most beneficial medicinal mushrooms in the world, with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also boosts immunity and can decrease cholesterol levels. Reishi cacao brew is perfect for those who want a healthy drink that is tasty and easy to make.
The cacao powder used in the recipe is raw cacao powder. It is unprocessed, and contains high levels of antioxidants and magnesium.
Cacao also has a calming effect on the body and can reduce stress, making it perfect to drink before bedtime.
This cacao reishi blend will wake you up with its invigorating properties but still help you unwind after a long day by decreasing stress levels and promoting healthy sleep patterns.
Reishi cacao brew does not contain any refined sugars or fats like most energy drinks do, so this drink serves as an excellent substitute for those who seek energy through foods instead of through stimulants like processed drinks.
Cacao powder is cacao beans ground into small pieces. Cacao contains antioxidants, magnesium, iron, theobromine (which is similar to caffeine), tryptophan (which helps brain chemistry balance out mood hormones), amino acids, healthy fats, fiber, B vitamins…the list goes on.
While cacao isn’t technically considered an adaptogen , cacao definitely has many nutrients that work together to help regulate your body’s systems naturally.
Brewing cacao with reishi is not traditional – but it works!
Boil 4 cups of hot water with 2 tbsp of finely chopped ginger
Three shelled cardamom pods
1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp of Organic Reishi Mushroom Powder
1 tbsp of Organic Cacao Elixir Powder
1 tbsp of vanilla Turn stove off Pour into blender
1/2 half cup of coconut creamer
4 pitted dates
Blend and Enjoy!
