Creamy-Dreamy Hot Chocolate

(vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free)
By Christina Archer, MS, RD

Level of Difficulty: Easy

Seasonal hot drinks are expensive and loaded with added sugar and calories. Avoid the added sugars this holiday season by making your own. The caramel-like flavor of Bhari dates complement the richness of cacao and the almond butter adds creaminess. Dates area an ideal sweetener since they have a low glycemic index, meaning do not raise blood sugar as rapidly as cane sugar. You’ll also obtain fiber, magnesium and potassium.

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain, unsweetened almond milk*
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond butter
• 5 Bahri dates, pits removed**
• ¼ cup unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

1. To a blender add non-dairy milk, dates, almond butter, cacao powder, salt and cinnamon (if using). Blend until completely smooth.
2. Pour blended ingredients into a medium-sized sauce pot. Heat on medium-low until warm. Note: if you do not have a high powder blender, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture before heating.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Divide the hot chocolate between two mugs and sip slowly to savor the flavors!

*For even more creaminess use unsweetened oat milk.
**Barhi dates are preferable due to their creamy texture and flavor and can be found at the Santa Barbara Farmer’s Market; however, Medjool dates may be used instead. Soften them in 1/2 cup hot water for 5 minutes, then discard water before using in Step 1.