This rich mug of hot chocolate can be enjoyed right before bed because the cocoa powder is swapped out for carob powder. Carob is grown in a pod, and mimics the taste of chocolate but without the caffeine. Carob is also a good source of B vitamins, calcium, potassium and the important sleep-inducing magnesium.
Ingredients
[table “13” not found /]Instructions
Serving Size: 1 cup
Add almond milk, almond creamer, and cherry juice in a small sauce pan. Whisk in carob powder and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until desired temperature – don’t boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
One 12-ounce mug has 145 calories
Attribution: Thanks to Jennifer at www.theFitfork.com
Created by insivika
Not that crazy about this recipe. The tart cherry juice is very pronounced. Not how a cup of hot “chocolate” should taste. I’ll try adjusting the recipe.
Hi Kathleen,
Do you mind letting us know if/how you adjusted the recipe? Also did you try it using carob powder instead of chocolate? Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea
Sorry, I’ve been sick with a very bad cold and have not experimented with the recipe but will get back to you. I did use the carob powder, then added unsweetened cocoa to see if that would help the taste. But I think it was the tart cherry juice that made it too tart; not what you’d expect with a yummy hot cocoa recipe. Do you know the purpose of adding the cherry juice? I would love the have a healthier hot chocolate drink as it is my go to warm drink in the winter.
Here’s my first attempt to modify the recipe:
8 ounces of Almond milk
2 ounces of almond creamer
1 ounce of tart cherry juice
2 tablespoons carob powder
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
Creamier, not as tart, and closer to a cup of hot chocolate. Mind you, my goal was not to have something to help me sleep, but a healthier cup of hot chocolate which is my go to hot drink in the winter.
Next time I think I’ll try 1&1/2 tablespoons carob powder and 1 ounce almond cream.
Hi Kathleen,
Thanks for the tweaks! This is a great way to improve the drink for different results. I appreciate you letting me know so that it can be shared. Keep the comments and tweaks coming.