Healthy Hot Chocolate for Energy and Immunity

We had about 30 centimeters of fresh snow today and it is still snowing. So I thought that my children would be very happy about a cup of steaming hot chocolate when they come home from school.

To transform it from a sugary treat into a healthy treat I added a mushroom blend and collagen powder.

Chinese mushrooms are well studied for its immune enhancing properties. I add this mushroom blend into soups, stews, smoothies, and yes, into hot chocolate too.

With winter already in front of our door, it is probably a good idea to get some extra nutrients.

The collagen powder can be used like a protein powder. It provides amino acids, which are imperative for sustaining a healthy body. Amino acids are necessary for hormone production, building and maintaining muscles, nervous system function, the health of vital organs and cell structure. I use this.

The big plus of collagen powder is the immediate health benefit because it does not need to be digested like protein from eating a steak. Some kids do not even like meat and protein intake might be a struggle and thus lowered. Adding a collagen powder is easy because it is tasteless and can be added into soups, smoothies….or hot chocolate!

By incorporating the mushroom blend and collagen powder it is even a great pre- and post-workout drink. Thinking of all hockey moms! A raw and good quality cocoa powder is rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, and fiber. Magnesium is needed for many biochemical processes and it is great for sore muscles too.

A pinch of ground ginger helps to heat up from the inside out and can bring relief to a sore throat.

Immune Boost Hot Chocolate

Serves: 2

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk, organic/full-fat/grass-fed (choose any nut milk if dairy sensitive, I like cashew milk)
• 2-3 tsp raw cacao powder
• 3 tsp sweetener of your choice (I used coconut sugar. Maple syrup or honey is great too)
• 1 level tsp mushroom powder (e.g. cordyceps or a blend)
• 1 tbsp collagen powder (hydrogenated peptides)
• pinch of ginger, ground
• optional, vanilla extract
• optional, a pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

1

Heat milk over medium-low heat

2

Add all ingredients

3

Whisk well until combined

4

Taste, add more sweetener if needed

5

Enjoy!

Notes

If you own a blender with heating function, like the Thermomix, you can simply add all ingredients and blend until the chosen temperature is reached. By blending it a bit higher it will create a frothier consistency.