Naturally Sweetened Hot Chocolate: A Hug in A Mug
Hot chocolate comforts the soul, like a hug in a mug on cold winter days. The history of hot chocolate is rich and diverse. Its origins date back to over 500 BC. In the 1700s, only hot chocolate reportedly became popular in England. One significant milestone from its evolution is known to be when an English physician, Hans Sloane, came up with a recipe that included mixing chocolate with milk, making it highly palatable and leading to the development of the creamy hot chocolate that we know today.
Creamy Hot Chocolate with Natural Sweetness
- Soak pitted dates in warm milk for about an hour
- Blend the soaked dates until smooth
- In a pan add milk along with some cocoa powder and whisk until there are no lumps
- Add the blended mixture and combine
- Stir in good quality dark chocolate (the darker, the better) – Chocolate chips or pieces of chocolate bar can be used and let them melt in the mixture
- Add a splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of cinnamon
- Simmer for a few minutes, then pour in a mug (Marshmallows are optional for personal preferences)
