One of my favorite rituals during a snow storm is preparing (and of course consuming) homemade hot cocoa.  Since I rarely drink cow’s milk, I discovered a delicious concoction using organic almond milk and raw cocoa.  Wow!!  I love the energy it gives me without the blood sugar spike from processed hot chocolate, and it even has healthy nutrients!  The magnesium is good for my muscles's recovery from shoveling and the antioxidant content of the raw cocoa is extraordinary.  Health benefits of raw cocoa:

- helps stabilize blood sugar

- improves blood pressure

- acts as an anti-inflammatory

- offers more antioxidants than red wine and tea

I also added a tablespoon of coconut cream for some added decadence and healthy fat.  I am all set...here's the recipe...please let me know what you think...

Ingredients:

8 oz organic almond milk, unsweetened

1 TBSP raw cocoa

1 TBSP coconut cream (optional)

1 tsp pure maple syrup 

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

In a small saucepan, heat almond milk, vanilla, and cocoa on medium heat.  Whisk the cocoa until is dissolves (approx. 2 minutes).  

Add in maple syrup and continue to stir.  Once the hot cocoa is warm enough, pour in to a mug and enjoy!

Cheers!