Cinnamon Hot Chocolate is a wholesome but utterly luxurious healthy hot cocoa drink. Sweetened naturally using dates and with a hint of spice this healthy hot chocolate recipe is sure to please the entire family.
600mlMilk(almond/ full fat cows milk/ coconut.....)
60gSoft dates(I used Deglet Nour)
2Cinnamon sticks (10cm)or one long stick snapped in half
2teaspoonVanilla extract
30gCocoa powder
To serve - all optional
Cinnamon sticks
Whipped cream or dairy-free whipped cream
Cocoa powder - for dusting
Grated dark chocolate
Marshmallows
Instructions
Roughly chop the dates and break up the cinnamon slightly (but do not break it into small pieces as it will be tricky to remove from the milk if you do).
Put the milk, dates, cinnamon and maple syrup (if using) into a saucepan and heat to scalding. Set aside to infuse for 15 minutes.
Carefully pick out the pieces of cinnamon from the milk (they should be floating on the top) and pour the warm milk infusion into a blender. Add the vanilla and cocoa powder and blitz until the dates are as fine as the blender can get them.
Strain the hot chocolate through a sieve back into the saucepan.
Heat through and serve with the toppings of your choice.
Notes
I favour almond milk or cow's milk for this drink, though any non-dairy milk substitute will be fine.
The cream is entirely optional and obviously works best if you make the drink using cows milk and are not following a dairy-free diet.