Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate

Those of you who know me, know that I freaking LOVE ice cream. In fact, I never limit my intake, and I rarely let the freezer get below 3 cartons at at time. I don't even consider it a weakness or a vice. It's just who I am!

I have at times decided to try different warm, cooked desserts, and have found some great blogs with delicious healthy dessert recipes, but no matter what, this girl needs dessert after dinner.

My new naturopathic doctor specializes in ayurvedic medicine (some of you may have heard it called the 'science of yoga'). One of the things ayurvedic practitioners look at is your 'constitution', or your combination of attributes, tendencies and traits. Since each individual has a different combination of these, the medicine required for you is more individualized based on your constitution, and it may vary seasonally. My constitution is one that actually doesn't do well with cold or raw foods (especially during the cold months), and my doctor recommended ocassionally replacing my bowl(s) of ice cream with some rich hot chocolate. Here's a recipe I found that has been blowing my mind!

Coconut milk is rich in flavor, and packed full of nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. And we all know that dark chocolate is full of flavenols and antioxidants, right? You can't go wrong with this combination. And it's dairy-free.

Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate 
Serves 2
1 can coconut milk (light or regular)
1/2 bar of dark chocolate (at least 65%!)
1 t vanilla extract
Optional: extra chocolate, coconut whipped topping

Empty the can of coconut milk into a small saucepan, add the chocolate and vanilla. Stir over medium-high heat until the chocolate is melted. Pour into mugs, top with whipped topping, and serve hot! 

Last time I added some extra Hershey's syrup to make that chocolate flavor even richer (ssshhhhh). We found that full-fat coconut milk is so rich, it feels like drinking a mug of creamy chocolate half and half. I may try light next time... will report back findings. 

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