Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix

I bet right about now you are thinking that I spelled cocoa wrong, right? Well I didn’t…exactly. I wanted to create a healthier version of cocoa mix to use in my mocha, and I wanted to show the differences between cacao and cocoa powder in the process….and I feel the need to be a rebel every once in a while and do things my way!

So what exactly is Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix and why is it different?

Cacao and Cocoa powders both come from Cacao Beans, and according to the FDA are simply different names for the same product….but they are different. Cacao powder is raw and unsweetened, where cocoa powder is roasted. Dutch-processed cocoa is processed even further with an alkalized solution to make it less acidic and taste richer.

Personally, I prefer my ingredients as minimally processed as possible. Cacao powder is extremely high in antioxidants and a great source of magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. It is also higher in fiber and calories than cocoa powder, because more nutrients remain in tact {they weren’t roasted away}. That makes Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix healthy, right? 😉

Minus the marshmallow of course, but I wanted to make it “look” like hot cocoa. 😉 Okay, let’s get down to business. We are going to start with turbinado/raw sugar because it is less processed than granulated sugar…..

Mix the sugar, cacao powder, chopped bittersweet chocolate, and vanilla powder together in a large bowl…..

I chopped up an organic Equal Exchange Chocolates Very Dark chocolate bar that contains 71% cacao and no soy lecithin or dairy. Choose whichever chocolate bar you like. 🙂

Store your Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix in an air-tight container for 3 to 4 months, assuming it lasts that long!!

This cacao mix makes a richer, deeper flavored than traditional cocoa mix…and make a truly delicious Peppermint Mocha!! {recipe coming soon}

I may have gone a bit crazy with the shaved chocolate on that mocha,lol 😉

To make Double Chocolate Hot Cacao:

• Add one ounce {4 Tablespoons} of mix to the bottom of a cup.
• Pour in one cup of heated milk. {I heat 1 cup of unsweetened cashew milk in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds}
• Stir to dissolve the cacao powder and melt the chocolate chunks.
• Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve. {I use Coconut Whipped Cream}

A sweet indulgence, made a bit healthier to start out your day or warm you up on a cold winter afternoon…

Enjoy!!

Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix

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Serves	8
Prep time	10 minutes
Meal type	Beverage, Condiment

Double Chocolate Hot Cacao Mix for a healthy spin on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cacao powder
• 2/3 cups turbinado sugar
• 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate (about 6 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
• pinch of salt (optional)

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.

Store in an air-tight container for 3 to 4 months.

Note

To make Double Chocolate Hot Cacao:

• Add one ounce {4 Tablespoons} of mix to the bottom of a cup.
• Pour in one cup of heated milk. {I heat 1 cup of unsweetened cashew milk in the microwave for 1 minute and 40 seconds}
• Stir to dissolve the cacao powder and melt the chocolate chunks.
• Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and serve. {I use Coconut Whipped Cream}

This recipe will be partying at these link parties!

These are Amazon links to the ingredients used in this mix, in case you would like to see what they look like:

Cacao Powder

Equal Exchange Chocolate Bar