2 Cups Water
2 Cups Silk (Soy Milk)
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Dark / Bakers Chocolate (Chips or Chopped Bar)
1/4 Cup Honey
1 Tbs Ginger Powder
1 Tbs Cinnamon Powder
1 Tsp Ground Cardamom
*Optional: Add 1.5 oz. Herradura Reposado for every 8 oz. of hot cocoa
Garnish: Cinnamon Stick
Directions: Combine Silk and hot water in an applicable pot and set to bring to just below boiling. Then add honey, chocolate, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, and ground spices. To fully integrate, lower heat to keep warm, then serve as desired! If adding an adult option, pour the tequila into the mug first and then add hot cocoa.
* Note, this is all personal preference, you can use all milk, all silk, all water, even almond milk depending on what your taste. The choice of silk and water is used here to provide as wide an application as possible (not too thick in texture, and yet still being able to be consumed by those with lactose intolerance).
It was planned as a romantic Valentine’s Day, and par for the course in DC, everyone at the office was sick. The week prior had been freakishly warm, but the temperature then dropped as a stone. At the bar, a special someone was on her way. I walked into the restaurant and could not be more delighted to find Amy there. No matter the weather, she was always sunny. There was a special menu for the evening, however, what stood out was a twist on a childhood favorite, hot cocoa. It was exciting how it came together. Cocoa, not the extra sweet stuff, is consumed in many cultures and has many healing properties. Dark chocolate has amino acids and can help increase serotonin. In addition, it helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Ginger of course pairs wonderfully with it and adds that touch of lively spice. It also aides the stomach and helps to ease sore joints. Cinnamon just tastes great, just like those overly sugar-sweet rolls from childhood. However, it can also help to regulate blood pressure and is a powerful antioxidant. Honey is a natural cure-all and an all-natural sweetener. What was peculiar in this concoction, was the cardamom, with its very potent earth tone, that can easily overpower any brew. Amy mentioned that the unique flavors of the cardamom heightened the cocoa flavors and at the same time balanced the cinnamon and ginger spice. It was delicious while providing a wellness touch. Its rich, decadent, flavors made this just the right touch for Valentines, and just the right enhancement to make home extra sweet.
