Hot “Chocolate” with Coconut Milk
Hot chocolate is a go-to comfort food this time of year, but what happens when you can’t have dairy or chocolate? Back when I first realized I was lactose intolerant, dairy was the only food on my “things I have to avoid” list. So I’d make hot chocolate with almond or soy milk and then load it up with cocoa powder and white sugar until it pretty much tasted the same. I knew it still wasn’t healthy but I felt better about my indulgence knowing I wasn’t drinking anything that was actively, immediately bad for me. Like, “curl up on the floor with intense abdominal pain kinda wanting to die” bad. And then I found out I had autoimmune disease and started the autoimmune protocol and suddenly I couldn’t have chocolate or sugar or almonds or soy, either. So carob was the most amazing discovery. People with chocolate allergies have been using it for ages with all kinds of cool recipes. Combine it with everyone’s favorite AIP-friendly milk substitute, a bit of honey to taste, and voila! You have a pretty darn good chocolate-free hot chocolate. And if you want to make it even more interesting, add a pinch of mace and ginger or few drops of peppermint, orange, or lavender essential oil for flavor. Yum!
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Hot “Chocolate”
Ingredients
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons carob powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch sea salt
Equipment
Instructions
- Simmer the coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the remaining ingredients and heat through, stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
Hello,
I don’t think this is AIP-friendly because carob is a legume and I think legumes aren’t AIP-friendly. Correct me if I’m wrong because I love carob.
Carob is AIP-friendly. Sarah Ballantyne discusses why in her book The Paleo Approach.
Thank you so much for this recipe! I was very cold today and this warmed me right up!!! Delish!!
So glad it hit the spot!!!
Have you verified that Bobs carob is GF? I see that it’s processed is a facility that also processes wheat which is why I haven’t tried carob yet. I’d love to make the switch from cocoa to carob but it’s been impossible to find a gf option!
I’ve been using it for years without any issues. They post those disclaimers to cover their butts, but in most cases, I haven’t found any need for concern. There are lots of other brands to choose from, though, if Bob’s makes you nervous!
What are the “marshmallows” shown in the photo?
They’re AIP marshmallows from Sweet Apricity.
Can’t wait to try this! Are you using canned coconut milk or the thinner version? Thanks!
I use canned coconut milk.