Sugar-Free Protein Hot Chocolate

Sugar-Free Protein Hot Chocolate

by | Nov 14, 2018 | Health, Home, Recipes

Sometimes, it feels almost silly to write a recipe for something that is so simple to make.  Though, as simple as something may sound to me, maybe it’s not a given for others.  I’ve been making a sugar-free protein hot chocolate for so long now that I think it’s necessary I share it. 

As far as I’ve seen, there are two camps: those who like cooking with protein powder and those who don’t care for it.  For this recipe, you’ll need to be in the first camp because protein powder is essential to the sugar-free protein hot chocolate.  BTW I like this brand of protein powder.

sugar free protein hot chocolate

I’ll explain why I’m using protein powder:

Protein powder naturally has thickening properties so this helps give the beverage some body without making it heavy on milk.

It is also necessary for the sweetness factor.  We’re not adding any sugar to this hot chocolate so we’re relying on the sweetener from the protein powder.

I’m a fan of drinking this when I want to get my protein in after a workout but don’t feel like swallowing a cold smoothie. #wintervibes

I’ve also been known to make this beverage in the afternoon for a natural pick-me-up.  The cacao powder provides a mental energy boost and the protein helps tie me over ’til dinner.

Lastly, I love using this raw cacao with golden milk spices added.  It makes for a hot chocolate with a lot of depth!  If you don’t have this kind, regular cacao powder will do. 

sugar free protein hot chocolate

Sugar-Free Protein Hot Chocolate
Recipe Type: Drinks
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1
Finally! A Hot Chocolate that isn’t a sugar bomb and actually keeps you satiated without weighing you down.
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup milk
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cacao powder (not cocoa powder!)
  • 1 scoop (about 1/3 cup) chocolate protein powder
  • A tiny pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon and tumeric (optional)
Instructions
  1. Add the milk and water to a pan and heat until it begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil!
  2. In a mug, add your protein powder, cacao powder (I use 1 ½ tbsp but scale down if your protein powder has a very strong chocolate taste.), and sea salt (if using).
  3. Pour the liquid into your mug and whisk until no clumps are left. At this point, you can sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon and turmeric on top. If using regular cacao powder, cinnamon and chili powder would taste good, instead!

sugar-free protein hot chocolate

 

Even if you don’t follow this recipe exactly, I hope you give it a try.  If a protein hot chocolate appeals to you then be sure to comment below or tag me on Instagram with your sugar-free protein hot chocolate recipes!

Xoxo,

Melanie

 

Favorite Winter Drink Recipes ~ Friday Five

Favorite Winter Drink Recipes ~ Friday Five

by | Nov 2, 2018 | Favorites, Home

The weather is cooling down slowly but surely!  Even in my little corner of Southern California, where the sun is always ablaze, the days don’t seem as hot.  Lately, I’ve been starting my mornings by opening the windows all over my house.  I love to feel the freshness of the outdoors come into my house.  It not only invigorates me to get my work out on (so I can warm up!) but it also makes me crave some warm drinks.

So, today, I bring you five of my favorite winter drink recipes! (No alcohol involved 😉 )

beet latte

Beet Latte

Some Tone it Up recipes can be a miss but, other times, I love their ingenuity.  Beets in a latte?  It sounds a little funky but it is totally worth trying!  It’s a cozy beverage to have in the morning or filling enough to satisfy a sneaky late-night craving.

Detox Lemonade

The classic hot water with lemon has its benefits but it can get a little dull.  Upgrade the classic combo with this recipe that includes some yummy ginger, honey, and cloves!

golden milk

Golden Milk

If you haven’t heard of golden milk, you’ve surely been living under a rock, right?  No offense but golden milk is only the best thing to ever happen to coffee-free lattes.  Like, ever.  I dig this recipe for Golden Milk because of the added spices.  Some recipes only ask for turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger.  That tastes swell but I LOVE a little cardamom or nutmeg to give a more elaborate flavor profile.  Plus, dates as a sweetener?  You can’t go wrong there!

Apple Cider

Again, another basic but essential recipe for your drinks arsenal.  I love the warm scents of cinnamon and baked goods and homemade cider provides a similar appealing aroma.  Plus, is there anything more delicious than cider?! I think not!  I’m planning to cook up a pot (maybe in a crockpot ala Half Baked Harvest ) soon!

Tumeric Tea Tonic 

I’m wishing you all good health this upcoming holiday season.  Though, if you happen to feel the start of a cold coming on, be sure to load up on some healing tonic.  This anti-inflammatory tea only takes three ingredients and it feels so soothing in the body. 

tumeric tea tonic minimalist baker

Thanks for reading my list of favorite warm beverages.  You may have noticed something chocolatey was missing from the list?  Yeah, rest assured, I will be drinking some hot cocoa this season!  I’ve been working on a sugar-free protein-packed hot cocoa recipe for you all so stay tuned. 😉

 Xoxo

Melanie

 

 

 

 

Gingerbread Stovetop Oats with Cashew Cream

Gingerbread Stovetop Oats with Cashew Cream

by | Feb 22, 2017 | Health, Home, Recipes

Today I was reading about NASA’s recent discovery of exoplanets that may be similar to our planet Earth.  It seems that they are in a prime zone for habitation and may even have oceans.  See the article here.  I don’t avidly follow space and scientific findings but something about the excitement surrounding the discovery of the planets really cheered me up this morning.  I think the optimism about the possibility that life may exist elsewhere is a really neat thought.  It is a wild thought but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

I have something a little less wild and not very space-related to share with you today: Gingerbread Oatmeal!

I know we are in the month February but who says the gingerbread flavors are only for November/December?  I’m still totally digging spiced flavors in my breakfast!

I must admit, I’m usually a much bigger fan of overnight oats than I am of warm, cooked oats.  It’s a texture thing.  One exception is this recipe for gingerbread oatmeal.  The molasses and spices are so comforting and delicious that it would be a crime not to try them warm!

Another factor that kept me from liking hot oatmeal in the past was the bland taste of it.  I felt it was necessary to add sugar to make it taste like something!  Hold your horses because there is NO sugar needed for this recipe.  We’re using the au natural sweetness of banana 😀  Then, we top off the oatmeal with some fruit of your choosing ( I like pear) and some delectable cashew cream.  I say we soak some cashews NOW so that we can whip up the cashew cream and this oatmeal for breakfast tomorrow! 😉  Who’s with me?!

Gingerbread Stovetop Oats with Cashew Cream
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 bowl
A warm bowl of oatmeal, sweetened with banana, and bursting with the flavors of molasses and gingerbread spices. A comforting breakfast for one or double up, as needed, to serve more. Top with fruit of choice and cashew cream.
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1 medium banana (half mashed, the other half sliced)*
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/8 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp allspice
  • 1/8 tsp cloves (optional)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp blackstrap molasses
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp ground flax seeds
  • Cashew milk or milk of choice, for serving
  • Sliced pear, optional
  • Cashew cream**, for serving (see notes for recipe)
Instructions
  1. Add the water to a small pot and bring to a boil. Then, add the oats, mashed banana, spices, vanilla, and molasses. Turn down the heat to a medium level.
  2. After about two minutes, once most of the water has been absorbed, stir in the flax and chia seeds until well-dispersed and cook on low for one additional minute.
  3. Take the oatmeal off the heat and let sit for a minute. This is important because the banana makes the oatmeal retain a lot of heat so it will be REALLY HOT if you dig into it right away.
  4. Serve oatmeal with the other half of the banana, sliced pear, a small pour of milk, and a scoop of cashew cream.
Notes
*If desired, applesauce could be substituted for the banana in the recipe.[br][br]**You will have leftover cashew cream if making this recipe to go with the gingerbread oatmeal. [br][br]Cashew Cream recipe is as follows: [br]¾ cup raw cashews[br]1/3 cup water, plus more for soaking[br]1 ½ tbsp maple syrup[br]¾ tsp vanilla extract[br]A pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt or kosher salt[br][br]Simply place cashews in a bowl and fill with water until they are covered. Let them soak to soften. I recommend soaking cashews overnight in the fridge but between 2-6 hours is all that is necessary. Once cashews have softened and expanded, empty the soaking water and add them to a blender or food processor. Blend up the cashews until crumbly, then add 1/3 water, the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. The resulting thickness will depend on the power of your blender or food processor. I left mine a bit clumpy but blend until desired consistency is achieved.[br][br]Cashew cream yields about 3 servings of 1/4 cup portions.[br][br]NOTE: Prep time does not include soaking time for the cashews.

 

Let’s embrace the last days of winter and enjoy the warm spices of gingerbread!