Mexican Hot Chocolate

My paternal grandparents immigrated from Mexico, coming to the United States and eventually, settling in Minnesota at a young age. My grandma still in her late teens and grandpa in his early twenties, worked their way from Mexico to Minnesota via the railroad.

I was in the 4th grade when my grandma died in her 60's. However, I have very vivid memories of her in the kitchen making flour tortillas at the kitchen table and offering us grandkids the most delicious hot chocolate.

As a kid, I thought she had some super secret recipe, only to find out later in life she used what many Mexican-Americans used — Abuelita. Which coincidentally also means grandma in Spanish.

Abuelita, made by Nestle, is basically chocolate squares with sugar and artificial cinnamon flavor added. You simply melt it in milk, for, as the package claims, an “authentic Mexican hot chocolate.”

Nothing secret (or healthy) about that.

Yesterday was a gloomy and damp fall day here in Minnesota. I had just come home from the gym, and not only was I shivering cold, but I was craving something hot and sweet.

Healthy Mexican Hot Chocolate came to my rescue (and a warm rice sock around my neck). I hope you give this recipe a try.

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Makes 1 Large Mug

Ingredients

• 12 oz. Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk (see notes)
• 3 Tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Pinch Celtic Sea Salt
• 2 Tbsp Sugar-Free Sweetener (see notes)
• 1 drop Cinnamon Essential Oil

Directions

1. In small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder, salt, and sweetener.
2. Whisk until well combined, then bring to gentle simmer.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in cinnamon essential oil.
4. Pour in mug.
5. Top with a dollop of coconut milk whipped cream. (optional)

Notes

Tom and I are loving this non-dairy milk. It's higher in protein than almond or coconut milk and zero carbs. You can find it at Target, Sprouts, and Whole Foods. It's great for making protein shakes too! For years, I've been a fan of both stevia and erythritol as sugar-free sweetener options. Recently, I discovered a monk fruit sweetener and am in love. I picked up a couple bags of it on sale at Whole Foods, but you can find it on Amazon as well.

About Vanessa Romero

After experiencing significant adrenal fatigue in 2008, Vanessa left her career as a personal trainer and nutrition coach to focus on healing in mind, body, and spirit. During the recovery process, at the insistence of her handsome husband Tom, she started Healthy Living How To as a way to continue to positively influence the health of others.

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