Protein Rich, Skin Boosting Hot Chocolate

I swear on all things Holy and true that this is the LAST cold weather recipe I will be posting this season. 

It is currently 12 degrees where I am….winter is a cruel mistress that won’t quite take the hint and get the heck out of here already!!! Oh well guess it’s just another excuse to drink more of my latest obsession….

How, you say, can a hot chocolate be high in protein, good for you skin, dairy free, and paleo!?!?

GELATIN!!!!!

I know you may have weird memories of jello from your childhood or stays in the hospital but gelatin (from a reputable source like the one pictured above from Great Lakes) can be amazing for skin health, bone health, and a rich source of protein from the natural collagen. I love the Great Lakes brand because it comes from grass-fed cows and it is Kosher so you can feel good about the quality of this gelatin. Recently a client of mine, when I introduced her to the wonders of gelatin, said she didn’t know why she was spending so much money on bodybuilding supplements like BCAAs and protein powders when she could get all that she needs from one tablespoon of this gelatin for half the price. I know girl. 

So how do we get this gelatin into our hot chocolate? Its easy, I dissolve a heavy handed tsp in some cold almond or coconut milk while I heat up the rest of the milk, add some raw cacao (like this one) for a boost of natural caffeine and a huge dose of antioxidants, stir in the bloomed gelatin, whisk , add my sweetener of choice and BOOM! Protein rich, paleo, dairy free hot chocolate that will starve off hunger, curb that sweet tooth and give your skin and joints a nice boost of collagen. 

Protein Rich Hot Chocolate

Serves 1

Paleo - Sugar Free - Gluten Free - Dairy Free - Grain Free - Low Cal 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 tsp Gelatin (Grass fed, High Quality Please)
• 1 1/4 Cup Non Dairy Milk (Almond , Coconut, Hemp etc)
• 2 Tbl Raw Cacao Powder
• Pinch of Sea Salt
• Sweetener of Choice to Taste (Maple Syrup, Liquid Stevia, Coconut Sugar, Raw Honey etc)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl add 1/4 cup non dairy milk of choice and sprinkle the gelatin over the top and stir to combine.
2. Set aside.
3. In a small sauce pan add the remaining non dairy milk and heat over medium high heat.
4. Whisk in the cacao, salt, and sweetener of choice.
5. When the milk comes right under a simmer add the bloomed gelatin (you may need to use a spatula because it will be a solid mass) and whisk to melt and incorporate.
6. When the mixture is heated to your desired temperature remove from the heat and pour in a mug.
7. Drink up!

Optional add ins

• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• pinch of cayenne
• You can also substitute a dark chocolate for the raw cacao and omit the sweetener. Use about 1-2 oz or to your level of liking.