As the weather starts to cool down, turn to this comforting drink to help warm you up! A deliciously different twist on the classic hot chocolate.
A cup of Hot Carob “Cocoa” is a nice treat or simple dessert. It is surprisingly thick and creamy tasting, even when made with water, and its flavor is reminiscent of bittersweet chocolate. Because carob is somewhat sweeter than cocoa powder, you may not need to add much, if any, sweetener.
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsweetened carob powder
1/4 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot
6-8 ounces water or fortified vanilla, soy, or rice milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla, soy, or rice milk)
sweetener of your choice (optional)
Directions
In a small saucepan whisk together carob powder and cornstarch or arrowroot. Gradually whisk in water or nondairy milk, keeping the mixture as smooth as possible. Heat, stirring often, until steaming hot. Stir in vanilla, if using, and sweetener to taste.
Tip: If you prefer, you can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for the carob powder, or try a combination of the two as you wean yourself off chocolate.
This recipe is easily doubled, tripled, or quadrupled
Per serving (made with water): 37 calories; 0.1 g fat; 0 g saturated fat; 2.3% calories from fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 0.7 g protein; 13.2 g carbohydrates; 4.9 g sugar; 5.6 g fiber; 9 mg sodium; 52 mg calcium; 0.4 mg iron; 0 mg vitamin C; 1 mcg Beta Carotene; 0.1 mg vitamin E
Source: Breaking the Food Seduction by Neal Barnard, M.D.; recipe by Jo Stepaniak; © Jo Stepaniak 2005, published by permission.
Sounds delicious without all the unnecessary calories. Will probably use the unsweetened cocoa powder in place of the carob. Thanks !