Soothing Hot Carob Chocolate

After a traipse through white curtains of snow, noses and ears pink, I have found nothing thaws our cold bodies like my soothing hot carob chocolate. There is always a sort of urgency as the hot chocolate warms on the stove. Damp snow clothes are thrown in to the dryer and icy, little fingers tug at my sweater as I whisk the myriad of browns and creams. All our fingers ache to wrap around a warm mug of this soul-fetching elixir.

It is a treat.

But, it is also nourishment.

Built with the best ingredients, this soothing hot carob chocolate can be enjoyed even while one is sick. It includes roasted carob powder, cacao powder, marshmallow root powder, collagen, honey and unsweetened almond milk.

What is carob?

Carob cames from carob tree pods (Ceratonia siliqua). Carob is touted as a “healthier” chocolate replacement because it does NOT contain the stimulants caffeine or theobromine. Overall, these stimulants aren’t considered harmful unless someone is sensitive to stimulants (like a lot of small children).

Let’s establish something very important. Besides color, carob is dissimilar to chocolate. Carob has its own unique taste compared to chocolate – slightly nuttier and definitely sweeter, lacking the bitterness of real cacao. Carob can make a good substitute texture-wise for cocoa powder in recipes but don’t expect it to taste like your favorite dark chocolate if you go all in. This may sound like I’m trying to ward you off carob. I’m not! I think carob has a lot to offer but people who try carob expecting chocolate can be disappointed. Instead, expect something new and interesting from carob and you might find a new favorite ingredient!

Carob is naturally sweeter, making this hot chocolate recipe delicious without tons of extra sugar! I prefer roasted carob from The Australian Carob Co. You can find it in your local health food store, Mountain Rose Herbs or on amazon.

So what does carob have to offer?

Carob contains oligosaccharides that help prevent bad bacteria from lining your gut and prevent diarrhea. Check out this study to see how carob helped resolve infantile diarrhea.

Carob contains antioxidants and has shown to withstand levels of radiation (in this study), making it a possible contender to help fight cancer.

Carob has a low glycemic index so the sugars it does contain are slowly assimilated, making it a healthier treat for diabetics. This can be preferable for children if your child is sensitive to sugar.

Carob is also popular among opera singers. It helps soothe stressed vocals!

What is marshmallow root? And why use it?

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is the origin of marshmallows! Did you know that? Originally, marshmallows were marshmallow root roasted over fires or skillets with honey. The French took the root and mixed it with a meringue base for the first marshmallow-like confection, similar to the ones we know today. Marshmallows from the store are no longer made with marshmallow root (in case you were wondering). I’d love to share with you my original marshmallow root marshmallows soon!

Marshmallow root powder is the marshmallow root, dried and powdered. It can be consumed and whipped into desserts. It tends to thicken slightly when added to liquid. A little goes a long way!

The mucilage properties of marshmallow make it absolutely marvelous for soothing sore throats, coughs and overworked digestive tracts. You can forage and eat all parts of the marsh mallow plant.

I buy my marshmallow root powder from Mountain Rose Herbs.  This is optional for the drink but I like the added benefits and taste it adds!

    

Can you add collagen to your hot chocolate?

YES! It isn’t necessary but it adds extra protein. Skip this if you find it unnecessary. I like Vital Proteins collagen available here.  Or you can try substituting a little protein powder. This recipe makes enough for two to three servings, depending on how much you want to drink.

Soothing Hot Carob Chocolate

Help your body heal and still enjoy comfort foods! Whip up this hot cocoa during a cold or any old time you need a nourishing and hot treat.

Keyword: cacao, carob, collagen, dairy free, gluten free, honey, hot cocoa, marshmallow root 
Author: Apothecary Mary

Ingredients

• 2 cup almond milk unsweetened

• 1 tbsp cacao powder

• 1 tbsp carob powder roasted

• 1 tsp marshmallow root powder optional

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 scoop collagen optional

Instructions

• On medium heat, whisk almond milk, cacao powder, carob powder, and marshmallow root powder until thoroughly blended.

• Heat until mixture starts to simmer.

• Add scoop collagen and honey, whisk til combined.

• Serve hot! Enjoy, sweet readers! (If mixture starts to separate, just give it a quick whisk!)

These little hands love this hot chocolate:

*I’m not a licensed health care practitioner. These posts are my own views and are not meant to diagnose or treat illnesses. Do your own research and please consult with your doctor if you have questions about incorporating these herbs into your diet.