Adaptogen Hot Chocolate
I have been drinking this in the morning for almost a year. Adaptogens are plants (usually an herb, root, or mushroom) that helps your body adapt to physical, chemical, or biological stress. What a great way to start the day.
Although super good for you, many of the adaptogens are not super tasty. Mixing them with sweeteners, nut butters or cacao powder makes them more palatable. Play around a bit and find the sweet spot for your palate.
Over time, I have added to this recipe. As I come across something I want to add to my diet, in the hot chocolate it goes. Feel free to add or subtract adaptogens as your needs, tastes or cupboard dictate. Start with small quantities and work your way up. It can get a bit gritty and bitter if you add too much. Additional sweetener and/or cacao can usually remedy a too-bitter drink.
Mixing turmeric with black pepper enhances curcumin absorption.
Adapted from Minimalist Baker
Ingredients
10 ounces dairy-free milk (warm or room temperature)
1 Tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
1/3 teaspoon Lions Mane
1/4 teaspoon matcha
1/2 tsp Ashwagandha
1 tsp Reishi mushroom powder
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp coconut butter
1 tablespoon Laird superfood creamer
1 Tbsp vegan collagen ( I use Moon Juice)
Sweetener of choice (I use a small date but maple syrup or agave would be yum)
1/4 tsp He shou wu
1/8 tsp cinnamon
1/2-1 teaspoon grated turmeric root or turmeric powder mixed with a bit of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Add all ingredients to blender and blend on high until creamy and frothy — about 1 minute. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more sweetener to taste, cacao for rich chocolate flavor, maca for malty flavor, or coconut butter for coconut flavor/butteriness. The adaptogens/mushrooms can be a bit on the bitter side; adding more coconut butter, cacao, and sweetener will offset this.
Serve and enjoy immediately. You can also make this in a big batch for the week and reheat throughout the week as needed either on the stovetop in a saucepan. It will keep in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days (though best when fresh).
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