Christmas Recipe: 4 Ingredient Healthy Chocolate Milk

Christmas season is upon us and sipping on delicious chocolate milk while we put up our tree has become a bit of a tradition in our home. 

This easy recipe for deliciously healthy chocolate milk hits the spot! Personally I enjoy this chilled over ice, but if you're putting up your tree this week, perhaps crank the aircon for a few hours to pretend it is winter and enjoy this warm with a sprinkling of cinnamon! 

Why do I love this recipe? Because it is SO flexible! Use full cream dairy milk or your favourite plant based milk and sweeten using Medjool dates or coconut sugar for a more caramel flavour!

(FYI - Dates are a great source of many minerals and vitamins and have high levels of soluble fiber, which is essential in promoting healthy bowel movements in children 😄 )

I use raw cacao powder for the rich chocolate flavour as it is a powerhouse of antioxidants and a natural mood elevator too (just incase putting up the tree with Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé serenading you on loop isn't mood elevator enough! 😆)

 Ingredients: (Makes 2 servings)

- 2 c. Milk of choice (for plant based - Oat, cashew or almond milk work best)

- 2 Medjool dates, pitted and soaked in warm water for 10 min / OR / 2-3 tbsp Coconut sugar

- 2-3 tbsp Cacao powder

- Pinch of salt (trust me - this makes chocolate, more chocolatey!)

 Optional add ins:

- 1 tbsp of instant coffee if making this for the non-kids in your home

- 1/2 tsp of mint extract or orange extract is SO yummy for the kids

Method:

1.) Place pitted dates and half of the milk in a blender. Pulse a few times to break up the dates. Then turn the speed setting to medium and blend until smooth. 

2.) Add the remaining milk+ cacao powder + optional add ins (coffee/flavourings) and blitz for 10-12 seconds until everything is nice and smooth and there are no lumps  remaining. 

3.) Serve chilled(SO GOOD!). Alternatively, transfer the chocolate milk to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer while stirring. 

Bonus Tip:

Replace half the milk with whipping cream (regular or non-dairy cream) while blending + 3-4 cubes of ice for a more decadent version. Freeze this in molds to make mind blowing, ridiculously easy fudgesicles!

Please note: If you're making this ahead of time, you will notice that the cacao separates after a few hours. If this happens, don't worry, just give your chocolate milk a good stir and you're all good to go!