Hi! Do you love a creamy mug of hot chocolate, but not love all of the sugar in pre-made versions? Here is a simple recipe for rich, decadent hot cocoa for a no-sugar-added cup of hot chocolate. Cheers!

Heat your favorite milk in a saucepan. I like almond milk as it has less sugar.

When the milk is hot, stir in 1 Tbs. Organic Cacao Powder. Stir and break up any clumps.

Add a tsp. (more or less to taste) of 1 low glycemic sweetener: Choose from Pure Natural Maple Syrup, Agave Nectar or Stevia (We use stevia, it is a plant-based extract.)

Pour into a mug and top with Whipped Cream – did you know? it only has 15 calories in 2 Tbs.?

Sprinkle of chocolate, cinnamon or nutmeg

Tip: Blue Agave is twice as sweet as white, refined sugar. It’s healthier to use in other baking recipes, simply substitute 1/2 – 2/3 of what the recipe calls for in sugar. Stevia ratio appx. 1/3 of sugar.

If you like your hot cocoa sweeter, try maple syrup. This one is 100% pure maple syrup, all-natural ingredients.

The Glycemic Index (GI) is a relative ranking of carbohydrate in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with a low GI value (55 or less) are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolized and cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose and, therefore usually, insulin levels. Ref: Glycemic Index Foundation