Say hello to hot chocolate’s angelic counterpart…
I’m attempting to abstain from chocolate for a bit, so I’ve had to get a bit more creative with other flavors in the kitchen.
I recently concocted a healthier marshmallow recipe (using part maple syrup and part stevia). Naturally, I needed a hot and rich drink in which to drown them, but since my husband has a sensitive stomach and chocolate is one of his biggest offenders, I thought this liquid refreshment would be a perfect substitute, as he loves vanilla.
While hot chocolate is difficult to surpass in its culinary excellence, this little beverage makes a great alternative for those who have allergy difficulty with cocoa powder or for children. It also makes a great nightcap because there’s no caffeine to stimulate you and it can be made to be sugar-free, if desired.
- 1 c. non-dairy milk of choice divided
- 1 t. arrowroot
- 2 t. maple syrup or honey or about 8-10 drops stevia
- 3/4 t. vanilla extract
- 5 drops stevia or another teaspoon of sweetener
- dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg about 1/8 teaspoon of each or to taste
- Add 1/2 cup of milk to a saucepan, and begin to heat the milk over medium-low heat.
- Whisk the other 1/2 cup of milk with the arrowroot in a separate bowl.
- Add sweetener along with the milk/arrowroot mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine.
- Continue stirring the mix over medium high heat for about 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Top with a handful of healthy marshmallows and enjoy!
Nutrition facts are based using unsweetened almond milk, two teaspoons of maple syrup and 5 drops of liquid stevia. Weight Watchers points (new system): 2
This is really delicious with freshly grated spices over the top (especially the nutmeg).
This recipe is probably putting the cart before the horse in terms of the marshmallows, but I will have a recipe for them up soon for those of you that were interested. 🙂 They make a great addition to this drink and are delicious for snacking on, teehee.
What’s your favorite cold weather treat?
Shared with: Healthy Vegan Friday, Healing with Food Friday
w says
February 24, 2018 at 11:43 amIs “t” a teaspoon or a tablespoon?
Lauren says
February 24, 2018 at 12:10 pmTeaspoon 🙂
Jabelle says
October 31, 2015 at 5:43 pmThanks for the recipe! I just tried it and my brother and I loves it!
Lauren says
November 1, 2015 at 12:38 pmThat’s great Jabelle, thanks for the comment!
Marianne says
January 31, 2014 at 6:23 pmI’ve made this recipe many times since you posted it. This time, I tried cardamom instead of the nutmeg. Still super yummy. This is my new go to comfort drink.
Lauren says
January 31, 2014 at 6:35 pmThat’s awesome Marianne! I’m so happy you like it (and that the pancakes went over well). 😀
Jennifer at Purposeful Nutrition says
October 26, 2013 at 2:41 pmI have to admit I never thought of hot vanilla before; only hot chocolate. I do like vanilla flavor though and I am sure this would be quite delicious. Thanks for sharing at Healing With Food FRiday.
Paul Quin says
October 25, 2013 at 5:13 amThe thick & creamy hot vanilla recipe presents honey as an option.
You shouldn’t call the recipe vegan then, even though you’re mentioning maple syrup as well.
Honey is not vegan!
See here:
Good overview: http://bit.ly/19m4vbP
Peta, but what about honey? http://bit.ly/1bvGH9a
Why honey is not vegan: http://bit.ly/17bB91a
The Vegan Society: http://bit.ly/13LDL1T
3 Reason not to eat honey: http://bit.ly/11YhNt8
Lauren says
October 25, 2013 at 8:10 amI’m well aware that honey isn’t vegan Paul, hence the maple syrup option.
Marianne @ Ragdoll Kitchen says
October 24, 2013 at 3:40 pmI made this and we loved it! Thanks again for posting this treat 😀
Lauren says
October 25, 2013 at 8:11 amThat’s great Marianne, thanks for the comment! 🙂
jodye @ whole pure recipes says
October 22, 2013 at 6:25 pmI honestly love vanilla so much more than chocolate most of the time, but whenever I try to take chocolate out of my diet altogether, I find myself wanting it much, much more… go figure! This hot vanilla sounds so amazing though! I’d take this over hot chocolate any day!
Hannah@ACaseOfWanderlust says
October 19, 2013 at 10:35 pmYou have no idea how happy this makes me! I have always disliked hot chocolate, but this I could deal with! Taiwan won’t be needing warm comfort, but the second I’m back in the States, I’m going to be making this!
Medha says
October 19, 2013 at 3:23 pmThis drink looks so tempting and delicious. I am surely going to try this soon. What can I use instead of arrowroot? I tried before in couple of stores but no luck. Where can i find it?
Lauren says
October 19, 2013 at 4:34 pmHi Medha,
You could try cornstarch if you’re unable to find arrowroot! I hope you enjoy it if you try it! 🙂
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
October 18, 2013 at 4:49 pmThis sounds delicious!
Susan says
October 18, 2013 at 8:30 amThis sounds absolutely delicious, even to a chocoholic like me. I actually made a cup of cocoa last night and then woke up early this morning, unable to go back to sleep. Maybe I need drink this instead… but I will do it without marshmallows.
Donna says
October 18, 2013 at 6:18 amSimply lovely lusciousness…CANNOT WAIT for your healthified marshmallow riff!!
Marianne @ Ragdoll Kitchen says
October 18, 2013 at 5:48 amThis sounds really good! This needs to be made soon 🙂