There was a distinct chill in the air last night which lead me to put on slippers and make a cup of gluten free, dairy free hot chocolate. This quick and easy beverage can be simply made from scratch in a matter of minutes.
Hot Cocoa
Ingredients
- ¼ cup (raw) cashews
- 1 cup water (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar or honey
- 20 drops stevia
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Place cashews and (room temperature) water in a vitamix; puree on high until completely smooth and no lumps of cashew remain
- Blend in cacao, agave, stevia and vanilla
- Divide cacao mixture evenly between 2 mugs
- Top off each mug with ½ cup boiling water
- Serve
Equipment
My younger son and his friend Kai were my taste testers for today’s hot chocolate. I make sure to test the recipes that I post on someone besides myself, often making each one several times.
Here’s what they had to say, “It tasted really good with the stevia.” Initially I had a mere 10 drops of stevia in the recipe, however the boys said it was not quite sweet enough, so I doubled up to make it taste more like regular hot chocolate by adding 10 more drops, resulting in the 20 drops you see in the recipe above.
On another note, while this site is still a well kept secret, my recipes are often reviewed by others online, generally in a positive tone. Today I saw this review of my simple bread. While it was nice that the review was honest (I always appreciate the feedback) the tone wasn’t something to which I’m accustomed.
I would have to agree though that my recipes are not for those looking to save on food costs (see Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma
How do you view food? What priority does it take in your life? Leave a comment and let us know.
Ruth says
I don’t use liquid Stevia. I use NOW brand powdered Stevia. Do you know the conversion factor of NOW powdered Stevia to your liquid Stevia?
I can’t wait. This sounds *so* yummy!!
]
Ruth (dairy-free, wheat-free, soy-free, corn-free, brewer’s yeast-free)
Toni says
I didn’t think the review was bad, just matter-of-fact. I am sure I would feel more touchy had it been my recipe ;)
I have been getting a lot of food almost-free by using coupons… and it’s all bad for you processed crud!!! :\ So I just did get rid of most of the evil stuff and am now trying to be more choosy, even if it costs more.
I recently bought some Agave Nectar just because I saw it in your blog. I feel like I will be coming around by 2009.
I started reading your blog because my brother is dx’d as celiac. It also runs in my family (aunt and cousin) I had my son who is 2 tested and he is allergic to wheat, soy, rice and eggs. Celiac test comes back negative but the doctor says it may be inconclusive for his age.
My poor little guy has given up any fun foods, and recently grandpa introduced him to pork rinds (of all things!!) which my meat-hater loves and calls cookies. Hahaha!
I haven’t tried your simple bread recipe… but I would guess that there are many different bread preferences, hence the amount of different breads available in stores! I would not sweat the review ;)
Athy says
I just wanted to add something. And that is, most people forget that a lot of junk food out there is actually quite expensive for what you’re really getting. A large delivery pizza runs about $25, making it would be immensely cheaper. A full meal from a place like Carl’s Jr would run $6-7 for just 1 basic unhealthy burger/drink/fries, for that you could buy fresh hamburger and have more. Add on to that packaged junk food snacks like Doritos which run maybe $5-6 for a large bag or candy bars that cost $3-4 each or sugar dense cereals that cost $6-7/box and Sugary Starbucks Frappacinos for another $4-5 ea. This food is much cheaper to make than what consumers are paying for it!
I do have to choose between being able to afford eating the way I do and basically never eating out. I have to make what my household wants at home always, but I don’t mind.
Athy says
I completely agree with you Elana. The Omnivores Dilemma was very eye-opening for me even after growing up without the typical “american diet.” But many things in that book were to be expected, I don’t want to fuel my body and regrow my cells with food that is manufactured for maximum profit and minimal nutrition. I’m always saddened by the truth that for most Americans, they take better care of their car and their car’s maintenance, fluids, quality oil, then they do about the quality of fuel and maintenance they use for themselves!
I’ve had to eat this way for my entire life minus 3 rebellious teenage years, and on a restricted budget. And yes, sometimes it would be nice to be able to not have such high food costs, but I feel like it pays for itself in lower medical costs and million times over and it makes life easier because I have more energy from eating energy/nutrient rich foods.
Basically, I find shortcuts. I eat simply, I cook from scratch, I make most things from scratch. And use my freezer and canning a ton to save money and time. It’s become much easier to save money now that ordinary grocers are carrying organics and I don’t have to go to a specialty expensive store like New Seasons too much. Costco above all has been a life-saver. Most of their produce is now completely pesticide free, hormone free meats, etc.
I personally LOVE your simple bread recipe. And frankly the almond flour you use is cheaper than Bob Red Mill or even buying non-organic almonds for $7.00/LB and grinding yourself. But I’ve had to eat GF/Wheat-free baked goods for a very long time so to me this is normal :P :).
Alchemille says
Elana,
I saw that you read my review.
I’ve been having a healthy lifestyle for 15 years: I cook, grow my own edible and medicinal plants if I can and have been making my own teas, cosmetics and herbal medicine for a while.
I’ve been focusing more on nutrition for the past 2-3 years and GF for about 1 year though I haven’t been officially diagnosed, your body doesn’t lie to you.
We all know that food is getting outrageously expensive, yet I believe you can have a decent home cooked and nutritious meal without spending too much (Nicely complemented with a nourishing herbal infusion).
I’ve always believed in “health first” but like a lot of people I believe, I need to draw a line on expenses somewhere.
As for my review, maybe it’s the language barrier that made you uncomfortable (I’m french) in this case I apologize. I speak english like I would in French: in an honest, frank and straight forward manner. I know that some people are not used to that.
On the other hand I’ve always had a sensitive stomach, I don’t do too well with heavy foods and/or foods that have a high fat content.
Nonetheless, I enjoy reading your blog and the simplicity of your recipes.
Courtney says
Hi Elana-
I just wanted to say hello. I love your blog, and am very grateful that I found it. I am just 2 weeks into SCD mainly for my 4 year old son who has some behavioral issues, but the whole family is eating this way. Some of your recipes make me look forward to adding the nut flours to our diet. I’m trying to be patient;)
I agree that you need to put your money where your mouth is when eating. I would gladly make other cuts in our families budget in order to have healthy foods for our family. I think Americans have gotten so used to being able to buy food so cheaply (that is complete junk) that it is hard for them to accept that quality food requires considerable investment of time and money. It is the same way it has always been, they’ve just been fooled my marketers into thinking otherwise.
~M says
Hi Elana and others,
I have always loved food and consider cooking a great way to de-stress and be creative. Now that I cook and teach my fiancé about food, we both love our kitchen time. It’s quality time.
Food is also my only source of nutrition since I dislike protein powders and taking vitamins. Gluten-free food, in particular, keeps me healthy and able to focus (no brain fog, sickness, or pain).
Yes, food prices are skyrocketing. With my fiancé as a student, we do try to keep our food bill reasonable. But what is reasonable? To us, we don’t eat out at many restaurants as compared with our friends; with the major exception of sushi, we more often than not leave thinking, “hmm, that was good…but we should add X, Y, and Z” or even “I like my version better.” We also keep our grocery bill lower by having breakfast-for-dinner and a few vegetarian or vegan meals throughout the week.
Now that we live near my younger brother, we often collaborate with him: he drives me to the market or helps me carry my groceries, we pick a meal that is just at the edge of his comfort zone, and prepare it together so I teach him how to cook. Cooking for 3 is more economical than cooking for 2, which is more economical than cooking for 1. I also love having people around our dining table, so I can use the fabulous gifts our friends and family bought us for our wedding (this weekend, I’m so excited!).
I also keep track of food prices with a spreadsheet that has columns for each store, try to buy in bulk through Costco, Amazon Grocery, and Whole Foods, and always use a list at the grocery store. I can’t wait to hear everyone else’s tips.
Have a good holiday!
Michelle says
Elana, First, let me say that I love your blog – it is beautiful and the pictures are outstanding.
I have been working to live frugally, but I also want to live without all those nasty chemicals in foods. I have a long way to go, and I do often find myself torn between saving money and paying for organic, whole foods. So far it has been hard to pass on the less expensive foods, but I am making baby steps.
The hardest part right now is that many of the ingredients are unknown to me – I just need to get out of my routine and get to a health food store. What can I say, change is hard!
I would have to say that in the long run, my goal is to live without the simple sugars and rely on whole, quality foods. I feel that the cost will be worth it. Your site is an inspiration for that, so thanks!
Kelly says
Very interesting recipe! What is the purpose of the cashews in the recipe? I’m wondering if I could do without them, since my son is highly allergic to cashews. Do you think the recipe would still work?
Alison @ Wholesome Goodness says
Interesting! I saw a recipe a while ago for dairy-free cocoa made with coconut milk. As much as I like coconut, I’m not sure I want it in my hot chocolate. This might suit me much better. Thanks for the idea!
I must admit that I feel conflicted about the price of good food. I know my husband and I spend a lot more on groceries than just about anyone we know, but we really feel that our health is a priority. Plus, a lot of my dietary limitations dictate a pricier menu. At the same time, I do try to be reasonable. I look for good deals, I search out co-ops, and I’m trying more and more to cut out certain big ticket items. Nuts would be one of them (exotic fruits and vegetables are others). I buy pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds instead of nuts these days. They just cost so much less and provide very similar nutrition. For special occasions I’ll splurge, but I agree that the almond-based breads and other treats aren’t something I can afford on a regular basis. That said, I don’t begrudge the people who *can* afford them.