This website's name is Less Sugar, not No Sugar! But.. we are focused on better health, with a special emphasis on arthritis. Therefore, we like to use less sugar and better ingredients. Did you know that a 12 oz cocoa made at chain cafes typically has around 30 grams of sugar, and likely ingredients that we don't even recognize? Granted, 12 oz of milk has 18 grams of natural sugar; but this means 12 grams of added sugar in one drink, that is not even considered a large drink in the US. And with about 25 grams max per day recommended added sugar, this is about 1/2 of the daily recommended amount of added sugar! Today we will show you how to make a hot cocoa that is fun, will satisfy your sweet tooth, and does not have added ingredients and artificial flavors often added to premixed cocoas. An 8 oz cocoa has only 4 grams added sugars and if you make a 12 oz with similar ratios it will have 6 grams. Enjoy!! This recipe also recommends topping with cinnamon, which has been shown to be of benefit to some forms of arthritis.
This hot cocoa fits with a lower sugar diet because it contains significantly lower sugar than cafe-bought cocoas or premixes, and sugar has been shown to increase inflammation - Orit
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Equipment and Tools
Microwave
Tips
Cocoa - The only ingredient on the cocoa should be cocoa. Do not buy a mix that already contains sugar. Dutch processed, in my opinion, does not taste quite as good as traditional. Here is an example of a cocoa we like using.
Electric pot - Everyone. Everyone. Everyone in Europe has an electric pot. They are such time savers in comparison to heating water up on the stove top. Here is an example of one so you know what to look for when shopping for one yourself. This one is very pretty but a little heavier and this one is lighter so it's easier to lift.
Recipe for Lower Sugar Chocolate Spread
1: Ingredients
1.5 tsp pure cocoa
1 tsp sugar
Boiling water, 1-2 oz
2% or whole milk, 6 oz
2: Directions
Boil water in electric pot, kettle or microwave
Put cocoa and sugar in 8 oz mug
Add water to about 1" height in mug and stir to dissolve cocoa (and sugar)
Add milk to top of mug and heat in microwave 30 seconds to 1.25 minutes depending on desired heat and microwave wattage
3: Mix it up
Make it an iced hot cocoa :-) You will still need to add boiling water to melt the sugar and cocoa but afterward add ice and cold milk. If you are a coconut lover stir in shredded coconut (unsweetened like this one)
4: Serving suggestion
Pure whipped cream, whipped from "whipping cream" or "heavy whipping cream" adds a nice touch. Add cinnamon sugar on top to add a lot of sweetness with little sugar. One tastes sugar more as a topping in comparison to when it is mixed into a drink
5: Storage
Enjoy immediately
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