Who doesn’t love to sip on a steamy, creamy hot chocolate?! It’s surely one of life’s little pleasures, but did you know that pure dark chocolate is actually good for you? The key is to consume chocolate that is high in cacao content at least 70-85% and of course, moderation. The cacao bean (of which chocolate is made from) is loaded with minerals, potassium, phosphorous, zinc and selenium, and is a powerful source of antioxidants. Add to that the benefits of rose petals and cardamom which are high in vitamin C, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and you have a delicious heart healthy indulgence that is almost guilt free!
Dark Hot Chocolate with Rose & Cardamom
Dark Hot Chocolate with Rose & CardamomMAKES 2 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
• 2 ½ cups of whole milk or whole plant milk
• 2 heaped teaspoons of organic dried rose petals
• 142 grams (5 ounces) of high quality organic fairtrade dark chocolate 70-85 %
* plus a small extra piece to grate and garnish
• 2 teaspoons of raw honey OR organic sugar (to taste)
• A pinch of ground cardamom
• A small pinch of pink sea salt
OPTIONAL
• Milk foam and * grated chocolate for heart garnish
HOW TO
• Combine milk and rose petals in a small saucepan and place on the stove top over medium heat. Bring milk to the scalding point (with small bubbles on the side but do not boil) turn off the heat and let rose milk mixture steep 5 more minutes
• While the rose milk is steeping, chop the chocolate into small pieces and melt in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set on top of a saucepan with a few inches of simmering water. Alternatively, microwave on medium and stir after each 20-second interval until chocolate is smooth
• Now strain the rose milk to remove petals and discard or compost them. If desired, froth milk at this point, remove and reserve for garnish
• Return rose milk to the stove top and add honey, the pinch of cardamom and the small pinch of salt. Rewarm over low heat until hot
• Now pour in the melted chocolate, whisking to combine
• Remove from heat and serve
TO SERVE
• Pour hot chocolate into 2 mugs; and top with grated chocolate and milk foam if using
TO MAKE HEART GARNISH
• Garnish each mug with the extra piece of chocolate (grated over top) and add a dollop/circle of milk foam over top. Drag a small knife through the top of the foam circle part way down to make the top arc, then through bottom of the circle to create the point of the heart shape.
