Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

Tired of humdrum hot chocolate? With a blender and a little imagination, hot chocolate can be a gourmet treat that you can vary day-to-day, and is a delicious way to feature fresh fruits and seasonal flavors.

Fresh juicy citrus fruits are in season, just when our bodies can benefit from the added boost of vitamin C. Vitamin C assists in detoxifying the body, healing and fighting viruses. Besides being rich in antioxidants, oranges also contain B vitamins, vitamins A, and E, magnesium, potassium, folates, calcium, phosphorous, and dietary fiber. 

Orange Storage Tips: 
Oranges need to breathe, do not store in plastic bags. At room temperature, oranges will keep for 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for 3 to 4 weeks.


Chocolate and orange are the top two flavors in the world. We’ve combined these luscious favorites to bring you a delicious hot chocolate with a nutritious blast of vitamin C goodness.

Orange Hot Chocolate Recipe

A warm and cozy way to up your vitamin C intake

Yield: 2 cups

1 ½ cups almond milk

1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil

½ teaspoon orange peel (grate from a fresh organic orange or use dried*)

1 sweet orange, peeled, and seeds removed

1 tablespoon organic cocoa or cacao powder

1 tablespoon raw honey

½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

¼ teaspoon stevia powder or preferred sweetener to taste

Directions:

Heat almond milk and coconut oil in a small pot on the stove until hot, but not boiling. Pour hot mixture into a Vitamix or blender. Add remaining ingredients and affix lid.Start on lowest setting, increase quickly to variable 10 and then high speed. Blend until fruit is pulverized and beverage is smooth.  Pour into a big mug or share with a friend. Enjoy!

*Source for dehydrated, organic orange peel.

About the Author:

Deborah Tukua is the editor of Journey to Natural Living and author of the healthy fresh from the blender recipe book, Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. She is a freelance writer for the Farmers' Almanac and Chiropractic Economics magazine and author of the book, Marketing Strategies for Chiropractic Success.

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