Homemade Sugar-free Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Chocolate {dairy Free Option}
Homemade Sugar-Free Vanilla Cinnamon Hot Chocolate {Dairy Free Option} Homemade Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate with the hint of cinnamon and vanilla make for a dessert like beverage for a cold winters day! Does the thought of making homemade hot chocolate turn you off? Its not an easy task to make it just as creamy and delicious for children who are used to the store bought packaged kind, but it can be done and done well with the right ratio of chocolate, milk and flavorings. This recipe has been a work in progress since literally last winter for my family. For some reason my kids are super picky when it comes to hot chocolate and whenever I tried tweaking certain ingredients or changed one little thing they were not keen on it at all. Of course they would drink it but they werent in love with my version and I have been on a mission to get them to love it for quite some time. Finally success has been met and the recipe you have here today is the one that has won all 3 of my kiddies over! Adding a vanilla bean while warming the mixture makes for a creamy warm flavor that just cant be beat using vanilla extract. Of course if you dont have the vanilla bean use the extract. If your family isnt a fan of cinnamon you can leave that out too, but again it provides a warm, soothing deep flavor that just cant compare to boxed hot chocolate. Ive made this recipe using baking chocolate and cocoa powder but the cocoa powder is actually easier to whisk together and faster than waiting for the baking chocolate to melt. Top with some Frozen Whipped Cream for an even more decadent hot chocolate! You can use all milk instead of adding the half and half or cream, but I find a little of it goes a long way and really adds a bit of thickness to the hot chocolate. Half and Half is a combination of Continue reading >>
Sugar-free Cocoa Mix With Cinnamon Recipe
Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix with Cinnamon Recipe Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix with Cinnamon Recipe photo by Taste of Home Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix with Cinnamon Recipe Read Reviews Be the first to add a review Here's a delicious winter warmer-upper featuring a tasty blend of cinnamon and cocoa. Louise Clough of West Fork, Arkansas shared the recipe. Keep the cocoa mix on hand to enjoy on cold winter days...or package it in a pretty tin and give it as a gift. 1/2 cup fat-free powdered nondairy creamer Sugar substitute equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Yield: 2-3/4 cups (about 8 servings). To prepare hot cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup mix in 1 cup boiling water; stir well. Yield: 1 serving. Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Splenda no-calorie sweetener. Originally published as Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix in Light & TastyDecember/January 2004, p48 1 cup: 101 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 94mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat-free milk. 1/2 cup fat-free powdered nondairy creamer Sugar substitute equivalent to 1/2 cup sugar In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients; mix well. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Yield: 2-3/4 cups (about 8 servings). To prepare hot cocoa: Dissolve 1/3 cup mix in 1 cup boiling water; stir well. Yield: 1 serving. Editor's Note: This recipe was tested with Splenda no-calorie sweetener. Originally published as Sugar-Free Cocoa Mix in Light & TastyDecember/January 2004, p48 Select the Newsletters that interest you to subscribe Receive new recipes and fan favorites for daily inspiration! Quick & easy homemade meals that are perfect anytime! Continue reading >>
13 Hot Diabetic Drinks To Enjoy All Year Round
If you're trying to control blood sugar levels it may seem as though there are limited diabetic drinks available. But in truth there are a wide range of safe options you can thoroughly enjoy. Recently we covered 11+ cold diabetic drink options. And today we're delving into some warming drinks that are low in sugar, and some that are rich in healthy fats and proteins to help stabilize your blood sugar levels. #1: Coffee There's something about the rich aroma of freshly made coffee that you either love or you don't. But if you do, you'll be pleased to learn that you can still enjoy your favorite blend. But just be aware that some people can be more sensitive to coffee, whereby their glucose levels increase. If that's you, then coffee is obviously not the best choice for you. I love drinking my coffee strong and black. But if you want a coffee creamer, use cream, milk, coconut milk or unsweetened almond or soy milk. #2: Coconutty Mocha If you are a coffee lover, adding a twist of coconutty chocolate for a deliciously warming mocha, may be just what you need on a fresh, crispy morning. Ingredients: Half a cup of brewed coffee 2/3 cup unsweetened almond or coconut milk 2 teaspoons cacao or cocoa powder (unsweetened) 1 tablespoon coconut butter or 1/8 teaspoon coconut extract Your choice of sweetener (sweeten to taste) Combine all the ingredients in a pan and heat over medium heat until you reach your desired temperature. Serve in mugs and sip away! Just be wary not to let it boil rapidly or you'll ruin your mix. #3: Classic Hot Chocolate I don't know about you but the thought of hot chocolate always brings back childhood memories – it's a warming drink that's sweet, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying! This simple recipe proves that you don’t have to ditch all your favorite dri Continue reading >>
Best Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Mix
My wife is a struggling type II diabetic who is a chocahoolic. Her nutritionist suggested this as a means of satifying her urges in a manner that is healthy for her. Suggestions please?????????????? Want to stay up to date with this post? Sign Up Now Chef/Owners Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski visit one of San Franciscos most celebrated dim sum houses to discuss the inspiration for their popular restaurant State Bird Provisions. We go behind the scenes at the Varsity, one of the oldest and biggest drive-ins in the country. Read more . Acclaimed Chefs Joanne Chang and Karen Akunowicz meet rising-star Brian Moy for a tour of his restaurants, to trace the evolution of this iconic neighborhood. The taste of Malort has been described as baby aspirin wrapped in grapefruit peel, bound with rubber bands and soaked in well gin - so why do Chicagoans claim to love it? Read more . Speakeasies are all the rage, but few can claim to be as storied as New York Citys Back Room. Read more . Continue reading >>
Hot Cocoa - Diabetes Self-management
Combine cocoa, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add hot water and boil over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add skim milk and heat thoroughly, stirring frequently. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve hot. Yield: about 3 3/4 cups. Serving size: 3/4 cup. Calories: 116 calories, Carbohydrates: 21 g, Protein: 6 g, Fat: <1 g, Saturated Fat: <1 g, Sodium: 136 mg, Fiber: <1 g Exchanges per serving: 1 starch, 1 1/2 skim milk. Carbohydrate choices: 1 1/2. This recipe was developed by Nancy Cooper, a Contributing Editor of Diabetes Self-Management. Nancy is a Diabetes Nutrition Specialist at the International Diabetes Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Disclaimer Statements: Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information. Continue reading >>
Hot Chocolate | Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community
Diabetes Forum The Global Diabetes Community Find support, ask questions and share your experiences. Join the community I've worked out the following recipes for both a milky hot chocolate and an instant... The cocoa I used for both was a Tesco Everyday Value low-fat cocoa I picked up on a whim to try with baking. It didn't taste bad, but I think green & black's organic cocoa would have given a better flavour. Combine cocoa and Splenda together in a small bowl, then measure out a few teaspoons and add to a mug of warm milk...use as much or as little as you need to get it to the consistency you like. I used 3-4 teaspoons of the mixture for a large Cath Kidston mug (and will leave some leftover for another day!) 2 TBS Skim Milk Powder (NOT non-dairy coffee creamer/whitener) Combine all three ingredients in a small bowl, then measure out a few teaspoons to add to a mug of hot water. Use as much or as little as you'd like for taste. Again, I used about 3-4 teaspoons for a large Cath Kidston mug (and had a bit leftover). You also could easily make it a cappucino by adding in some instant coffee, or using instant coffee, cocoa, splenda, and coffee creamer (instead of powdered milk). It's not perfect, but it's better than nothing! Continue reading >>
How To Make The Best Tasting Sugar Free Hot Cocoa
Knowing How to Make the BEST Sugar Free Hot Cocoa is important around here this time of the year. Yet, finding hot cocoa that does not have a lot of sugar in it is pretty hard to do. How to Make the BEST Sugar Free Hot Cocoa I once had a relative who was sure that cocoa mix and chocolate milk mix were the same thing. So, when she decided to help out in someone elses kitchen, she took it upon herself to combine both mixes into one container. Needless to say, when we came in after a jaunt in the snow with our dogs, we were not happy to enjoy what we had thought was hot cocoa. And of course, that was a silly story that means nothing today other than the moral of the story being that hot cocoa mix and chocolate milk mix are NOT the same thing and should not be combined together. Truth be told though, if you are out in the snow thinking about hot cocoa, it is only hot cocoa that will do when you find yourself indoors. Am I right? The goal of this drink is to enjoy something warm and chocolaty without a lot of sugar in it. As mentioned, normal hot cocoa can indeed have a lot of sugar added to it. We will make ours without adding a lot of sugar. The cocoa we will use should be an unsweetened cocoa. Unsweetened cocoa can easily be found online. Instead of adding sugar, we will use a sugar substitute. Use the substitute of your choice as long as it is used in an equivalent amount as stated in the recipe (I say this a lot in my recipes). There is usually a dairy product added to hot cocoa. That dairy is usually whole milk or creme . We will use an unsweetened almond milk or skim milk will do too. Simply use the one that meets your dietary standards and preference best. Keep in mind that by using a thinner dairy product, your cocoa may not be as thick as the regular stuff as a re Continue reading >>
D-friendly Hot Chocolate
Hello! I would like to make this post short and sweet. Easy you say? Well, let me explain. I have a handful of recipes that I am so excited to share with youso much yumminess and health! Yay! The problem? I push these recipes aside because they often take much longer to put together than other posts. By the time I make the recipe, take pictures and upload them, write the post and recipe, etc, often a handful of hours have passed. However, eating well through the good real food I nourish my body with is one of the most important ways I take care of my health and maintain good control of my blood sugars and diabetes. My goal for 2013 is this. I wish to bring you more healthy and delicious recipes that you can add to your recipe box and health tool kit. You do not have to sacrifice taste when eating healthy. I have found healthier ways to make some well-loved recipes and fun treats without having to sacrifice good blood sugar control or health as a result. Like the hot chocolate recipe featured in this post! About the hot chocolate.. It had been a long while since I indulged in a good mug of rich hot chocolate that didnt cause my blood sugars to go sailing upward after the first few sips. After multiple food allergies were recognized 4.5 years ago, most all hope for indulging in hot cocoa that didnt contain corn or gluten became futileeven the varieties sold at the co-op contain cane sugar as the first or second ingredient. If you can eat cane sugar and do not experience a decline in the blood sugars you desire, all the power to you! (Although they are saying consuming an excessive amount of cane sugar is not good for anyone, diabetes or not). In the last few years I have had an increasingly difficult time keeping my blood sugars in check when consuming cane sugar, especi Continue reading >>
Does Hot Chocolate Affect Diabetics?
Kristin Mortensen began writing newspaper articles in 1992 for The Sierra Vista Herald. She has also been a registered dietitian since 1991, and has worked for hospitals, clinics and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs. Mortensen has a bachelor of science in dietetics from Brigham Young University. A mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows.Photo Credit: Yulia_Davidovich/iStock/Getty Images When the weather cools with that frosty nip in the air, curling up with a good book and steamy cup of hot chocolate can be just the thing to make you feel cozy and warm. If you have diabetes, however, you might wonder if that tempting mug of chocolaty goodness is the best thing for your blood sugar or your overall health. Rest assured, you can enjoy your hot chocolate. You might even be surprised by its health benefits. Ask your dietitian or health care provider how to include hot cocoa in your meal plan. Researcher Lee Hooper and associates analyzed 42 different studies on the effect of cocoa and chocolate on insulin. Their findings were published in the March 2012 edition of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The studies found that chocolate and cocoa reduced serum insulin, thus improving insulin resistance. Improving insulin resistance helps you have better blood sugar control, which is critical for people with diabetes. Not all hot chocolate beverages are created equal. Some can be very high in sugar and carbohydrates, leading to spikes in your blood sugar, so use caution when choosing your cocoa. The beneficial part of chocolate comes from the cocoa bean. The more processed, including the addition of fat and sugar, the less beneficial your cup of hot cocoa and the more risk of raising your blood sugar. To avoid this, choose sugar-free types. If you use milk to mak Continue reading >>
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix
3/4 cup sugar or sugar substitute* equivalent to 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies (3 ounces) In a large bowl, stir together milk powder, cocoa powder, and sugar. Divide among five decorative containers. Top with crushed candies. Seal and label containers. Store at room temperature for up to 3 months. To serve, shake contents of the container. For each serving, place 3 tablespoons of the mix in a 10-ounce mug and add 1 cup boiling water; stir until mix is well incorporated (crushed candies will dissolve in about 2 minutes as the mixture stands). *Sugar Substitutes: Choose from Splenda Granular bulk or packets. Follow package directions to use product amount equivalent to 3/4 cup sugar. *Sugar Substitutes: PER SERVING WITH SUGAR SUBSTITUTE: Same as above, except 113 calories, 17 g carb. Exchanges : 0.5 other carb. Carb Choices: 1. Mocha Hot Cocoa Mix: Prepare as above, except omit the peppermint candies and add 1/4 cup instant coffee crystals or instant espresso coffee powder. Mocha Hot Cocoa Mix: PER SERVING: 125 cal., 1 g total fat (0 g sat. fat), 4 mg chol., 98 mg sodium, 20 g carb., 0 g fiber, 8 g protein. Daily Values: 8% vit. A, 2% vit. C, 30% calcium, 5% iron. Exchanges: 1 milk, 0.5 other carb. Carb Choices: 1. Mocha Hot Cocoa Mix: PER SERVING WITH SUGAR SUBSTITUTE: Same as above, except 99 calories, 14 g carb. Exchanges: 0 other carb. PER SERVING: 139 cal., 1 g total fat 4 mg chol., 99 mg sodium, 24 g carb. (20 g sugars), 8 g pro. Continue reading >>
The Benefits Of Chocolate For Diabetes
Ohhhhhhhhhh….Chocolate! Chocolate! How many times have you just had that sometimes nearly overwhelming urge to have some chocolate—in any form! You can have a chocolate bar, chocolate milk, chocolate cake, brownies, a chocolate ice cream sundae or a cup of hot cocoa just to list a few forms of chocolate. Oh wait—you can have dark chocolate, milk chocolate, orange, mint or raspberry-flavored chocolate or white chocolate….so much to choose from! But….should you? And if you should, just how much is enough and how much is overdoing it? Are there “healthier” forms of chocolate? Many of us sure as shootin’ hope there is! The “Dark” History of Chocolate Chocolate comes from the fruit and seeds of the cacao tree and is native to the Amazon forest. Botanically, the cacao tree is known as Theobroma cacao – this tree has three major varieties; the Forastero, the Trinitario and the Criollo. The Forastero is the most commonly used variety while the rarest and most prized for its aroma and its delicate taste is the Criollo variety. Christopher Columbus is credited with being the first European to come in contact with the cacao bean—he and his crew found—and stole, apparently—a canoe filled with various food items, including baskets of cacao beans. The cacao beans were actually used as local currency, but their chocolate quality was missed for another twenty years until Hernando Cortez brought 3 chests of cacao beans, this time stolen from the Aztecs, back to the court of the Spanish king—and the popularity of cacao and chocolate took off![1] The history of chocolate though, actually appears to be much older, going back to at least the Mayan civilization and possibly the Olmec civilization that predates the Mayan civilization. The traditional chocolate be Continue reading >>
Raw Hot Chocolate & Carob Drink
This hot chocolate drink is something special. It drink has an irresistible rich brown chocolate colour. One look and youre hooked.The organic carob blends with the raw cacao to take away the bitter cacao taste and is sweetened with non processed agave nectar to bring out sweetness. Because its made with Almond Milk it not only tastes unbelievable, its incredibly healthy for you. Raw Cacao has some fabulous health benefits and is considered a super food because: 1.It is a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids that promote cardiovascular health. Type 2 diabetes is a serious metabolic disease that is diagnosed by your doctor. Your doctor prescribes the appropriate medications to provide you with the appropriate medical treatment. Changes in lifestyle and diet may change the way that your prescribed medications work. It is important that any lifestyle changes to naturally reduce blood sugar levels, or other, are monitored by your doctor. Only your doctor is qualified to advise you on the effects of medication and lifestyle changes, to monitor those changes and to alter prescribed medications. Before making any lifestyle changes you should consult your doctor... Read more . Continue reading >>
Cocoa And Diabetics
May 27, 2008 The benefits of cocoa, known recently for its ability to reduce blood pressure and improve endothelial function, also extends to diabetic patients, a new study has shown [ color="blue">1]. In a small, randomized study, investigators showed that the consumption of a big mug of hot cocoa can reverse vascular dysfunction in patients with diabetes, suggesting a therapeutic potential of cocoa in this patient population. "Our study clearly established improvements of endothelial function after regular consumption of flavanol-containing cocoa in patients with type 2 diabetes, highlighting the potential of flavanol-containing diets and underscoring the potential health benefit for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients," write lead investigator Dr Jan Balzer (University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany) and colleagues in the June 3, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The findings are just the latest in a string of studies showing the cardiovascular promise of foods like cocoa that contain flavanols. Flavanols are a subgroup of plant-derived phytochemicals known as flavonoids, and several studies have shown that flavanol-containing foods, including cocoa, certain fruits and vegetables, tea, and red wine, have beneficial effects on LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation, insulin sensitivity, endothelial function, and blood pressure. Despite the existing data, however, studies on the effects of flavanols on the vasculature in diabetic patients were missing. Patients with type 2 diabetes, writes Balzer and colleagues, might receive particular benefit from flavanol-containing cocoa, because various observational studies have shown that lifestyle modifications are particularly important in the prevention of diabetes and Continue reading >>
Hot Chocolate Recipe Low Carb Sugar Free
Nothing beats a great cup of hot cocoa on a cold winter day. The secret to this delicious low carb hot chocolate is the addition of chocolate extract which really heightens the flavor. Although I love my coffee, there are times when I like to warm up with a sweet cup of low carb hot chocolate on cold winter days. I have tried a lot of hot cocoa recipes made with cocoa, chocolate, or a combination of both. Nothing was ever perfect for me until I adapted the standard recipe on the back of a bag of Ghirardelli unsweetened cocoa to low carb and added one simple ingredient. That special ingredient is chocolate extract which really heightened the flavor to give it a rich chocolate taste. Speaking of cocoa, I am very excited to announce a great 10-Piece Holiday Giveaway from LC Foods featuring low carb cookies and cocoa. The best part is that the LC Foods company is giving visitors of this blog post two extra entries into the raffle just for visiting this page and posting a comment. If you have a favorite low carb hot chocolate recipe, Id love to hear about it in the comments section following my low carb hot chocolate recipe. The wonderful package that LC Foods is giving away features 10 items from their product line valued at $90 that are perfect for the Holiday season. Low Carb Gluten Free Marshmallow Fluff Mix Low Carb Gluten Free Chocolate Frosting Mix Low Carb Gluten Free Vanilla Frosting Mix Low Carb Gluten Free Confectionary Powder To enter the contest, you can Click Here or click on the photo of the Cookies and Cocoa Giveaway Package shown above. Either link will take you to the raffle entry page. Be sure to follow the actions for extra entries into the raffle, including returning to this blog page and posting a comment. As a bonus, clicking on the Bring your friends Continue reading >>
Dark Hot Chocolate For Diabetics
Dark chocolate makes this hot chocolate extra special. Ingredients 1 Tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (like Hershey's) 1 Tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Splenda 2 Tablespoons hot water 1 cup 1% milk Directions Place the cocoa powder and Splenda into a microwaveable mug. Add the hot water and stir until smooth. Pour in the milk and stir again. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until hot. (Do not boil) Dark chocolate makes this hot chocolate extra special. Ingredients 1 Tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder (like Hershey's) 1 Tablespoon + 2 teaspoons Splenda 2 Tablespoons hot water 1 cup 1% milk Directions Place the cocoa powder and Splenda into a microwaveable mug. Add the hot water and stir until smooth. Pour in the milk and stir again. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 minutes or until hot. (Do not boil) Continue reading >>
