Protein Hot Cocoa

We got our first snow last week and while I would love to just cuddle up in  a warm blanket I had things to do. The cold weather motivated me to get my workout done first thing in the morning to warm up. After my workout I was inspired to whip up a Protein Hot Cocoa instead of having a protein shake I decided to whip up a Protein Hot Cocoa! This would be great for people like my husband that go hardcore with nails in their shoes or shoe spikes for the ice and run in ridiculous cold temps.

Add peppermint for a Peppermint Hot Cocoa and or a shot or two of espresso for a Protein Mocha or Protein Peppermint Mocha!!

Protein Hot Cocoa

Makes 1 serving

1 1/2 c coconut milk, or non dairy milk of choice

1 scoop chocolate protein powder (used Vega Performance Protein, Chocolate)

sweetener of choice to taste

peppermint extract or sub Chocolate Mint Coconut Milk, if you want a Peppermint Hot Cocoa, optional

Toppings of choice, optional (I made whipped cream using So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk, Original, recipe below, to make your own and shaved Vega Maca Chocolate for sprinkling on top)

Combine milk and chocolate protein powder in a sauce pan and heat on medium until desired temp. Alternatively I steam milk using the frother on an espresso machine and then whisk in the chocolate protein powder. Or if you have a Vitamix make it in there on the soup cycle. Mix in protein powder. If making with a frothing attachment on an espresso machine or in a Vitamix  it will be thick and frothy. If making it on a stove you can use a frothing wand if desired. Pour into a mug, add peppermint if desired, and sweeten to taste. Top with whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings. Enjoy!

Coconut Whipped Cream

1 box/can full fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight or put in the freezer for a few hours (used So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk, Original)

sweetener of choice as desired such as sugar or stevia, have never tried using liquid sweeteners so can’t say if they will work

1 tsp pure vanilla

Refrigerate coconut milk overnight, or place in the freezer for a few hours. Place beaters and glass or metal bowl in the refrigerator or freezer to chill to get best results. Open the coconut milk and scoop the top layer of white, solid coconut milk, and place in your chilled bowl.  Save the remaining liquid for smoothies or baking. With the new So Delicious Coconut Milk Box I didn’t have the watery liquid I normally would so I used it all. Beat the coconut milk with a hand mixer on high-speed for about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and optional sweetener and blend on high-speed for 1-2 minutes, until light and creamy. This whipped cream is best served immediately.

As a Vega Recipe Ambassador I received Vega products that may have been use in creating this recipe, I also purchase them myself. I use Vega not because it is given to me but because it has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.