Instead of playing it safe with holiday recipes, we tapped Sakara Health Coach, Sasha Pagni, for a dose of inspired plant magic. While this season can feel like a blur of mindless eating, this duo of hot cocoa-inspired recipes soothes deeply, calms bloat, and elicits a practice of presence. Her take on a frothy classic will have you wondering how to reimagine all of your childhood favorites.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
“This was inspired by the nostalgia of skiing and hiking with my family in Northern California. We would always end the day in front of a big fire with a steaming mug of hot cocoa. This elixir supports your digestive system with the help of Metabolism Super Powder, which includes L-Glutamine, an amino acid that supports digestion and enhances energy, as well as celery seed, a natural diuretic that eliminates bloat.”
Ingredients:
- 1 packet Metabolism Super Powder
- 1 cup oat milk (sub cashew, almond, or coconut milk)
- 1-2 pieces of fresh mint
- Optional: Add in 1 teaspoon of date syrup (or sweetener of choice) or add whipped coconut cream (recipe below) to top.
Directions:
- On the stove in a small saucepan, heat the milk on low until small bubbles begin to froth. Remove from heat.
- In a high-powered blender, combine milk, a packet of Metabolism Super Powder, and mint.
- Blend on high until it becomes frothy.
- Pour into a mug and top with coconut cream and enjoy.
Coconut Cream:
Ingredients:
- 1 can 19%+ fat coconut milk or any coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon coconut nectar (can sub in date syrup, maple syrup, agave)
Directions:
- Chill coconut milk/cream in the fridge for at least 6 hours to overnight
- Without shaking the can, scrape the top layer of thick coconut milk/cream into your high powered blender, or into a bowl if using a hand blender.
- Pour in sweetener, and blend until creamy
- Enjoy on cocoa, lattes, pies, fruit, or pancakes.
Spicy Cocoa
“This version was inspired by my experiences attending ceremonial Cacao ceremonies. The cacao is always 100% pure, mixed with water, and the shaman will offer spices such as cinnamon and cayenne to elevate the experience. This drink is uplifting, cozy, and packed with ingredients to get you and your system fired up. Along with Metabolism Super Powder, this warming drink features maca, a root native to Peru that supports increased levels of endurance, elevated mood—thanks to flavonoids—and increased libido in men and women. The drink is topped with cayenne for an extra boost of spice. The Metabolism Super Powder has a kick from the capsaicin, found in cayenne, that aids in warming the body, increases digestive fluid production, and helps deliver enzymes to the stomach.”
Ingredients:
- 1 packet Metabolism Super Powder
- 1 cup oat milk (sub cashew, almond, or coconut milk)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (can substitute date syrup, coconut nectar, agave)
- 1 teaspoon maca
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
Directions:
- On the stove in a small saucepan, heat the milk on low until small bubbles begin to froth. Remove from heat.
- In a high powered blender, combine milk, 1 packet of Metabolism Super Powder, maple, maca, and cinnamon.
- Blend on high until it becomes frothy.
- Pour into a mug and top with cayenne, additional cinnamon, and coconut cream and enjoy!
