Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

I feel like there are two types of people - people who love Valentine's day, and people who really could do without it. And while I have never been one to go out and spend a lot of money on gifts and cards, I really can't see anything wrong with day dedicated to love. Yes, yes you could argue that everyday should be dedicated to love, but frankly, I don't always see that happening. So if it takes one special day for us to take a couple extra minutes and let the people in our lives know that we really love them, well then I'm totally on board with that.

And if that day also includes a bit of chocolate, then really - what's not to love? So give a little love to others,  make sure to give a little love to yourself, and eat a little chocolate too! Happy Valentine's Day xo

Chai Spiced Hot Chocolate

I love the flavors chai spices, and although there are million other versions out there, this is the combination that I like to make at home. I love adding it to my morning oatmeal, to cookies or to smoothies. Its warm and a bit spicy, and incredibly aromatic. If you don't want to have extra chai spice blend hanging around, you could also just add a pinch of each spice to the hot chocolate instead. I hope you love it :) Serves 2.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups almond milk (or milk of your choice)
• 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon chai spice mix (see below)
• Pinch of sea salt

      Homemade Chai Spice Blend

• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2  teaspoon ground cardamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon anise seeds
• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper (optional to leave out or add more)

What to do

1. Place all the ingredients in a small sauce pot over medium heat and slowly bring to boil while continuously whisking with a wire whisk. 
2. Pass through a fine mesh sieve or coffee filter if you don't want any small bits floating around
3. Serve hot and enjoy!