If you're looking for a cosy, festive drink that is also full of mood boosting, anti inflammatory health benefits then you've come to the right place! I mean for one, is there anything more comforting and calming than a steaming cup of hot chocolate? Personally I don't think so..

For this recipe we will give processed cocoa powder a wide berth as it is full of sugar and has lost most of its antioxidants and other health benefits in the process of making your classic sweet cocoa powder. Actual raw unprocessed cacao is an amazing source of antioxidants (more even than famously antioxidant packed blueberries!) and iron as well as magnesium and calcium. And all that while being a natural mood booster and anti-depressant!

To make the spiced cacao powder you'll need:

Mix all the spices with the cacao powder. Make sure you include the black pepper as it helps your body absorb the curcumin which is found in turmeric and comes with all the anti inflammatory properties we want! Black pepper can also help boost metabolism.

To make the hot chocolate, warm some plant milk or milk of your choice in a pot and stir in about one to two tablespoons of your spiced cacao powder per serving. Add in some sweetener of your choice, like honey, agave syrup or coconut sugar to taste.

Now snuggle up and enjoy this on these gray and dreary days to fight the winter blues and boost that mood while supporting your body with all these amazing nutrients!