If you've been following me over on Instagram, you've probably seen at least one story featuring my current bone broth hot chocolate obsession.
If you're trying to incorporate more bone broth into your diet for the myriad of benefits that it has, this is a delicious and nourishing way to do it!
Benefits of Bone Broth
Bone broth has so many benefits for overall health. It is an extremely nourishing food that can be really beneficial when working to heal the digestive system and balance hormones.
Among bone broth's benefits are:
rich in collagen for skin and hair benefits
rich in easily absorbable minerals including potassium, calcium, and magnesium
contains easily digested amino acids that help to restore gut lining strength.
helps to reduce inflammation, arthritis, and joint pain
The link between gut health and hormone health is clear! Having healthy digestion is crucial in maintaining healthy hormone balance. In fact, there is an entire subset of hormone related bacteria in the digestive system called the estrobolome, which needs to be in good balance to recycle and eliminate excess estrogens, keeping the estrogen-progesterone balance in check.
When I make bone broth that I intend to use for bone broth hot chocolate, smoothies, popsicles, etc. I make it a bit differently than when I typically make a more savoury broth. I like to use beef bones for bone broth hot chocolate, since chicken can have a more distinct flavour off the bat. I don't add the typical savoury items like onions and garlic, but stick to adding carrot, celery, ginger, turmeric, maybe a chunk of chaga mushroom, and sometimes I'll throw in a small piece of dulse for the extra mineral content. A splash of apple cider vinegar, then it's ready to simmer however you make your broth (stovetop, slow cooker, or pressure cooker. I usually make two batches of broth from the same bones, since beef bones are quite hard and stand up to more simmering. This broth is also great for cooking grains in to boost their nutritional value.
(If you live in the Calgary area, Gemstone Beef makes a great unsalted grass fed beef bone broth, as a ready made option)
Other Ingredients in Bone Broth Hot Chocolate
MILK: you can use your favourite here. I typically use homemade cashew milk, but raw or organic dairy or coconut milk would work. Just try to stay away from store bought milks with gums, thickeners, or added oils.
CACAO POWDER: high in calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants. Look for raw, organic cacao for the most benefit
RAW HONEY: you can sweeten it to your liking. Raw honey has lots of enzymes and healing properties, but you can use maple syrup or stevia if you prefer.
VANILLA EXTRACT: mostly for flavour. Use a high quality, pure vanilla extract or vanilla powder (my favourite)
CINNAMON: great for helping to balance blood sugar, and tastes great!
BONE BROTH HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPE
3⁄4 Cup mild bone broth
3⁄4 Cup milk of choice
1 1⁄2 Tbsp cacao powder
1⁄4 tsp vanilla powder, or 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp raw honey, or to taste
Pinch of sea salt or pink salt
Heat milk and broth together in a pot until hot. Add to a blender with remaining ingredients and blend until frothy ( make sure to vent the top and cover with a towel). You can also add the other ingredients to the pot with the broth/milk mixture and whisk well. Enjoy as is, or with a homemade marshmallow on top!