Hot Spiced Sweet Potato Cocoa

Enjoy a hot drink that celebrates the flavours of autumn. Sweet potato and pumpkin both contain vitamins A and C; quality cocoa in moderation has antioxicant properties; spices like cinnamon and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. Use any kind of milk that you wish.

Course: Beverages

Serves: 4

Ingredients

2 ¹⁄₂ cups milk of your choice
1 cup cooked and pureed sweet potato (pumpkin puree also works well)
2 tbsp cocoa powder (dutch process)
2-4 tbsp honey or to taste
¹⁄₄ salt or to taste
¹⁄₄ tsp cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
pinch powdered ginger
pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
4 homemade marshmallows for serving

Directions

Gently heat milk over medium heat in a large sauce pan.
Meanwhile, combine puree, cocoa powder and spices and stir until well blended. Use cayenne pepper if you would like your drink spicy.
Add spiced puree mixture and honey to warm milk, stirring with a wisk, heating through.
Pour into mugs and top with a little whipped cream or a homemade marshmallow. Serve immediately.
Coffee/Latte Variation: Using the above recipe omit the cocoa powder and 1 cup of the milk, and add 1 cup of fresh brewed coffee to enjoy a healthier version of the popular pumpkin spice latte.
To prepare ahead: If you want to have this special drink ready to go for later, simply combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor, blend until well combined, and store in a covered mason jar in the fridge. (Use mixture within 2 days.) Then just heat and serve for a relaxing, healthful treat!