On a cold Autumnal or Winter's day, there is nothing better that cuddling up to a cup of cocoa - but this recipe takes this special hygge treat to another level, all thanks to one of my favourite spices to use in both the kitchen and in the lab when making natural skincare - cardamom. The dark chocolate is full of anti-oxidants and only a few squares are needed to make enough for two people.
Coconut, Cardamom & Mandarin Hot Chocolate
1 x 400ml tin coconut milk
6 x cardamom pods cut in half to release the seeds
Juice & zest of 2 mandarins
6 squares of dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
Maple syrup to taste
Warm a tin of coconut milk with the cardamom pods over a gentle heat and let them infuse for about 20 minutes. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and put into a small glass bowl with the mandarin zest and a little juice. Place the bowl over a pan of simmering water until the chocolate melts. Pour the coconut into the chocolate and mix well. Warm through and sieve before serving to remove any pips and the cardamom pods and seeds. Add some maple syrup, according to how sweet you like your hot chocolate.
For an extra bit of indulgence, why drizzle a little more coconut cream on top, with a sprinkle of roasted coconut shavings (simply add some shavings to a dry frying pan and heat up for about 5 mins, until brown and toasty).
Enjoy!
Angela x
