When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving a festive beverage, bypass all the stores selling over-sugared Venti drinks and head home to make your own Primal Hot Cocoa and Eggnog (or in this case, Egg-Less Nog). Sinfully rich with just the right amount of sweetness, these beverages are all pleasure and no guilt.
The naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture of coconut milk is a perfect non-dairy base for hot drinks. Adding a chopped date that’s simmered and then pureed with the milk makes the hot cocoa and nog even sweeter, for those who want their holiday beverage to taste like drinkable dessert. The date is optional; you can use half the amount suggested or none at all. However, dates are a great way to sweeten without adding noticeable flavor, like honey or maple syrup would.
If you’re making hot cocoa, then the ingredient that’s up next is chocolate and lots of it. Unsweetened cocoa powder brings an intense dark chocolate flavor and also thickens the drink. Add a drizzle of vanilla and your perfect mug of Primal hot cocoa is complete. Unless, of course, you want to add a dollop of unsweetened, whipped cream or a shot of espresso just for fun.
If it’s Eggnog you’re craving, then skip the chocolate and simply flavor the warm, sweetened coconut milk with nutmeg and vanilla. You’ll be surprised by how much the custard-like flavor of this simple version tastes like real Eggnog. You can, of course, throw a few raw egg yolks into the blender too, if you like, or make more traditional Primal Eggnog.
But if you don’t want to bother with slowly heating the yolks or you want to avoid raw eggs altogether, Egg-Less Nog is a delicious solution.
Cheers!
Servings: 2
Time in the Kitchen: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk (400 ml)
1 date, pitted and roughly chopped (this is optional for sweetening – you can omit the date or use less)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (2 ml)
For hot cocoa:
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (30 ml)
For Egg-Less Nog:
1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg (2 ml)
Instructions:
Bring the coconut milk and chopped date to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat.
Gently boil the coconut milk for a few minutes then turn off the heat. Let the date soak in the milk for ten minutes to soften.
Pour the coconut milk and date into a blender and blend at medium or high speed for twenty-five seconds or more until the date pieces completely dissolve in the milk.
If making hot cocoa, add vanilla and cocoa powder. If making Egg-Less Nog, add vanilla and nutmeg. Blend again until combined and frothy.
Heat gently on the stove before serving if needed.
One Week to Claim Over 1 Million Dollars in Prizes!
Primal Blueprint Healthy Sauces, Dressings & Toppings is just a couple weeks from being released. I’m really happy with how it has turned out, and I’m sure you’ll love it. This new cookbook is all about turning ho-hum meals into Primal masterpieces with delicious and nutritious sauces, dressings, marinades, condiments, and other toppings. It includes over 120 easy-to-prepare recipes inspired by traditional and contemporary cuisine from around the world. From the staples (ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, mayonnaise) to the innovative (Blueberry Chutney, Coconut Cilantro Pesto, Avocado Lime Dressing), every recipe will enhance the nutritional value of your meal, using only Primal-approved ingredients. That means no gluten, grains, legumes, added sugar, or unhealthy oils. The recipes we developed for this cookbook have already changed the way I prepare my Primal meals. I can’t wait for it to do the same for you.
If you’re a long-time Mark’s Daily Apple reader, you know that I always do something special for devoted readers when I release a new book. Primal Blueprint Healthy Sauces, Dressings & Toppings drops on December 5th, and this book release will be no different. In fact, it will be bigger than ever…
Starting December 5th, I’ll be offering prizes with a total value of over 1 million dollars to people that buy one or more copies (it will make the perfect holiday gift!) of the book during the first week it is available. So mark your calendar and be ready to jump on this special offer while it lasts.