This Indulgent Mocha Is My New Favorite Ritual
I like to make this rich chocolate coffee with decaf after dinner — it’s so good it’s basically dessert
Vegan Recipes
I like to make this rich chocolate coffee with decaf after dinner — it’s so good it’s basically dessert
In times of quarantine, as the news continues to change each day, maintaining a regular routine has become increasingly important for me. Whether it’s a morning walk, workout, or simply brewing a favorite cup of joe, sometimes the simplest, mundane tasks can help ground us in times when other areas of life seem a bit strange and unfamiliar.
One of my new favorite grounding techniques is to enjoy a warm decaf coffee at night after dinner. In remembrance of my past trips to Italy, I’ve spent time thinking about the beautiful culture and country while recognizing our own challenges here at home.
There’s something calming though as I sip and journal about our current time of events. An evening brew has helped provide me with consistency and something familiar, something I can count on. Taking this time to get back in the kitchen and try new things has piqued my creativity as I dive into recipe endeavors I have been waiting for a rainy day.
Lately, this evening mocha recipe has been a true delight as I while I listen to the chatter of my family throughout the house or playing cards at the dining room table after dinner. Feel free to try this recipe at home and mix it up however you like. Enjoy your time to experiment, you’re not going anywhere after all.
Perfect Blended Mocha
Makes 2–3 servings (or plenty for one if you’re looking for a treat 🙂)
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews (soaked) or about 1 cup your favorite plant-based milk
1 cup coconut water
4 ounces brewed espresso (I make decaf in the evening)
2 tablespoon baker’s cocoa powder or 2 ounce dark chocolate bar
(I use a Belgian chocolate variety near 90–100%)1 teaspoon cinnamon + a pinch for garnish
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Add all ingredients to your household high power blender such as Vitamix, Ninja Blender, Magic- or NutriBullet. Blend until smooth. Pour into your evening drinking cup or glass. Indulge.
Photo: Sara Cervera via Unsplash
Bonus tip: Prepare a batch of Mark Bittman’s simple Italian biscottis or Gingersnap cookies to pair with your beverage to sip, dip, dunk, and enjoy!
Notes: I typically do not add sweetener to this recipe because I enjoy the bitter taste of dark chocolate and espresso, and the coconut water adds a bit of its own natural sweetener. If you’re wanting something a bit sweeter, just sweeten your recipe to taste. Consider 100% maple syrup or molasses. If you’d like to add a bit of a kick to the recipe, add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the mix and enjoy the sensual pleasure of warming up with your new favorite evening brew.