Date Sweetened Hot Chocolate

Date-sweetened hot chocolate made with milk, cocoa, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Simmer and blend for a smooth, naturally sweet stovetop drink.

Prep: 5 min · Cook: 10 min · Yield: 2 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 2 cups milk
• 6 whole dates
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt

Cooking instructions

1. Combine the milk and dates in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then cook until the dates are very soft, about 8 minutes. Do not boil. (about 8 min) — Gentle simmer
2. Transfer the hot milk and dates to a blender. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds, allowing steam to vent safely according to the blender manufacturer's instructions. (about 1 min)
3. Return the blended hot chocolate to the saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring, until steaming but not boiling, about 1 minute. Pour into mugs and serve. (about 1 min) — Low heat