Homemade Hot Cocoa with Mushroom Powder

Did you know it is estimated that 40% of Americans are Vitamin D deficient? It’s easy to see why when it’s 20 degrees or less outside, not including the wind chill, and the sun is shining brightly, but your face hurts when exposed to the cold for more than a couple of minutes.

BUT...did you know that mushrooms are the ONLY natural source of Vitamin D in the PRODUCE aisle? Yup. Mushrooms, like humans, synthesize Vitamin D when exposed to UV light.

Mushrooms are amazing little organisms.

So... when the weather is frightful and you want to keep your body functioning well with some much-needed Vitamin D, try warming up with a cup of Homemade Hot Chocolate with Wild Mushroom Powder. It’s SO easy to make!

Ingredients:

¼ cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon Wild Mushroom Powder
1 pinch sea salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
½ cup water
½ cup pure maple syrup
4 cups milk (we use local, whole, raw milk)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Please note: Almond milk or similar can be substituted, but the hot chocolate will not be as creamy.

Directions:

Mix together the cocoa powder (we prefer dark cocoa), mushroom powder, salt, and optional cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Next, stir in the maple syrup and water. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring, until it boils. Boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add milk, stir, and heat. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract. Makes 4 cups.