By Irene Hayton

Mock Mochas are a healthier choice than the commercial hot chocolate mixes that are loaded with sugar and additives and the caffeine-laden mochas you get in your local coffee shop. This quick-to-make drink will help to satisfy those cravings for something sweet and chocolaty (just be sure to make it only a ‘once-in-a-while’ indulgence). The sweetness is provided by natural sweeteners, stevia and Chicolin™, and the chocolate taste comes from unsweetened cocoa powder. Cocoa contains antioxidants, so it does have some health benefits; it’s the sugar and fat that are added to cocoa to make chocolate that make it an unhealthy choice.

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) herbal “coffee” substitute, such as Bambu, Caf-Lib, or dandelion blend (these are available in health food stores and some grocery stores)
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) stevia/Chicolin™ mixture, or to taste (see Eating Alive II for more info on stevia and Chicolin™)

For each serving, put the above ingredients in a mug and mix well with a spoon to blend. Add 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water and stir well. Add milk, soy milk, rice milk, or almond milk to taste, if desired. Alternatively, you can heat up the milk of your choice (about 1 cup/250 ml) and use it instead of boiling water. Add more of any ingredient to suit your taste.