# Indulgent Protein-Packed Tahini Hot Chocolate

If you’re in search of a luxurious, refined hot chocolate made with nutritious components, this recipe is for you! We’ve been indulging in this creamy, tahini-enhanced, fantastical hot chocolate, which has even won over cocoa enthusiasts.

Even though it’s sweetened naturally and combined with water, it boasts the perfect sweetness, a rich chocolate flavor, and a smooth finish. It cleverly incorporates healthy fats, fiber, protein, and cinnamon to help regulate blood sugar levels. Savor it as is or top it with your preferred whipped cream for the ultimate comforting delight.

## Protein-Packed Tahini Hot Chocolate Ingredients

This is not your standard hot chocolate! It’s exceedingly creamy, lavish, and packed with healthy ingredients. Here’s what you will need to whip it up:

– **Cocoa powder** – a plentiful amount of cocoa powder ensures this beverage is extremely chocolaty, almost akin to a drinking chocolate!

– **Tahini** – tahini is one of our favorite ingredients for its health advantages (hello vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats), and it contributes a beautiful thickness, richness, and nutty taste to this hot chocolate.

– **Sweetener** – we enjoy a mix of maple syrup (or honey) and a medjool date, but you can substitute almost any sweetener here. The date imparts a caramel-like taste and enhances the creaminess!

– **Sea salt** – a small pinch is all it takes to elevate the flavors. Furthermore, salt + tahini + maple = MAGIC!

– **Cinnamon** – provides a hint of additional sweetness and benefits for blood sugar balance.

– **Collagen** – if you’re into protein-rich hot chocolate, do include the collagen! Together with the tahini, it gives one serving of hot chocolate a substantial 15 grams of protein and adds more creaminess. If you’re vegan, your hot chocolate will still be wonderful without it!

– **Coconut milk powder + water // milk of choice** – there are plenty of options when it comes to selecting your milk. We like a combination of coconut milk powder and hot water to create a super creamy, rich dairy-free “milk,” but you can easily use coconut milk for both or opt for another milk you favor (almond, oat, and cashew would all be fantastic).

## How to Prepare Tahini Hot Chocolate

When it’s time for hot chocolate, mix everything (including the hot water) in a heat-safe blender (one that has a lid with a vent to allow steam to escape). Blending makes it extra frothy and helps break down the date. Avoid sealing the container tightly, as hot liquids can cause pressure to build, potentially leading to an explosion.

What if you lack a heat-safe blender? Or any blender at all? You could make this beverage in a saucepan on the stovetop and use coconut sugar (or another sweetener) in place of a date. Optionally, you could then use a handheld frother to achieve creaminess and frothiness!

We can’t wait for you to test this hot chocolate! It’s:

– Luxurious
– Creamy
– Chocolaty
– Perfectly sweet
– Frothy
– Fantastical
– Fiber- & Protein-packed
– Nourishing
– SO scrumptious!

This is the ideal cozy drink for the holiday season, for recharging after frolicking in the snow, or any moment you crave something indulgent yet nourishing. It pairs beautifully with holiday cookies, particularly anything chocolatey.

## More Cozy + Nutrient-Rich Beverages

If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, give it a rating, and don’t forget to tag a photo on Instagram. Cheers!

### Recipe

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Total Time:** 5 minutes
**Servings:** 1 (12-ounce) serving

### Ingredients

– 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
– 1 Tbsp tahini
– 1 pitted medjool date (or 2 tsp coconut sugar, or other preferred sweetener)
– 1/2 tsp maple syrup or honey (if not vegan)
– 1 pinch sea salt
– 1 pinch ground cinnamon
– 2 Tbsp collagen peptides (omit if vegan)
– 2 Tbsp coconut milk powder (or leave out and substitute the hot water with warmed milk of choice)
– 1 ¼ cup very hot water (or milk of choice)

### Instructions

1. For optimal results, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender with a vented lid to allow steam to escape. If you don’t possess a blender, heat on the stovetop, skip the date, and replace it with additional sweetener of choice (or blend ingredients with cold

Turkey Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 45 minutes Total Duration: 1 hour Servings: 6

A delightful shepherd’s pie featuring sweet potatoes, turkey, and a variety of vegetables!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil (or butter)
• 1 pound ground turkey (or beef or chicken)
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon rosemary, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon thyme, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon sage, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1 cup chicken broth (link) (or beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots (or frozen peas, or frozen vegetable mix)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the chopped sweet potatoes and whole garlic cloves in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook until the sweet potatoes are soft, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and set aside.
3. In the meantime, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the turkey, onion, and celery, and cook, breaking the turkey apart while it browns, for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Incorporate the garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and tomato paste, sprinkle in the flour, stir, and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the broth and Worcestershire sauce, stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in the frozen vegetables, allow them to heat through for about 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the meat mixture to the bottom of an 8×13 inch baking dish, and top with the mashed potatoes.
8. Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the edges are bubbling, roughly 20-30 minutes.

Optional: Stir melted butter into the mashed sweet potatoes.
Optional: Incorporate 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream into the mashed sweet potatoes.
Optional: Mix in 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese) to the mashed sweet potatoes.
Note: I used a package of frozen peas and carrots, which saved me time on dicing carrots. If you opt for just frozen peas, add 1 cup of diced carrots along with the onions.

# If You’re Searching for a Super Tasty and Quick Dinner, This Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry is Perfect for You

Thai basil chicken is a cherished dish that merges the lively flavors of Thai culinary traditions with the ease of a swift stir fry. This meal is not only scrumptious but also provides a fantastic taste return for little preparation time, making it an excellent selection for hectic weeknights.

## What is Thai Basil Chicken?

Thai basil chicken, referred to as “Pad Krapow Gai” in Thailand, is a favored stir-fry dish crafted with ground chicken or chicken pieces, Thai basil, garlic, Thai chilies, and a savory sauce. It’s typically served alongside fluffy white rice and may also be topped with a crispy fried egg. This dish is a staple for many when longing for genuine Thai flavors.

## How to Prepare Thai Basil Chicken Stir Fry

### 1. Prepare All of the Ingredients
Begin by making the sauce. In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. Mince the garlic, chop the chilies, rinse and dry the basil, and slice the chicken into uniform pieces.

### 2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, frying briefly until fragrant but not browned.

### 3. Cook the Chicken
Introduce the chicken to the pan and cook, stirring until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.

### 4. Incorporate the Sauce
Stir in the prepared sauce and allow it to reduce slightly, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.

### 5. Add the Basil
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately over rice.

## Ingredients Needed to Make Thai Basil Chicken

– **Sugar**: Provides a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
– **Oil**: For frying the components.
– **Garlic**: Minced for aromatic flavor.
– **Chicken**: Thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but breasts can also be used.
– **Oyster Sauce**: A crucial ingredient that adds depth and umami.
– **Soy Sauce**: Regular and dark soy sauce for flavoring and color.
– **Thai Chilies**: For heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
– **Thai Basil**: Essential for its distinct flavor; can be substituted with sweet basil if needed.

## Ground Chicken vs Chicken Thighs vs Chicken Breasts

Thai basil chicken can be prepared with ground chicken or chopped pieces of chicken thighs or breasts. Ground chicken is often chosen for its convenience, while larger pieces can offer a more substantial texture. Select based on your personal preference.

## What to Serve It With

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it over noodles or with a side of fresh cucumbers for a crunchy element. For added indulgence, think about topping it with a crispy fried egg.

## Is It Spicy?

Typically, Thai basil chicken has a spicy kick due to the presence of Thai chilies. However, you can modify the spice level by using fewer chilies or removing the seeds.

Relish this quick and simple Thai classic that delivers amazing flavors to your dinner table in roughly 20 minutes!