During Winter we can practice the art of being cozy. The Danish call this hygge (pronounced hue-guh). It’s a feeling, of coziness, togetherness, comfort, and warmth.

This hot cocoa feels sweet and nourishing. I like to drink it in the mid-afternoon instead of a snack or coffee.

The recipe combines the mineral-rich properties of real cacao with the adaptogenic powerhouse herb ashwagandha* and warming spices to help you feel warm and cozy from the inside out.

Adaptogens help your nervous systems adapt to stress and create a normalizing effect on your system. If you need a boost, it will bring your energy up (but not in a caffeine-kick kind of way). If you need to chill out it will calm you down. The result is usually a greater sense of calm and contentment.

1 cup cow's milk (or your favorite nut juice)

1 Tbsp pure Cacao powder - not cocoa powder...not the same thing

1/4 tsp Ashwaganda powder

1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

1/4-1/2 tsp Ginger powder

1/4-1/2 tsp ground Cinnamon (you can use and reuse a cinnamon stick instead)

1 tsp Ghee (optional)

Maple syrup or Jaggery powder to taste for sweetness

Warm milk and spices in a small sauce pan on medium heat until warm. Be sure not to bring to a boil. Turn off heat and let stand a few minutes before serving.  Top with the best marshmallow in the world from Apotheker's Kitchen (optional). 

*If you’re looking for Ashwagandha, I like to order it from JeansGreens.com, a small business located in upstate New York. You can also find it at many natural foods stores that carry bulk herbs and spices.