hot chocolate steel cut oatmeal

Disclaimer: I received this product for free to review. However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own!

Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal ~made in the crockpot while you sleep! Topped with BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!

There is nothing like waking up to a warm bowl of Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal topped with a little BarkTHINS to get you out of bed.  Literally, these oats are cooked in the crock pot overnight while you sleep!  I can’t even begin to tell you what a treat it was to have chocolatey oats ready and waiting for me after sleeping a combined total of 3 hours thanks to the kids waking me up all night long…it’s the little things that keep me going!

Talking about the little things that keep me going…chocolate!  Better yet, BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!  I was asked by the folks over at BarkTHINS to test out their chocolate.  Who wouldn’t say yes to that offer?!?!  The whole family gladly sampled the almond and sea salt, pretzel, pumpkin seed and coconut almond varieties.  All were winners here however, I loved the coconut almond best!  BarkTHINS are made with Fair Trade Certified chocolate and non-GMO ingredients.  Also, all products are made with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the extra dose of antioxidants!

Make sure to enter the BarkTHINS giveaway below!!!  

Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal ~made in the crockpot while you sleep! Topped with BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!

Now, on to the oatmeal!  

Steel cut oats, almond milk, cacao powder, cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt all dumped into the crock pot and turned on low.  Simple enough, right?  This would make an excellent Christmas morning breakfast!  I know in our house we will be up before the sun and running non-stop all day!  Having breakfast made the night before is the perfect solution!

Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal ~made in the crockpot while you sleep! Topped with BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!

hot chocolate steel cut oatmeal
 
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Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Breakfast
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch sea salt
  • 1½ cups almond milk
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1.4 BarkTHINS crumbles for the top!
Instructions
  1. Spray inside of crock pot with all natural cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together oats, cacao powder, cinnamon and sea salt. Add to crock pot.
  3. Stir in almond milk, water, vanilla and maple syrup.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  5. Top with crumbled BarkTHINS chocolate and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 Calories: 258 Fat: 6 Carbohydrates: 47 Sugar: 15 Fiber: 6 Protein: 7

Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal ~made in the crockpot while you sleep! Topped with BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!

Note: While BarkTHINS are not made with animal products, they are not considered vegan due to the processing of the sugar used.  

 

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Hot Chocolate Steel Cut Oatmeal ~made in the crockpot while you sleep! Topped with BarkTHINS snacking chocolate!

superfood hot chocolate

Yesterday the weather was relentless and we got close to another foot of snow!  I’m worried it’s going to be June before we see the ground again.  What to do on a snowy day?  Make mugs of Superfood Hot Chocolate to warm you up!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

In addition to using raw cacao powder, I added ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and coconut oil, which are all immune boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Check it out!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Cacao:  Contains high amounts of magnesium and high levels of  flavonoids, an antioxidant responsible for decreasing inflammation and ridding the body of free-radicals.  If possible, buy raw cacao powder instead processed cocoa powder.  Cocoa powder is heated to high temperatures, which destroys some of its healing qualities.

Ginger:  A reliever to GI upset, but also a potent anti-inflammatory.  Gingerols, a substance found in ginger is responsible for decreasing pain and inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon:  Similar to ginger, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties.  Some studies even suggest that cinnamon helps with insulin resistance.

Turmeric:  A very potent anti-inflammatory agent due to curcurmin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color.  In addition to decreasing inflammation and pain in those suffering from arthritis, turmeric protects cells from oxidative stress.

Coconut Oil:  Contains lauric acid, which may fight off bacteria, fungus and viruses.  Also, a good source of medium chain triglycerides that contain anti-aging properties.

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

superfood hot chocolate
 
Print
Makes 2 large portions
Author:
Recipe type: Drinks
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 2 cups of milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder if you don't have cacao!)
  • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust according to your taste)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • pinch sea salt
Instructions
  1. Warm all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally.
  2. Transfer to a blender and pulse until frothy. (optional step)
  3. Top with coconut, soy or rice whip for fun!
  4. Enjoy!

 I am NOT a winter person.  I turn purple when I go outside, seriously.  I am so ready for winter to be over!  However, each storm we get continues to amaze me.  It is so beautiful out there!  Plus, Al Roker promised me this morning that the worst of the winter chill is over…I hope he’s right!!!

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

 Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Superfood Hot Chocolate ~vegan~

Stay warm :)