Lean and Laced Hot Cocoa Bar for Super Bowl

With the Super Bowl taking place in less than two weeks, you may be looking for a unique beverage option that won’t sideline your diet as so many game day traditions do. A hot cocoa “bar” is a fun and delicious way to treat guests at a Super Bowl party, but with an array of sugary toppings, calories can add up quick.

Nutrition Chef Valerie Cogswell’s Lean and Laced Hot Cocoa recipe is the perfect treat for those looking to indulge without feeling any guilt. The cocoa is rich, chocolaty and loaded with Power Crunch Proto Whey Protein to help stay lean and boost the metabolism while watching the big game!

Stock the bar with healthier toppings like toasted nuts, real light whipped cream, and protein-rich chopped Power Crunch Milk or Dark Choklat Energy Bars. For a grown-up twist, add just a splash of flavored vodka or amaretto to keep the calories at bay. At around 200 calories and 21 grams of protein per serving, this fun and decadent party option will be an instant game day ritual!

Power Crunch Lean & Laced Hot Cocoa “Bar”

By Nutrition Chef Valerie Cogswell

www.ValerieCogswell.com

6 servings: makes 9 ½ cups

1 ½ cups per serving

Nutrition information per serving (not including alcohol or additional garnishes)

Calories per serving:  201

Protein per serving:  21 grams

Carbohydrates per serving: 16 grams

Fat per serving:  6.5 grams

Ingredients:

12 scoops Power Crunch Proto Whey Double Chocolate Protein Powder

6 cups unsweetened almond milk

3 cups water

2 heaping tablespoons all natural, unsweetened cocoa

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 pinches sea salt

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Amaretto or flavored vodka (marshmallow, vanilla, whip cream, cake, etc.) – Optional

Garnishes for the Hot Cocoa Bar:

All natural light whipped cream in the can

Power Crunch Milk & Dark Choklat Protein Energy Bars, chopped

Toasted nuts (almond, peanuts, pecans, pinenuts), chopped

Rainbow nonpareils

Cocoa

Cinnamon

1.       Combine all ingredients (except alcohol) with a whisk in a big pot until smooth over medium heat.  As cocoa begins to get hot, whisk constantly.  Once cocoa is hot throughout, remove from heat.  

2.       Stir in alcohol if desired.  Because amaretto and flavored vodkas are very sweet and high in calories, add just a little at a time and taste as you go.  Or just add a small splash to individual mugs.

3.       Top with a dollop of light whipped cream and desired garnishes. Enjoy!

My Thoughts

I've never been a big fan of energy drinks. Most of them taste artificial or chalky. But for the new year, I resolved to eat healthier and lose weight. Energy drinks are a great way to stay on track. So I decided to give Power Crunch Proto Whey a try. I was sent a few  individual packets in double chocolate to test out. Each packet is added to six ounces of water. It dissolves easily when stirred and creates a nice thick shake. It looked delicious, but I was still leery about how it would taste. Thankfully, it was a pleasant surprise. The hydrolyzed whey protein was a delicious chocolately treat. It was like getting a milk shake without all the calories. I enjoyed it way more than I expected. Even better, it fills me up in the morning and gives me the energy I need to get through the day.

To learn more about Power Crunch and all the products they offer, be sure to check their website. You can check their store locator to find a location near you that sells these fabulous products. To keep up with future products and promotions, follow them on face book.