Hot Hazelnut Carob Next to an Alpine Lake
I love a good snow hike deep into any alpine wilderness, especially this one set off Mountain Loop Highway in Washington state. Heather Lake is just under 5 miles roundtrip. In winter, it typically starts out snow free, but after gradually climbing 1,000 feet you slowly enter a winter wonderland.
I love a hot cuppa something to warm up on snow hikes and having a treat planned for the top gives me that extra incentive to keep climbing to not only enjoy the payoff view, but warm up with a delicious sweet treat.
If you aren’t familiar with carob it sort of taste like chocolate, but not. Both carob and chocolate come from a tropical pod. However, unlike chocolate, carob doesn’t contain any caffeine and has 3 times more calcium. It’s also free of tyramine & theobromine, amino acids known to be potential causes of migraines in some individuals after consumption. Ultimately, carob can be a great alternative to chocolate, especially if you want to avoid caffeine or need a reflux-friendly alternative. It has a similar taste profile to chocolate and it helps satisfy any bitter, rich, and woody cravings.
Hot Hazelnut Carob
Ingredients
- 4 cups oatmilk (or any other non-dairy milk)
- 4 TBS carob powder
- 2 tsp hazelnut extract
- 1 tsp honey (or more if you like it sweeter)
- Marshmallows (I used vanilla Smashmallows)
- Supplies: backpacking stove with propane, large titanium pot, metal fork, & enamel mugs
Instructions
- Prep supplies for trip: In a water bottle or other transportable container combine oatmilk and hazelnut extract. Put carob powder in plastic baggy. And put honey in small container.
- Find amazing location and set up backpacking stove.
- Pour carob powder and oatmilk with hazelnut extract into large titanium pot. Stir well with fork. Place on backpacking stove and bring just to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in honey.
- Pour into mugs and top with vanilla smashmallows. Enjoy!
And just like the hike, I’ll save the best view for last. This was our payoff view while we sipped on our hot hazelnut carob drinks!
