This morning, on the Chef Amber Shea Facebook page, I posted this question:
The last few mornings, I’ve been making myself a dairy-free protein mocha to start the day. It takes mere moments to put together, and has all of three ingredients (four if you add sweetener)—in fact, it’s more of a technique than a recipe per se. I also don’t have any pretty photos of it—just a few unimpressive camera-phone shots snapped while still groggy and in my PJs. All that said, do you guys want me to blog the recipe? “Like” if so!
The immediate (and enthusiastically positive) response blew me away! So here I am, already putting together this post to get it to you guys ASAP. I wasn’t kidding when I said the pictures are atrocious, but then again I’m no pro photog to begin with. ;] So, on with it!
Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Oil-Free, Soy-Free (if using soy-free protein powder), Nut-Free (if using hemp or coconut milk)
Per serving (made with unsweetened hempmilk, Sunwarrior Warrior Blend chocolate protein, and stevia or no added sweetener):116 calories, 4.4g fat (trace sat), 4.7g carbs, 1g fiber, 15.8g protein
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup nondairy milk of choice (unsweetened hempmilk is my favorite)
- 1 scoop chocolate-flavored nondairy protein powder (like Sunwarrior)
- 8 to 10 oz. hot brewed coffee
- Sweetener of choice, to taste
Instructions
- Brew your coffee, by any method you like. (You can even use instant coffee by combining 1 cup near-boiling water with 1 heaping teaspoon instant coffee granules.)
- In a blender, combine the milk, protein powder, and about 1/4 of the hot coffee.
- Put on the lid and turn the blender on the lowest power. With the blender running, slowly stream in the remaining hot coffee.
- (No blender? No problem! Whisk the milk and protein powder together in a medium bowl, then add the hot coffee in a slow stream, whisking constantly.)
- Taste for sweetness, and blend/whisk in the sweetener of your choice, as desired. You could use stevia, maple syrup, agave, or just about anything you like. Bear in mind that you will need less than you usually use to sweeten your coffee, since the protein powder is lightly sweetened already.
- Pour into a mug and enjoy immediately.
As always, be sure to use a protein powder that you truly love the taste of. Keep in mind my rule of thumb when it comes to protein-powder-enhanced recipes like these: if you can mix it with nothing but water and it tastes great, then it’s a suitable brand to use in recipes based around protein powder, like this one or my Cake Batter Balls, Sugar Cookie Shake, or Lemon Meringue Pie Protein Shot. I’m a huge fan of Sunwarrior’s Warrior Blend (made up of a mixture of pea, hemp, and cranberry proteins), but use whatever tastes best to you!
This drink is more filling than your average latté or mocha thanks to the wealth of plant-based protein it contains. If you want to give it even MORE staying power, try blending or whisking in a teaspoon or two of coconut oil along with the hot coffee. It rounds out the chocolate flavor in a fantastic way, too!
Another option, if you don’t feel your protein powder is chocolatey enough, is to blend/whisk in an extra 1 to 3 teaspoons of cacao or cocoa powder. And speaking of powdered add-ins, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of maca and/or mesquite powder for a superfood boost!
This is officially my new favorite way to start my morning off on the right foot. It could become yours, too!
Never thought to put protein powder in hot beverages. Hum…worth a try
It’s great! The key is to add the hot liquid slowly – just 1/4 cup or so at first, then streaming the rest in as the blender or whisk is moving – so that the powder doesn’t clump or coagulate (not too appetizing that way!).
Yum! That’s a great way to get your protein and your coffee at the same time! You’re a genius!
Haha, thanks! Caffeine + protein = winning.
MESQUITE! I know what we’ll be doing of a morning if I come back to visit again.
Yes we shall! Speaking of- last weekend, Emily and Sarah and Rachel were asking when you’re coming back. Hmmm???
Oh! That makes me want to cry! xoxoxoxo to all of them!! I honestly don’t know where this year is going to take me. Two weeks ago, I would have said definitely within a few months, but now I”m scared of making plans but also scared of not making plans because I’m so conflicted with all my different hopes and wantings! xoxo
Aww. I’m sure the new internship complicates things. Well, just know that we’re all still here, anticipating/hoping for your return someday.