Carob powder is sometimes used as a substitute for cocoa powder. However, it has a milder, nuttier flavor that might not satisfy a passionate chocolate lover. While recently cleaning out a cupboard, I discovered I had a container of carob powder I had never used up. I thought maybe I could “dream up” some kind of tasty hot drink to use it up.

After some experimentation, I came up with a hot drink I enjoyed. I added a little cocoa powder to boost the flavor. Cocoa powder has some caffeine in it, so using mostly carob powder could make it a better bedtime beverage. (Try saying “better bedtime beverage” 5 times fast.)

I used coconut sugar instead of granulated cane sugar because it is said to have a much lower glycemic index. It should help prevent a sugar spike. I have read that “coconut sugar” and “coconut palm sugar” are the same thing, but “palm sugar” may be derived from a different kind of palm tree and have a slightly different flavor. They all come from the sap of palm blossoms and have a flavor very similar to brown sugar. The price of coconut sugar has become pretty reasonable at some stores, including the grocery store where I regularly shop.

I love cinnamon, and I think it adds a nice extra layer of flavor to the drink. I experimented with adding dairy milk, unsweetened almond milk, and unsweetened coconut milk. They all worked well. The almond milk made it taste a little richer and the coconut milk a little lighter and sweeter.

I discovered that it wasn’t as easy just to walk into a natural food store and pick up some carob powder as it used to be. One store said they weren’t currently stocking it because of supply problems due to Covid-19. I found that an online discount store had some in stock for a reasonable price.

It occurred to me that making little bundles of the dry ingredients that could be combined with milk could make a nice little Valentine’s Day remembrance. Decorating an empty nut can or similar container would be a nice way to present it. You should be able to fit a half dozen little bundles, or so. You can use pieces of wax paper or baking parchment about 6” square and tie them up with curling ribbon or jute twine.

I am providing a label, directions label, and a heart pattern, as well as instructions on how to assemble the gift container. If you don’t have access to a printer, you could make the label, directions label, and some hearts yourself.

Recipe

Instructions and Labels for Container