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Holiday Brain-Boosting Hot Cocoa

This is a personal recipe from our CMO . We tested it in the test kitchen, and are hooked on it. Not going to lie when we say we’ve now made it a few times when off the clock!

“During the holidays I always crave hot cocoa, but my body often deals with inflammation, so I tried to come up with a healthier alternative that still tastes indulgent. Sometimes I add a little extra cacao powder or plain organic cocoa powder if I want it richer.. but this recipe is my tried and true version to make (serves two)”.
Hayley Elizabeth Bird -CMO of Umyune

Why we love this version:
• Lower sugar than traditional hot cocoa
• Lion’s Mane mushroom to support focus + brain health
• Protein-packed to keep blood sugar steady
• Still tastes like a holiday treat, not “health food”

Ingredients:
• 1 can unsweetened coconut cream
• 1 cup oat milk (Hayley brought her own homemade oat milk she made in her but we also love oat or almond milk)
• MycoBrew Cocoa Mix (Lion’s Mane)
• Dream Protein (Keto, Rich Dutch Chocolate)
• 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
• Dash of ground cinnamon

How to make it:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together coconut cream and oat milk until warm and smooth.
2. Add MycoBrew Cocoa Mix and Dream Protein, whisking continuously so it stays silky.
3. Stir in dark chocolate chips until fully melted.
4. Finish with a dash of cinnamon for that holiday warmth.

Optional cozy upgrades:
• Splash of vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt to deepen the chocolate flavor
• Top with coconut whipped cream or shaved dark chocolate

This holiday season I am replacing peanut butter balls (peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla) with + Date Balls (No-Bake Energy Bites).

These are plant-based, no-bake energy bites from Rich Roll and Julie Piatt’s cookbook “The Plantpower Way”.

These are a favorite in my house (teen approved) and perfect for a hit of energy or when craving a sweet treat.

Instead of getting a sugar high and low energy from traditional peanut butter balls, I highly recommend these date balls to bring to holiday gatherings.

Dawn Johnson -Umyune Founder

Ingredients
1 cup raw walnuts or almonds

1 cup pitted dates (Medjool works best)

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder

2 tbsp h**p seeds (+ extra for rolling, optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp sea salt

1–2 tbsp water (as needed)

Instructions
Pulse nuts in a food processor.

Add cacao, h**p seeds, vanilla, and salt.

Add dates gradually until a sticky dough forms. Add water if needed.

Roll into balls and coat in h**p seeds if desired.

Chill for 30+ minutes.

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

TEEN APPROVED HOLIDAY SALAD

This is my go to salad for the holidays!

It’s always a hit and I end up sharing the recipe with everyone. It’s perfect. My only tweak is that I like pomegranates over dried cranberries.

Dawn Johnson- Founder of Umyune

Ingredients
2 bunches lacinato kale (finely chopped)

2 garlic cloves

1/4 cup lemon juice

3–4 tbsp olive oil

Salt + pepper

Dried cranberries (for topping) or pomegranates.

Pecan Parmesan
1 cup toasted pecans

1.5 tbsp nutritional yeast

1 tbsp olive oil

Pinch of salt

How to Make
Toast pecans 8–10 min at 300°F

Chop + wash kale

Blend dressing (garlic, lemon, oil, S&P)

Massage into kale

Pulse pecans

Add nooch, oil + salt

Blend to coarse crumbs

Sprinkle over salad
Top with cranberries or I prefer pomegranates.
Chill 30–60 min or enjoy right away!
Best the same day.

Pomegranates: The Ruby Fruit With Real Benefits

Pomegranates aren’t just a seasonal treat — they’re one of the most nutrient-dense fruits you can add to your routine. Bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and plant compounds, they’ve earned their place as a true wellness staple.

Why They’re Worth Adding In:

Rich in Antioxidants
Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that help protect cells from everyday oxidative stress, supporting long-term health and healthy aging.

Heart-Supportive
Studies show pomegranate juice may help support healthy blood pressure, circulation, and overall cardiovascular function.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Their naturally high antioxidant levels also support the body’s ability to calm inflammation — key for everything from digestion to skin health.

Nutrient-Dense
One cup of seeds is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber to support immunity, hydration, and digestive balance.

Great for Skin Health
The antioxidants and vitamin C can help protect the skin barrier and promote a healthy, natural glow from the inside out.

Easy Ways to Use Them
Sprinkle the seeds on salads, oat bowls, yogurt, or mocktails — or blend into smoothies for a bright, tart boost.