How Cacao-Rich, Dark Hot Chocolate Can Fight Inflammation

If you can’t find a dark drinking chocolate brand that has the essential no-alkali credentials, not to worry. It’s not terribly complicated to concoct your own dark chocolate drink right at home. The basic technique is to melt dark chocolate bars and add water, cow’s milk, or plant-based milks, such as oat or almond milk, to taste. “A double boiler will help you not burn it, which affects the flavor,” Sandon says.

If you don’t have the time or equipment for melting with a double boiler, it’s also possible to turn inflammation-fighting dark chocolate into liquid in the microwave. The trick is to melt it slowly. “Start by melting the chocolate at 30-second intervals,” Sandon says. “Stir it, and then add a little more time so you don’t burn it.”