mint and matcha hot chocolate

- 1 litre milk+
- ¼ cup (25g) cacao powder
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder++, plus extra to serve
- 2 sprigs mint leaves
- 8 fresh dates (160g), pitted
- micro (baby) mint leaves, to serve
- Place the milk, cacao, matcha, mint and dates in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to just below the boil and cook for 3 minutes, or until the dates are softened. Remove the mint and discard. Using a hand held blender, blend until smooth. Divide between 4 x 250ml glasses, dust with extra matcha and top with micro mint leaves to serve. Serves 4.
+ We used regular milk, but you can use any milk you prefer.
++ Find matcha powder in tea shops and Asian supermarkets.