What is a dose of Ceremonial Cacao?
1 to 1.5 ounces (28-42 grams)
1-3 tbsps
The Magical Ingredients:
-Soul Melody Cacao block, chopped into chunks (if using powder form, you can use less)
(estimate 1/4 cup or less per person, you can always add more or less depending on how strong you want it to be)
-Kettle of hot water (no more than 140 degrees or cacao will burn)
Optional Ingredients:
-Cacao butter or coconut oil
-Himalayan pink salt
-Spices:
cinnamon, cayenne pepper, cardamom, vanilla, nutmeg
*cayenne and cardamom help to invoke and activate the uplifting qualities of cacao
-Sweetener of choice:
honey, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
-Mylk
coconut milk, nut milk, creamer, etc.
If you are really feeling wild:
-Essential oils such as lavender or orange (1-2 drops food grade after medicine is taken off the fire and has cooled somewhat)
-Tea instead of hot water
PREPARATION
Blender:
Put cacao into blender with other ingredients
Add very warm or hot (not boiling) water or tea to the blender and blend until frothy
Stovetop (Jungle Style)
You can choose to use the double boiler method (boil hot water and place another pot overtop that the cacao will go in)
or
Use one pot over a low flame and be very mindful, taking the pot off and on the flame if it gets hot too fast- this is the meditation of making your special brew
1. Heat a kettle of hot water, and chop up the cacao into chunks
*Water should not be above 60 degrees celsius/140F or you can burn your cacao
2. In a stove pot, add cacao and the tiniest bit of water so it doesn’t stick
If adding oils put put 1 tsp - 1 tbsp of cacao butter or coconut oil into the pot before the cacao, and melt (this helps to keep cacao from burning, gives the brew a rich flavor, and, is completely optional)
3. Stir gently until the cacao becomes a thick paste (be mindful not to burn and take pot off the flame if so!)
Once it becomes a paste, add a little more water and stir. Continue this process of adding small amounts of water and stirring, until eventually the cacao has united with the water. Then more water or mylk can be added.
4. Add spices and sweetener if you choose
I start with a pinch and add as I go, taste testing along the way.
5. If the brew has not blended so well, due to the fat content of cacao not wanting to mix with water, you can choose to blend it if you have a blender, quickly whisk, or pour content back and forth into two containers
*Please be mindful that putting a hot beverage into a blender or container may cause a pressurized explosion, be careful and let it cool, you can always reheat it
Notes:
Infusions & Spices
-Use hot tea or hot mylk of choice instead of water to connect with other plant spirits and create new flavors
-Try adding 1 drop of food grade essential oil after the brew has cooled for flavor
Orange, lavender, or rose are lovely options
Cayenne adds more of a fire element to the brew and increases the effects of the cacao on the body
Cardamom is more of a water element.
This is something to consider if you are adding other tea/plants.
For example, if you are working with orange essence, fire may be the better activator, or if working with lavender or rose, cardamom may be more soothing.
Tune into the cacao when you make it, it is an art, a meditation, you are creating medicine to enjoy for yourself and those you love. Allow the cacao to guide you to create your own recipe and method that is unique to you.
Intention & Prayers
Cacao is a "weaver" plant, when used with another plant, it activates the spirit of the other plant. For example, if you want to make a brew for love and your heart, adding rose water tea or rose essential oil at the end is a wonderful way to flavor the brew and enhance the already heart opening properties of cacao
Set an intention for connecting with your cacao.
What is it you want to invoke for yourself or those you are serving it too?
Put your prayers, positive thoughts and affirmations, or songs into your cacao.
Your body is your temple, invite in the spirit of the cacao to assist you in what you want to create, feel, hear, heal, connect with, etc.
Why call it medicine? Every plant has its own unique spirit, and most plants have medicinal properties and medicine. Cacao is full of healthy fats, minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium. It is high in antioxidants, and increases blood flow through the body and heart, oxygenating the blood and thus “opening the heart.” It tastes delicious and increases joy.