This first recipe below uses cacao nibs. The other recipes use organic cocoa powder. Here is a little information on the cacao nibs.
Raw cacao is extremely high in antioxidants and has been historically considered a power food because of its ability to boost energy. It is also rich in physiologically active phytochemicals, including flavonoids, which boost cardiovascular health and protect from environmental damage. it contains phenylethylamine, copper, magnesium, sulfur, and anandamide, Anadamide is a cannabinoid-like fatty acid known as the "bliss" chemical that results in heightened sensitivity and euphoria. Cacao stimulates the production of serotonin, tyramine and endorphins as well.
When you add warming herbs that move the blood, you are improving circulation. By simply adding warming herbs, it will help raise vitality and harness the body's ability to warm itself, long after the enjoyment of your tasty drink. Spicing up your hot chocolate will keep your body busy and blood moving during the cold winter months.
Just a few popular warming herbs are: Cayenne, Cinnamon, Fresh Ginger or Dried Ginger
Milk Substitutes: My family uses coconut milk most of the time. If you want to use coconut milk and you have not used it before here is my suggestion.
If you need 4 cups of milk for the recipe, this is what we do:
1 can of coconut milk ( full fat) and 4 cups of filtered water = 6 cups of the milk
Hot Dandelion Cocoa with Vanilla Bean Whip Cream
Cocoa Ingredients
3 cups filtered water
3 tbsp organic roasted dandelion root
2 tbsp organic cacao nibs
½ cup organic half & half, whole milk, or milk alternative of your choice
Pinch of organic cayenne pepper
Raw local honey to taste
Directions
In a pot, bring 3 cups of cold water, roasted dandelion root, and cacao nibs to a simmer and gently decoction for 30 minutes. Strain out the herbs and return the liquid to your pot. Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and cayenne powder. Add one spoonful of honey at a time and dissolve over very low heat until you reach desired sweetness. Stir until combined and serve in your favorite cup. Top with a dollop of Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream (see recipe below) and add a cinnamon stick for stirring!
Vanilla Bean Whip Cream:
1 cup organic heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp organic sugar
Pulp from one half of a split and scraped organic vanilla bean
Directions
Add all ingredients to a quart sized mason jar and tightly screw on the lid. Shake the jar for several minutes until the liquid stops sloshing. Open periodically to check for a fluffy consistency. Be careful not to over shake, or you’ll have a jar full of sweet vanilla butter instead!
For more deliciously herbal winter recipes, be sure to check out The Herb Kitchen, by Kami McBride and Medicinal Herbs, A Beginners Guide: by Rosemary Gladstar.
Cedar Hot Cocoa:
4 cups organic oat milk, or milk of choice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cedar greens
2 organic orange wedges
10 cloves
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Gently warm the herbs, two orange wedges, organic oat milk (or other milk) in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain and return liquid back to the pan and add:
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup filtered water
1/4 cup cocoa
Ready when it is smooth and warm
Spicy Hot Cocoa:
2 cups regular coconut milk
2 cups water
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper or 1/4 teaspoon ground ancho pepper
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or other milk) and water in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain and return liquid back to the pan and add:
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder ( if you like dark chocolate taste add 1/2 cup cocoa)
1/2 cup honey or sweetener of choice
Longevity Cocoa Chai
A robust, spicy herbal blend originating in India Nepal, and Tibet. Chai comes in literally thousands of varieties. This chai recipe is especially formulated for longevity. The longevity chai cocoa was created for the holidays, a snow day or for a treat.
Longevity Chai
5 Tbl. black tea leaves
1/2 cup grated fresh ginger
3 Tbl. sweet cinnamon chips
1 Tbl. dried Fo-ti
1 Tbl. Licorice Root
4 whole cloves
6 Black peppercorns
2 Tbl cardamon pods
1 dried ginseng root OR 3 slices astragalus root
4 cups organic oat milk or your choice of milk
2 cups filtered water
Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or other milk) and water in a covered saucepan for 10 to 15 minutes.
Do Not Boil....................
Strain the mixture into another saucepan
AT THIS POINT IF YOU DO NOT WANT CHAI COCOA, THEN STOP AND ENJOY YOUR LONGEVITY CHAI :)
If you would like chai cocoa, then continue with the next steps.
Now gently warm longevity chai and add:
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder for a lite chocolate taste or 1/2 cup cocoa for dark chocolate taste
1/2 cup honey or sweetener of choice
Ready when mixture is smooth and hot. Do Not Boil
Elderberry Ginger Cocoa:
4 cups organic oat milk or milk of choice
1 tablespoon dried ginger
4 tablespoon elderberry
1 tablespoon sweet cinnamon chips
Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or milk of choice) in a covered saucepan for 30 minutes.
Strain and put liquid back in the saucepan and then add:
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey
Blend until smooth and warm to your liking:
Enjoy
Turkish Pumpkin Pie
4 cups of oatmilk or your choice of milk,
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. black peppercorn
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. cardamon powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
1/4 Tsp coriander
1 pinch of cayenne
1 sweet cinnamon stick
Gently warm the herbs, organic oat milk (or milk of choice) in a covered saucepan for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Strain and put liquid back in the saucepan and then add:
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey
Blend until smooth and warm to your liking:
Enjoy
Holiday Cocoa
1/2 cup organic sugar
1/4 cup organic cocoa powder
1/3 cup filtered water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
4 cups organic oat milk or your choice of milk. We like using coconut milk
Heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Stir in milk, heat over low heat until blended and at desired warmth.
Here is a recipe that I have not tried. I will be making tomorrow for the rejuvenating teas and herba cocoa class. I think it will be good:
Whipped Marshmallow Root Creme:
1 can organic coconut milk ( full fat)
1-2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder. Try one if you making this for your kids. Marshmallow Root has a strong flavor.
4 tablespoons organic maple syrup
Put the open can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight or freeze for 20 -30 minutes
Scoop out the cream that has risen to the top.
Whip the cream with a beater or hand mixer until light and fluffy (like whip cream) Add sweetener and marshmallow root powder and whip until incorporated. Keep in fridge until using.
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