Cacao Lovers
The healing power of cacao is so innate within us through our ancestors and natural connection to its essence. Cacao (ca - coow) has been used for thousands of years and translates to “food of the Gods,” being used in ceremony and beyond. In today’s world, people may be more familiar with the word chocolate rather than cacao to describe this sacred bliss that brings us so many pleasures and has been thought to be a naughty treat. When cacao is made right the amazing flavor it is full of many healing benefits which has pushed it into the “superfood” classification.
Benefits of cacao:
contains; iron, potassium, protein, fibre, magnesium
reduces inflammation
lowers blood pressure
increases libido
digestive aid
blood flow
cognitive health
may help with diabetes
I personally make these decadent recipes weekly to cater to my chocolate craving! The cacao drink is a perfect pick me up in the morning filled with protein, fats and antioxidants. I enjoy my cacao about five times a week and switch it up with tea. It has given me a more nutritious and satiating substitute for coffee in the morning with just as much energy. The bliss balls are a go-to snack for anything on the move or I enjoy it as my yummy breakfast. The bliss balls are packed densely with nutrients from all the healthy fats and protein from the nuts and seeds. The lions mane mushroom powder gives you a natural energy boost and cognitive support all while keeping you full for long.
Let’s get to the recipes!
Good Morning Cacao
Ingredients:
8oz almond milk (unsweetened original )
2 tablespoons cacao powder
1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
cinnamon ( generously )
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon honey ( I use Cognitive Function reishi honey)
pinch of salt (pink Himalayan)
1 teaspoon coconut oil ( I use Cognitive Function adrenal boost and brain lube)
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan or pot with a medium heat. Whisk frequently until all ingredients are combined nicely. Bring to a boil until the top of the cacao becomes frothy consistency and turn heat off. Pour in your favorite cup and garnish with dried rose petals.
Note:
I use Cognitive Function medicinal mushroom products in my morning cacao to increase the nutrient density and feed my brain. The healthy fats help your brain run smoother and it also keeps you fuller longer.
Cacao Bliss Bites
Ingredients:
4 medjool dates (pitted)
1/4 cup water (this can vary)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
5 tablespoons cacao powder
1 1/2 tablespoons lions mane powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 unsweetened coconut shreds
1/3 teaspoon vanilla
4 tablespoons coconut oil (this can vary)
Directions:
First you will want to put the cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds into a blender or food processor and pulse them until they are in a chunky consistency (you don’t want to fully blend them together keep some pieces visible). Place the nut mixture into a large bowl. Place the pitted dates in blender with water and vanilla blend until dates are small pieces and water looks brown and set it aside to marinate more. Add the rest of the dry ingredients into the bowl and combine. Slowly begin to add in the date water mixture and stir. Lastly, add in the liquid coconut oil. The water and oil are binders for the balls, so you want to make sure to add slowly and continue to check the consistency. I usually have to add in a little bit more of each until I get my desired consistency to keep the balls together. The combination should be able to stick together and not leave too much on your hands.
Once you have achieved your desired consistency, you can now roll the balls into pingpong ball sizes and place into fridge to enjoy for a ready to go snack.
Note:
The consistency can be tricky some times, and it all depends on how much you broke your nuts down in the blender. If you feel that your consistency isn’t holding from the nuts being too big you can always add almond flower to balance it out. This trick can also be used if you added too much liquid. Make sure whenever you are adding to balance out at the end to do it in extremely small quantities. You can always add more and can never take out too much.
