How to make up a heart warming cup of Ceremonial Cacao.
Cacao Preparation
Roughly chop up your block of Cacao and store in an airtight jar.
Using your favorite cup, add either the following dose of Cacao:
Ceremonial dose 42gms
Creative dose 20 - 30gms
Pour in a very small amount of the hot water - not boiling, let the kettle sit for a few minutes before pouring ) just enough to make a paste. Mix well until you have a smooth consistency.
Add sweetener and spices of your choice, see my list below.
Top up with more hot water or hot non-dairy milk, to your desired consistency.
Gently use a whisk or electric milk frother to mix the Cacao to a nice smooth & frothy consistency.
For your enjoyment - don’t let the Cacao get too cold, ideal drinking temperature is approx 75 degrees Celsius.
Find a quiet space, play some beautiful & relaxing music if you wish, light a candle.
Set your intention into your cup, be mindful & enjoy!
💗
Note: the above doses are based on the Ceremonial Cacao I work with, which is Keith’s Cacao.
Always follow the guidelines on your packaging, the dosing may differ.
Some other delicious ways to enjoy your Ceremonial Cacao
MY GO TO BLEND
A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper & black pepper and half a teaspoon of each cinnamon, tumeric and honey - which all come with their own benefits! I sometimes top up with oat milk but mostly I just drink with hot water.
Or experiment with these options…
NON DAIRY MILKS
like almond/hazelnut/oat milk
DAIRY IS NOT SUITABLE TO USE WITH CEREMONIAl CACAO.
TEAS
Rose/peppermint/ginger/ashwaganda - Make your tea and mix into your Cacao.
SWEETNERS
Honey - I use half a teaspoon - or Agave syrup, Coconut sugar, Maple Syrup
SPICES
Just a small pinch of one or use a combination, yours to experiment with.
Chilli powder or Cayenne pepper, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Sea salt, Crushed Pepper
Cacao Precautions
Ceremonial Cacao is very subtle, but some people may need to take a smaller amount.
A ceremonial dose of Cacao could have adverse effects on some people, this doesn't mean that you can't drink it, it's still entirely safe to do so, but you will just need to start with a lower dose.
Anti depressants/Anti anxiety/ Anti psychotic medication
Cacao contains MAOIs - (Monoaminoxidases Inhibitors) and can interact with some mood-altering medications. If you are taking any such medications and you have been instructed not to consume foods with MAOIs in them then you will need to check with your prescriber if Cacao is ok for you. Ceremonial Cacao is not recommened for people taking high doses of mood altering medication. People on low to meduim strengh prescriptions are able to consume a dose of Cacao.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Cacao is completely safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It will simply be a case of lowering the dose depending on which stage you are at.
Heart Conditions
Cacao can increase your heart rate by 20%-30%, this should be taken into consideration before consuming, please check with your GP if unsure.
Exercise/Saunas, etc
In view of the fact that Cacao can increase the heart rate significantly, it is very important that you never engage in strenuous exercise, hot yoga or saunas whilst or directly after consuming Cacao.
If you wish to partner Cacao with gentle exercise such as yoga, dance or any activities that involve movement then a creative dose (20-30mgs) is recommended.