As usual, whenever i write an article about ingredient, few days after i'm giving a recipe made with that ingredient.
And now it's time for a cacao recipe.
When i started reading and writing about cacao i came across the term 'ceremonial' cacao lots of the times.
It's not the first time i hear about cacao ceremonies but it is the first time i hear that there is a special cacao for it.
Little bit extra reading brought me to see that when they say 'ceremonial' cacao they actually refer to raw cacao paste and if you want to go deeper you'll also find that the best ones are the fair trade and the pastes that are traditionally made for these medicinal properties, in small quantities (relatively) and lots of intentions.
(Just important for me to say - energy is everywhere, and when you put good energy and care into the food you eat, it gets into your body affect us that way and vice versa, but that's a whole other conversation for another day).
So - what is it RAW CACAO PASTE and what is the difference?
Cacao paste is peeled cacao beans that were grounded into paste.
Now, there are two types of cacao paste - Raw or Roasted.
Raw ceremonial cacao paste has been only lightly sundried and ground down into a paste while roasted cacao paste, which is the much more commonly type to find (as it's more industrial) is roasted in a uncontrolled temperature and might reach to VERY high temperatures.
When cacao is roasted in high temperatures, it's losing parts of it's nutritional value and quality by the traditional Mayan culture - it's losing part of its life. It's important to say that the main reason cacao is roasted is because it's easier for the industry and less because of it's culinary property.
Reading more about the cacao ceremonies sounded so tempting (as i'm obsessed with everything-spiritual + everything-ritual) and i think i would want to adopt it. Just need to try to make it a ritual, like, every friday afternoon perhaps?
Haven't been in any cacao ceremony before, and honestly i think i would want to do it with a beautiful company (besides dor that is with me 24/7) but because we can't really gather these days i'm thinking more toward a virtual cacao ceremony.
That way we are also not limited to those who live in israel only for all of you who would want to join!
What do you think?
Would you want to be a part of this?
(Please let me know on the comments)
Now,
To our manners,
In the recipe you'll find ingredients like maca powder, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, the reason i've added them was because i read that if you want to add anything to the ceremonial drink you should add things that are grown next to the cacao. Maca, cinnamon and cayenne are all grown in central & south america next to cacao, so i tried to keep it as authentic as possible.
So here is the ceremonial cacao drink i made (minus the ceremony) recipe:
Yields 4 small cups
(You only need small cup, believe me, i couldn't finish the cup that's in the photos)
70g Raw cacao paste
400g Water
20g Coconut sugar*
3g Maca powder
1g Cinnamon
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper
Cacao nibs to taste
*Or any other sweetener of your choice.
Instructions:
In a small pot, add the cacao paste with a little of the water on a low heat on the stove. It's important not to melt the cacao paste by itself, it's getting burnt very quickly.
Keep stirring.
Add some more water, the coconut sugar and all other ingredients and mix well.
Keep stirring.
Add more water gradually while keep stirring and rise the heat level to medium heat.
Keep stirring.
The moment bubbles are formed, take off the stove and serve.
Sprinkle some cacao nibs on top of every cup.
Drink And Enjoy!
Don't forget to let me know if you tried it!
Xxx