Superfood: Blueberries.

Did you know that the month of July is National Blueberry Month? With blueberry season in full force and lasting till the end of August now is the time to take advantage of this wonderful blue gem. And when I say gem, I mean it – most of the power found in these little berries come from it’s deep rich color. That deep-blue hue is a by-product of flavonoids — natural compounds that protect the brain’s memory-carrying cells (neurons) from the damaging effects of oxidation and inflammation. Since blueberries are one of the best sources of flavonoids you can find, it’s no surprise that this superfood has been shown to help preserve memory function. Blueberries also have a high water content helping to keep you, your cells and skin hydrated during this sticky summer month. Keep yourself hydrated this morning with a Blueberry Dream Smoothie…it will definitely leave you wanting more berries!

Blueberry Dream Smoothie

1 cup blueberries
1 cup almond milk
1/2 banana
2 teaspoons raw cacao powder or carob powder
1 tablespoon flaxseed

Blend until smooth and enjoy.

Nutrition Source: Joy Bauer

Hydrating Coconut Water Smoothie

Berry Banana Coconut Water Smoothie

After a day spent in the sun and drinking dehydrating beverages (anything containing caffeine or alcohol), most of us can use a little TLC after a holiday like today’s Independence Day.  Plus, chances are you’ve got even more celebrating up your sleeve for the weekend.  Take some time in between party hopping to sip on this smoothie to refuel and rejuvenate so you can stay festive all weekend long!

Makes 4 Servings 

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. strawberries (fresh or frozen)
3 large ripe bananas, peeled
1 cup coconut water
1/4 cup coconut milk

Bonus add-ins: 2 handfuls spinach, cucumber, cacao powder, pomegranate juice, or avocado.

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until well combined.

Recipe and Photo Credit: http://www.theshiksa.com

The Magic of Aloe Vera

The summer heat is in full force and with the Fourth of July holiday around the corner it’s not unusual to take in the intoxicating joys of early summer and good ol’ fashioned celebratory BBQ and beach days. But it’s on days like these that we forget to re-lather, reapply, and repeat sunscreen use or even worse pick up a glass of water instead of one more summer cocktail. This is where superfood food aloe vera steps in to save the day.

Aloe Vera is a superfood that can be eaten, juiced and used topically on the skin. Used topically it can help heal and soothe minor cuts, scratches, and burns (think long beach day sunburns). The instant cooling and hydrating effect it has for the skin are the same benefits you get from the plant internally.  Aloe vera leaves are filled with a mucilaginous gel that contains polysaccharides and each gel-filled leaf is bursting with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, amino acids and enzymes such as; Vitamin A, C, E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium just to name a few.

The polysaccharides in aloe are very beneficial to your stiff joints and to your nervous system and brain. Aloe vera helps boost your immune system and since it’s an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal it also aids in your body’s ability to fight illness and external skin rashes or disorders. This anti-inflammatory powerhouse is a great addition to your morning smoothie, juice, and desserts. So the next time you feel summer heat and sun getting the best of you try sipping on this delicious summer cooler!

Aloe Vera Summer Cooler

1 banana
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup coconut water
1/2 cup pineapple
1 cup fresh aloe vera, cubed
1/2 cup ice

Recipe: Y3 Test Kitchen

The Lure of Vanilla

It’s in our food, beverages, chocolate, perfume, soaps, and is even known to lure not only humans but deers as well. Last but most certainly not least vanilla helps to lift spirits, calms you down, and can even help you lose weight!

Vanilla is a flavoring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico. The name “vanilla” comes from the Spanish word “vainilla”, meaning “little pod”. Traditionally, Mayans used vanilla to flavor chocolate drink centuries before Spanish first arrived in Mexico in 1520. This highly prized bean is native to tropical rain forest of Central America and more recently spread to other tropical-regions by Spanish explorers. Being an avid fan and maybe slightly obsessed with using vanilla in many of our smoothie recipes, I was excited to learn a thing or two about the origins of vanilla and it’s associated, if any, health benefits. Along with the history, lure, and fun facts I found about this somewhat scandalous bean I was pleasantly surprised about its associated health benefits. Also, we’ve included a spring-time nod to vanilla and rhubarb with a delicious new smoothie recipe. Enjoy!

Health Benefits of Vanilla

• Vanilla’s anti-carcinogenic property primarily comes from the chemical compound vanillin, a polyphenol known to be a powerful antioxidant. The essential oil of vanilla has been shown to reduce free radicals thought to promote the development of inflammation and certain cancers. Other compounds in pure vanilla extract that display mild antioxidant or anti-inflammatory properties include eugenol, caproic acid, phenol ether, carbonyl compounds, esters, lactones and vitispiranes.

• Vanilla as a low calorie sweetener. Pure vanilla bean extract isn’t very sweet, especially compared to artificial and refined sugars, but its unique flavor can enhance the taste of baked goods, smoothies and coffee and reduce the need for additional sweeteners. As such, vanilla extract can be considered a lower calorie sugar substitute.

• The natural extract contains many B vitamins such as B-1, B-2, B-3, B-5 and B-6. B vitamins are important for metabolism and energy production, as well as the synthesis of enzymes.

• Real vanilla bean extract also contains many minerals in trace amounts such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc. These minerals are important for strong bones and teeth, but are also needed for normal muscle tone and fluid distribution.

• Vanilla as a mood enhancer: Vanilla extract has a long history of use in the Americas not only as a flavoring, but also as an aphrodisiac, sedative, antidepressant and sleep aid. The ability of vanilla extract to affect hormones of the body and neurotransmitters of the brain is not well established by scientific studies, although many decades of anecdotal claims make it an intriguing possibility. Many other herbal remedies, such as Valerian root, chamomile and passion fruit, are proven to alter mood, so the potential certainly exists for vanilla bean.

Vanilla Rhubarb Smoothie

1 1/2 cups stewed rhubarb
1 cup sprouts
1/4 cup almond coconut yogurt
1 banana
1/2 – 1 cup water (to your desired consistency)
splash of lemon juice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla powder or extract

To stew add chopped rhubarb with ¼ – 1/3 cup of water, one tablespoon of desired sweetener (I used sucanut), ½ teaspoon vanilla and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. Bring all ingredients to a boil and then lower to a simmer and let simmer for 15 – 20 minutes. Let the rhubarb cool to room temperature then chill in the fridge.

Add all the smoothie ingredients to your blender. Blend and enjoy.

Sources: The Nest, ServoLux

Nuts About Nuts

Homemade nut milk is super easy to make and so much tastier and fresher than store bought nut milk, as well as healthier. Store bought nut milks are usually pasteurized and have added preservatives and sweeteners to increase shelf life. Another great advantage to making your own nut milk is that you get to personalize the texture and flavor of the milk and create a version that’s uniquely all your own by adding dates, cinnamon, maple syrup, blend on high, blend on low…whatever you want to make it yours! The hardest part about making your own nut milk is remembering to soak the nuts before heading to bed or before heading out for work.

Here’s what you need to know about making your own raw nut milk. You need 1 part nuts to 4 parts water. Choose organic over conventional nuts if possble (nuts, especially almonds have a high pesticide content). To begin you’ll need

• 1 cup nuts
• 4 cups filtered water
• Blender
• Cheesecloth
• extra goodies for adding flavor/sweetness, if desired

So simple! Let’s get blending!

1. Begin by soaking your nuts in water for about 8 – 12 hours.
2. Drain water and rinse the nuts.
3. Add nuts and 4 cups of water to blender.  Blend for about a minute.
4. If you want a smoother milk, strain the milk using a cheesecloth or nut milk bag.
5. Store the milk in a jar and keep refrigerated. It will last for up to 4 days.

If you’d like to add some sweetness or other flavor, experiment with adding dates, vanilla, cinnamon, agave, or nutmeg.  To use dates, once you have strained the milk, put it back in the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

 

Also, if you strained your milk, save your nut pulp and use it in oatmeal, smoothies, baked goods, or raw dips! Sky’s the limits with nuts!! That’s why we’re nuts about nuts!

 

 

 

Check out this amazing TED talk with Sarah Britton of My New Roots, who talks about taking and sticking with one change in your kitchen/cooking routine to help establish better health habits. Sarah demonstrates how making homemade nut milk, this one change can have lasting health benefits. Watch the video here…

Photos/Direction: For The Love Of Food

A Taste Of The Tropics

There’s no better way to start your day than with a taste of the tropics. This fruity and refreshing smoothie will even have the groggiest of early risers smiling and moving through the day with an extra bounce in their step. The shining star in this smoothie recipe is papaya.

Papaya is a rich source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and special digestive enzymes that have a remarkable effect both internally and externally. If you’d like to improve your skin, relieve digestion problems, protect your eyes and heart then consider the many benefits of eating papaya.

For your skin

Ripe papaya is a great source of antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene. The high levels of these nutrients can help protect your skin against free radicals known to cause wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.

The enzyme papain in the flesh and skin of the fruit actually breaks down dead skin cells and helps promote skin renewal when used topically on the face or body. Using papaya topically, as scrubs or cleansers can improve your skin’s texture, elasticity and appearance.

For your eyes

Along with its beta-carotene content that can be converted to vitamin A, which is extremely important to eye health and vision, papaya also contains the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

Lutein and zeaxanthin, known as xanthophylls, are concentrated in the macular region of our eyes. Here they provide protection against high-energy blue light that can damage our retinas. The high levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in papaya may also protect us against developing cataracts, glaucoma, and other chronic eye diseases.

Heart Disease

The high levels of vitamin C and E along with antioxidants like beta-carotene and lycopene found in papaya can help reduce the oxidization of cholesterol in our arteries. Cholesterol oxidization is considered a dangerous process, potentially leading to arteries blocked with plaque that can result in heart attacks. Increasing your intake of these antioxidants from health foods like papaya may help improve blood flow to the heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Papaya is a good source of folate, which can help control high levels of homocysteine found in the bloodstream – another warning sign of potential heart-related illness as high levels of homocysteine in the blood are known to damage blood vessels making them difficult to properly circulate through the body.

Improve Digestion

The enzymes in papaya, and especially the green fruit, can improve digestion by breaking down proteins into their individual amino acids. Undigested proteins can lead to health issues such as gastrointestinal problems and an overgrowth of flatulence causing bacteria in the colon.

The proteolytic enzyme papain found in papaya is extremely efficient at breaking down proteins and restoring healthy bacteria in our gut. The seeds of papaya are believed to have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect on our digestive systems. Studies have shown an extract made from them is effective at killing E coli, Salmonella, Staph and other dangerous bacterial infections.

Tropical Papaya Smoothie

2 cups papaya
1 cup pineapple
1/4 avocado
1 1/2 cup coconut water
Small handful of cashews
Dash of cinnamon

Blend and enjoy.

Source: Superfood Profile

Chaga-The SuperFood/Superherb/Medicinal Mushroom that you need to know more about & My story of Mushroom Hunting in the Circumpolar North

Recently I had the good fortune to visit the beautiful country of Sweden. Instantly, I was overcome by the natural beauty of my surroundings, it was love at first sight.  However, I am not a winter person by nature, and I would probably have faired better during the summer months, not February. In any case, there I was, in the Artic Rim, mid-February having just come from Goa, India. I rocked off the plane in flip-flops, a tee & jeans, it was -10 Celsius in Stockholm, mild in comparison to where I was heading. I thought to myself “oy, mandatory shopping was in order” but that would be no problem, shopping is always an easy to-do for me and coupled with the kindness of many friends along the way I started to accumulate a Parka, socks, boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and hideous hand me down sweaters that proved to be necessary for survival, as well as local handmade honey. As I started to warm up I couldn’t help but think “what the f*ck I am doing here, it’s so f*ing COLD! However, crazily enough and difficult to admit, I grew to love the climate, it was surprisingly good for my skin, and my lungs felt released of all the heat and humidity stored from Asia, it was as if I could feel my Pitta fire burning out and cooling down. I acclimated quickly and took to the great outdoors.

I have taken away many fond memories from Sweden. The things that stand out the most include a Swedish word or two, road trips, wishing I had taken more pictures, vortexes, sauna world, caviar, windburn, a deep love for all of those that shared the journey with me, and of course, Chaga, a fascinating super herb that I can’t seem to get enough of. I will always cherish the lovely people who I was lucky enough to meet during my travels, especially my friend Magnus who introduced me to the medicinal mushroom known as Chaga that grows on the gallant white birch tree indigenous to the area.

Chaga appears as a black charcoal like growth that emanates from the white birch tree. I had never heard of it.  We decided to go out and explore and forage for Chaga. Our mushroom hunting ended abruptly when surprisingly enough there was some Chaga growing on one of his beautiful birch trees right in the middle of the front yard.  I couldn’t believe our luck.  This was no short of a miracle, as Chaga is not that prevalent. February is probably not the best time for harvesting Chaga, it would have more easily come off of the tree if thawed by the summer sun but none-the-less we eventually sawed it off let it thaw and eventually grounded it up for tea. The Chaga was an earthy tasting concoction that I have been consuming daily ever since. I have been exploring it in a variety of different ways in my test kitchen. My interest was instantly peaked on this super herb and after a little research I was astounded by the myriad of health benefits claimed by this ancient medicinal mushroom residing primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.  I continue my research, reading everything I can find on the subject.  I always keep a batch of Chaga tea in the frig to cook with, whip up a smoothie or just enjoy it on its’ own.  Here are some interesting factoids on the fungus.

Chaga is known as the “King of Medicinal Mushrooms.”  Different from other mushrooms, as it is densely configured with antioxidant pigments.  In fact, Chaga is the most nutritionally dense of all tree growths.  Unlike common mushrooms that are soft, Chaga is hard, wood-like, and at it’s core has an almost cork-like quality to its’ appearance. Many references from numerous ancient cultures have called it the “Gift from God” the “Mushroom of Immortality” the “Diamond of Life” and even the “King of Plants” from the Chinese, which is a strong statement from a culture where plants and herbs are the backbone of their traditional medicine. 

 

Benefits of Chaga

• Balances the immune system, optimizes the natural resistance against diseases and infections

Chaga is a natural BRM (Biological Response Modifier). It not only stimulates the body’s immune function when necessary, but can also slow it down when it’s overactive. In short, it will normalize the immune function, what classifies Chaga as an adaptogenic. The beta-glucans appear to be mainly responsible for that property, but many researchers believe it is actually the synergy between several, if not all constituents that is responsible for the full range of this adaptogenic action. Because of this property Chaga can be used to neutralize the side effects of pharmaceuticals, to compensate the age-related decline of our immune function, to neutralize genetic immune-disorders (like many auto-immune diseases) and, in general, to help us to deal with all the stresses of modern life. Stress (mental, physical, chemical, environmental – the change of seasons, urban life, pollution, etc. ) has an enormous negative impact on our resistance.

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-viral

These properties are linked to the immune supporting properties, of course. Apart from that, the antioxidants in Chaga can have a positive effect on inflammations. Betulinic acid (a unique component of Chaga) is currently being researched for its anti-HIV properties.

• Anti-ulcer, anti-gastritis properties

In folk medicine Chaga was used often to treat gastritis and related gastrointestinal problems. Again, the immune support of Chaga plays an important role here, both in treating and prevention of these problems, but betulinic acid and the phytosterols present in Chaga also play a role. Most ulcers are caused by bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. A well functioning immune system will be able to deal with this pathogen.

• Anti-cancer adjuvant – decreases the side effects of chemo-therapy and other aggressive medication

Chaga has proven to be very effective in supporting standard cancer treatments such as chemo-therapy and radiation. It can compensate the devastating effect these treatments can have on the immune system (causing side effects like nausea, insomnia, poor appetite, fatigue, etc. – these side effects are often the result of a compromised immune function.) It helps preventing metastasis (cancer cells traveling through the bloodstream should be neutralized by the immune system before they can cause harm). Chaga can significantly contribute to the quality of life during and after treatment this way.

Furthermore, research indicates that Chaga itself also has anti-cancer potential, in particular during the early stages of cancer. The betulinic acid and some of the phytosterols present showed the ability to kill cancer cells directly. How this works exactly is the subject of several theories. So Chaga has both an indirect (by stimulating the immune system to battle cancer-cells) and direct (by causing apoptosis [=programmed cell death]) effect during cancer treatments. Anti-tumor activity was only found in extracts prepared by lengthy heating or decocting, infusions prepared by steeping the raw material where not active against the tested tumors.

• Anti-oxidant properties, revitalizing, anti-aging

A high quality extract should include the sclerotium ( the black outside layer ) of the Chaga. This is important, because this sclerotium contains a massive amount of a specific fungi-melanin, giving good extracts a very high level of anti-oxidants and turning Chaga into a powerful anti-aging tool. Research showed DNA-regenerating and re-vitalizing properties. The whole body will benefit from this; you will look better (skin and hair) and your organs will function better.

Antioxidant power can be expressed in an ORAC-value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

• Normalizes cholesterol levels, beneficial for the cardiovascular system, supports a healthy blood pressure

Research showed betulinic acid (a compound unique to Chaga) to be able to break down ‘bad’ cholesterol in the bloodstream. Besides that the ß-glucans, part of the polysaccharides in Chaga also have a proven positive effect on cholesterol levels. By normalizing those levels Chaga contributes to lowering high blood pressure and promotes a healthy cardio-vascular system: less plaque, stronger arteries.

• No side effects and no contra indications

One of the many benefits of using a full-spectrum Chaga extract is that it has no side effects at all. Chaga is merely stimulating the body to heal itself. There is no potential disturbance of the body’s chemical and hormonal balance. This makes medicinal mushrooms like Chaga the ideal supplement for everybody. The only contra-indication is immune suppressing medicines (e.g. cyclosporin containing products, used after a transplant). Never use medicinal mushroom extracts together with this type of medication – the immune modulating effect might neutralize its workings.

Source: Oriveda Labs of Holland

         In addition, Chaga contains numerous B vitamins, flavonoids, phenols, minerals, and enzymes. It is also one of the world’s densest sources of pantothenic acid a vitamin needed by the adrenal glands as well as digestive organs. It also contains riboflavin and niacin in significant amounts.
Chaga contains wild-source minerals and is particularly high in copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc, and iron. Yet, its most potent ingredient is a special substance known as superoxide dismutase (SOD). This is an enzyme with great potency. Its function is to halt oxidation, especially the toxicity of a free radical known as singlet oxygen. This is the type of oxygen responsible for oxidizing and damaging tissues, which results in aging. It is the same oxygen that rusts a nail. SOD blocks this damage by quenching the singlet oxygen free radical. The SOD content per gram of Chaga is exceedingly higher than any other antioxidant currently known. Like to the tune of 50,000 x’s higher.

Chaga has been around for thousands of years.  Numerous studies have been done and can be found at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

If you live outside of the Northern rim or don’t vacation mushroom hunting in Siberia, you can source Chaga on the web.  Not all products are created equal, and I have only used my own wild harvested Chaga to date.  I am however a fan of David Wolfe, and he sells Chaga in a variety of different forms on his website www.longevitywarehouse.com Again, I have not tried his Chaga and I do not recommend anything that I haven’t loved, touched, tried and enjoyed. My experience with Chaga thus far has been an adventure of wonder, fascination and great joy, I can only hope to have peaked an interest in you about the many benefits of Chaga. Try Chaga today.

You can count on the fact that in the future we will be sharing Chaga recipes that earn our respect in the test kitchen. Here is one I have been exploring & really like.

Chaga Smoothie

Makes 1 serving

In a high speed blender:

Throw in 2 handfuls (2 c) of washed kale of choice, stems removed

1 whole apple, seeds removed

4 pitted dates

Cinnamon to taste

1 1/5 cups Chaga or liquid of choice

1 tablespoon raw Cacao (Chaga & Chocolate were meant for each other, however this is optional)

Blend until smooth & creamy. Enjoy & Happy Mushroom Hunting!

Y3

*Tastes like apple pie.  With cacao added it has more depth.

Very Cherry Spring

Nothing says spring more than the bud to bloom of the beloved Cherry Blossom Tree – with their elegant arrangement of flowers and endless color, these trees dance when a spring breeze catches their branches. As I found myself daydreaming about these amazing trees and anxiously awaiting their bounty of beauty, just then I realized with a hooray…that I would soon being seeing and walking among these magnificent trees. This year the blossoms are predicted to peak from April 3 – 6 and only lasting a few weeks, with this date fast approaching I penciled it in my calendar with a big exclamation mark. “Cherry Blossoms!! MUST SEE!!” All of sudden, I immediately found myself craving and thinking about my other beloved cherries. Now I know I’m getting ahead of myself as cherries aren’t in season till summer but I just couldn’t resist, and with cherries on my mind, in all forms, I blended up this delicious smoothie to go with my side of cherry blossom daydreaming. This decadent chocolatey smoothie makes the perfect treat to celebrate spring and it’s other “sister” – Cherry Blossom.

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

1 1/4 cup cherries, frozen or fresh
1 1/2 cup almond milk
2 tsp. cacao powder
1 tsp. coconut nectar or honey
Small handful alfalfa sprouts
Dash of cinnamon

Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy.

Love Elixir

This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself to a luscious, delectable, sensual and energy packed smoothie. Steve Gagne, the author of Food Energetics, explains in detail how each food, animal, or plant affects us on a nutritional, spiritual and emotional level. This is not a new notion, but a very ancient idea. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine the color of plants and fruits have historically been correlated with different organs and parts of the body. For instance, the phytonutrients found  in red fruits is considered helpful to the lymphatic system, a vital system that keeps blood flowing directly to the heart. And Maca, an ancient Peruvian superfood known to aid in reproductive function; helping to boost libido, balance hormones and increase fertility.

February 14th is a celebration of the heart, so what better way to help open your heart chakra than to drink some of the most ancient, healing and sexy foods. This red smoothie will elevate your mood, expand your heart and excite your taste buds.

Red Love Smoothie

1 Red Grapefruit
1/4 Pomegranate
1/2 peeled pear
1 thick slice of lemon with rind
1/4 of Avocado
1 seedless date
1/2 tsp Maca powder
1 tsp cocao powder
8 oz coconut water

Blend and enjoy.

Recipe/source: A Green Beauty

Super cold meets Superfood Hot Chocolate

Okay, winter has officially arrived and in full force. With the temperatures into the low 20’s moving around with our normal day-to-day routine can feel, well just wrong on these bitter cold days. The only thing that feels right is snuggling up with a good book, cozy blanket, and a warming cup of decadent hot chocolate. So if you’re throwing in the white towel today or hanging in this weekend – treat yourself to this delicious Superfood Hot Chocolate. The nutritious ingredients will help warm you from the inside out, as well as pleasantly aid in boosting your energy and mood levels, leaving you with a bit more pizazz in your step the next time you step outdoors.

Raw Cacao: one of the best sources of magnesium found in nature, in addition to containing high amounts calcium, zinc, iron, copper, sulfur, and potassium. Cacao contains many chemicals that enhance physical and mental well-being, including alkaloids, proteins, magnesium, and beta-carotene.

Ginger: aids digestion; decreases arthritic swelling; destroys bacteria and viruses; lowers blood pressure; aids circulation.

Cinnamon: aids digestion, relieves nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; has antiseptic properties; beneficial for the heart, lungs, and kidneys; aids insulin’s ability to metabolize blood sugar.

Cayenne: reduces inflammation, relives pain, reduce blood cholesterol, clears congestion, boosts the immune system, prevents stomach ulcers, lowers risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Maca: is an “adaptogen” meaning it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s hormonal, nervous and cardiovascular systems. For this reason it is particularly effective for improving libido. Maca also has the ability to help us cope with stress, and stabilize our moods and energy.  Boasting 31 minerals and trace elements, maca is a nutritional powerhouse and a stress-relieving, healthy addition to many foods.


Superfood Hot Chocolate 
Serves 1
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp. raw cacao powder
2 tsp. maca powder
1 Tbsp. coconut sugar
pinch sea salt
pinch cinnamon powder
pinch cayenne pepper
pinch ginger powder
small piece vanilla bean, scraped (optional)
1 ½ cups milk of your choice or water

Directions:
1. Boil water or warm milk on the stove and let cool slightly. If using raw nut milk, do not heat above 118°F/42°C.
2. Whisk in dry ingredients. Serve immediately with a cinnamon stick, if desired.

If you do not like spiced hot chocolate, just use the first four listed ingredients, plus milk or water. If you do not have or cannot find coconut sugar, leave this ingredient out of the mix and sweeten the finished beverage with honey or maple syrup.

Recipe: Sarah Britton, My New Roots.