RAW CACAO IS BETTER
The ingredients in our raw cacao recipes are rich in health-boosting benefits.
In its raw state, cacao contains nearly four times the antioxidant content of processed chocolate.
Nutritious and delicious – you and your body will love these recipes!
HOT CHOC-ORANGE DRINK
INGREDIENTS (per person)
250ml of Bonsoi soy milk
1 heaped teaspoon of raw, organic Ecuadorian cacao (see recipe notes).
1⁄2 a teaspoon of Ceylon (true) cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons of orange puree. Click this link for our Immune Boosting Orange Peel Puree.
1-2 teaspoons of organic maple syrup or raw honey.
INSTRUCTIONS
Place the milk, cacao and cinnamon into a stainless-steel pot and heat.
Gently stir until it simmers. Do not boil.
Once it is hot enough to drink (42°C), pour it into your favourite mug.
Add the orange puree and sweetener of choice.
Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES
You can use 100ml of organic coconut milk and 100ml of activated almond milk for a creamy alternative to soy milk. You could also use half cashew cream with half almond or oat milk. Make it your favourite way!
If you don’t have orange puree on hand, use 1 teaspoon of orange zest and add it to the milk, cacao, and cinnamon. Heating the zest will release the orange oils.
Ecuadorian cacao has a rich, smooth flavour that is ideal for hot chocolate drinks and raw chocolate recipes. We use Cacao Gold by Power Superfoods.
Organic oranges are free of pesticide and wax residues. If you can’t source organic citrus, wash oranges thoroughly with warm water and detergent.
If you are having trouble sleeping, use saffron-infused honey to sweeten and promote a good night’s sleep.
CACAO SPICE DRINK POWDER
If you love drinking hot chocolate, try our cacao spice blend recipe. It’s handy to have on hand when cravings strike and makes a beautiful homemade gift for family and friends.
The recipe is simple to make. There are only three ingredients – raw cacao, vanilla powder, and Ceylon cinnamon.
No matter the size of the batch you are making, the basic recipe is:
1 cup of raw cacao powder.
1/4 cup of vanilla powder (a quarter).
1 metric tablespoon of organic Ceylon cinnamon powder.
Measure and pour your ingredients into a mixing bowl and stir them gently until they are well combined.
Fill the powder into mason jars, and store in a cool, dry place.
RECIPE NOTES
Vanilla powder is rich and velvety, and the smell alone hugs you. It offers excellent health benefits but it can be pricey, so shop around.
Our cacao spice blend also adds extra deliciousness to desserts and homemade chocolate recipes.
Pairs well with ginger and cardamom powder too. Add one teaspoon of powder to the mix.
You can also add an extra tablespoon of True (Ceylon) cinnamon if you love spiced drinks.
We used Australian metric measures to create this recipe.
INGREDIENTS USES & BENEFITS
Raw Cacao
Contains nearly four times the antioxidant content of regular processed dark chocolate and 20 times more than blueberries • energy-boosting • blood clot prevention • brain health, cognitive function • supports your immune system • mood stabiliser • anti-inflammatory • memory enhancement • digestion • weight management • high blood pressure and circulation • promotes cardiovascular health • increases levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains that induce a sense of well-being • raises levels of serotonin which acts as a natural antidepressant.
Whole Orange Puree
Calms respiratory distress • reduces phlegm • histamine reducing for allergies • lung cleansing • liver protective • immune boosting • aids digestion and fat metabolism • reduces gut inflammation • cholesterol and blood pressure • natural anti-inflammatory • nutrient rich • helps regulate blood sugar • rich in flavonoids and antioxidants that help reduce oxidative damage • helps fight the symptoms of infection, colds and flu • disease prevention.
Cinnamon
Viral infections • anti-inflammatory • bacterial infections • Inhibits candida • promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria • decreases abdominal fat • improves fasting blood sugar • improves insulin resistance • anti-diabetic • rich in antioxidants • autoimmune symptoms • blood pressure (hypertension) • brain food • central nervous system • cholesterol • cognitive decline • protects colon • dental health • diabetes • fungal infections • protects against cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders • weight management • wound healing.
Vanilla
Antimicrobial • anti-inflammatory • antidepressant • aids digestion • relieves upset stomach • soothes gut inflammation • lowers cholesterol • alleviates diarrhoea and stomach cramps • natural appetite suppressant • regulates blood sugar and blood lipids • protects and improves tissue damage to kidneys, lung, skin, muscle, liver, gut, breast • alleviates cardiac distress.
Cacao is delicious in chocolate smoothies too!
CACAO REFERENCES
Becker K, Geisler S, Ueberall F, Fuchs D and Gostner JM (2013) Immunomodulatory properties of cacao extracts – potential consequences for medical applications. Front. Pharmacol. 4:154. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00154 (Immune properties)
Kamei M et al, “Anti-influenza virus effects of cocoa.” J Sci Food Agric. 2015 Apr 2. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.7197. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25847473 (Influenza)
Pérez-Cano FJ, Massot-Cladera M, Franch A, Castellote C, Castell M. The effects of cocoa on the immune system. Front Pharmacol. 2013 Jun 4;4:71. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00071. (Beneficial effects)