A Nourishing Cacao Beverage to Gently Call in Winter

My senses are always attuned to ingredients in the local area, noticing and savoring what’s growing nearby as we dance through the seasonal rhythms. Oh, how I crave delicate greens and asparagus in spring, white peaches and lemon cucumbers in summer, so many squash varieties and fuyu persimmons in autumn, and my favorite, cara cara oranges in winter.

Longing for ingredients at their pinnacle of flavor and nutrition really grounds me in each season and allows me to fully appreciate the fleeting cycles of nature. By supporting our local farmers or growing food ourselves, we can directly receive the benefits of the soil in which they are grown. Plus, we tend to pay less for food when we don’t need to refrigerate or transport it around the world.

Here in the northern hemisphere, we’re approaching the cooler, darker days of winter (officially on December 21) so I am preparing my body to move more slowly and intentionally while conserving resources. Nothing does this for me like a warm, nourishing beverage that I associate with calm, quiet and all things restorative. In this case, it’s not necessarily the ingredients that are wintery but rather, the ritual behind this drink.

Below, I share with you my favorite cacao beverage that brings immense joy to prepare and sip. I make sure to prioritize incredibly nutritious ingredients to nourish mind, body and soul — a true expression of self-love.

I believe that we can all live simply with less and be conscious about choosing the best quality possible — be it ingredients, articles of clothing or hand-crafted items for the home.

May you cozy up with a cup of comfort this chilly season. Enjoy.

For one serving:

• 6 raw or sprouted cashews
• 2 deglet dates or 1 medjool date
• 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil or grass-fed butter
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of sea salt
• for extra spice, a pinch of cardamom, allspice and/or grating of fresh ginger (with the skin on)

Pour some boiling water into your favorite mug to warm it up.

Add all of the above ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 20–30 sec until nice and creamy.

Empty the hot water out of your mug and fill with the cacao beverage.

Top with a few flakes of maldon flaky sea salt or a dash of cinnamon if desired.

Savor slowly.