Ayurvedic Hot Cocoa Recipe

As we navigate the seasonal junction between Vata and Kapha, Ayurveda invites us to witness the dance of transition in nature and within ourselves.

The brisk, airy qualities of Vata yield to the grounding and stabilizing presence of Kapha, creating a delicate balance between movement and stability. This juncture marks a pivotal moment where the cool, dry winds of Vata intersect with the damp, cool characteristics of emerging Kapha.

It's a time of both release and rejuvenation, where self-care rituals play a vital role in maintaining equilibrium.

As we bid farewell to the restlessness of Vata, we welcome the nurturing embrace of Kapha, fostering a sense of grounding and renewal within our bodies, minds, and spirits.

Embracing this seasonal shift with mindfulness allows us to align with the ever-changing rhythms of nature and cultivate harmony in our holistic well-being.

Tips for the late-winter season:

• Start your day with warm water to kick start digestion and hydrate after the night of rest and recalibration 

• Nurture your internal fire with warming spices like ginger, cumin, cinnamon, and nutmeg in your meals.

• Tend to your skin with nourishing oils and warm baths 

• if the winter blues have you feeling heavy, try dry brushing or a sauna session 

• Swap ice cream and smoothies for brownies and butternut spice lattes 

• Feeling sick? Boost your immune system with antioxidant-packed Chyawanaprash. 

• Don’t forget to cover your head & ears when out in the cold!

Ayurvedic Hot Cocoa

Create a cup of hot cocoa that not only warms your body but also nourishes your spirit. It's more than a beverage; it's a ritual of well-being. Enjoy mindfully, sipping in moments of warmth and relaxation. 🍫☕🌿

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk

• 1 tbsp raw cacao powder

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• A pinch of ground ginger

• A pinch of ground nutmeg

• A pinch of sea salt

• 1 teaspoon ghee (optional for a creamy texture)

Instructions:

1. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk over medium heat. Avoid boiling; the aim is to heat it without scalding.

2. Combine Ingredients: Whisk in the cacao powder, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.

3. Add Ghee (Optional): For an extra creamy texture and to enhance the Ayurvedic benefits, add ghee to the mixture. Stir until the ghee is fully melted and integrated.

4. Simmer and Infuse: Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the hot chocolate. Stir occasionally to prevent any settling.

5. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the hot chocolate and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more maple syrup or honey if needed.

6. Strain (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can strain the hot chocolate to remove any remaining spice particles. This step is optional, and many enjoy the added texture of the spices.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the Ayurvedic hot chocolate into your favorite mug, and savor the warmth and comforting flavors. Optional: Add a dash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of richness.