(My secret formula)

Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Dairy-Free Options

This is a new favorite of mine. I created this one for my husband to help him get a good start to his day as a techy, improve his brain function and focus, support his endurance and recovery from exercise, balance his immune system, and enjoy a lovely frothy morning drink.

Cacao is the name for “real” chocolate, not “cocoa.” On its own, it’s full of antioxidants, stimulants similar to caffeine, and offers incredible pleasure to the senses. I’ve added my secret mix of mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs to support total mind, body, spirit wellness. I also add collagen and or hydrolyzed beef protein which then makes it a full meal! It’s not required but a healthful option. You can mix and match as your tastebuds and bank account allow. I also use raw cacao paste, but raw or toasted cacao powder is also great. You can alternate the liquids to your liking. I tend to use spring water and full fat coconut milk from a can that is free of binders like guar gum etc. Any milk alternative will work. To procure all of these ingredients can be an investment up front, but the powders last a while because you only need a tiny bit.  This drink is meant to be customized to your taste buds and health goals. I don’t use sugar but if you desire it sweet you can add pure Monk fruit extract, stevia, coconut sugar, or honey. Enjoy playing and stepping into your Alchemist!

I prefer making a pot and then saving it in the fridge for the next day. I begin with 6 cups liquid. Feel free to double it if you have a larger gathering and want to share. Serve about 1- 1 ½ cups per person. 

Ingredients

Liquids:

Liquid tips: I use part water and part milk alternative but you can do any combination or one or the other. 

  • 4-5 cups spring water
  • 1 can full fat coconut milk free of binders and gums
  • 4 ounces of cacao paste or to your taste buds (you can also use cacao powder- start with ¼ cup and work up according to your taste buds. Cacao paste is stronger. Sometimes I do a mixture of each if I’m running low on paste)

Powders:

Mushroom Powder Tips: I’m using a variety of non-psychedelic medicinal mushrooms in my cacao. Use full fruiting body, extracted powders. Do not use mycelium based powders as these are mostly grain (rice, etc.) and have no fruiting body in them. Paul Staments mushroom supplements are NOT fruiting body and are mostly grain. I also avoid the extractions that say 100:1 or 50:1 and stick with pure extracted powders. A lot of the therapeutic benefits are in the fruiting body. 

  • 1 tsp red reishi powder (immune system, mood support)
  • ½ tsp cordyceps powder (endurance, immune system)
  • ½ tsp turkey tail powder (immune system)
  • 1 tsp lions mane powder (brain)
  • 1 tsp red maca powder (stamina, libido, energy)
  • 1 tsp ashwagandha powder (adaptogenic, good for hormones, mood, energy, balance)
  • ¼ tsp Siberian ginseng powder (stamina, energy)
  • 1 tsp acai powder or elderberry powder (immune system, antioxidents)
  • ½ tsp ginkgo biloba powder (brain)
  • 1 tsp bacopa powder (brain) 
  • ¼ tsp rhodiola rosea powder (energy, balance, resilience)

Spices:

I love cinnamon with cacao as well as vanilla and chai spices. You can add or omit whatever you please. Play with them.

  • 1 tsp cinnamon 
  • 1 tsp raw vanilla powder or liquid
  • 1 tea bag of rooibos chai 
  • 1/16th dash cayenne
  • Pinch of Himalaya sea salt

Protein Sources:

(This is Optional and you can mix and match any of these or just use a single one)

  • 1 scoop Whole Body Collagen by Designs for Health (I can dropship this to you) No flavor

And/or

  • 1 scoop Pure Paleo Bone Broth Protein by Designs for Health (I prefer no flavor)

And/ or

  • 1 scoop Pure Pea Protein by Designs for Health (I prefer vanilla)

And/ or

  • 1 scoop Clearvite by Apex Energetics (I prefer chocolate) (I can dropship this too) This is an excellent formula for liver detoxification and support and tastes amazing.

Instructions

  1. Add liquids (water, milk alternative) and cacao paste/powder to a medium sized sauce pot and heat on low, stirring frequently with a whisk. Do not boil.
  2. While it is heating, you can begin adding your mushroom powders and herbs. Wait on the protein until the end. 
  3. Whisk in the powders the best you can.
  4. Add the protein powder source if you please.
  5. Carefully use an immersion blender to combine all the powders and froth it. 
  6. Serve hot.
  7. Store leftovers in the fridge, I prefer in a glass jar. If the liquid is hot, add a metal knife to the jar first, before adding hot liquid, to avoid cracking the glass. Reheat when desired. 

Incredible option:

After the nut bottom has hardened add a layer of raw cashew butter and chill again for 30 minutes, then add melted cacao/chocolate/carob on top of that and refrigerate for another hour. Remove from fridge, cut and serve. Or cut and wrap individually for a snack on the go!

Buen Provecho!