“Food of the Gods” meets the “Island of the Gods”

Bali Bliss Ceremonial Cacao Recipe

There are few places in the world where the sacred feels woven into everyday life quite like Bali. Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali is a land of temple offerings, lush jungles, healing waters, and a deep reverence for nature that can be felt in every corner of the island.

During my recent journey through Bali, I was continually inspired by the plants, flavors, and traditions that nourish both body and spirit. As a Daughter of Earth I believe that one of the greatest ways we can honor a place is by connecting with the people, foods, herbs, and medicines that have grown from its soil for generations.

This Bali-inspired ceremonial cacao recipe is an offering from that journey. A warming cacao elixir infused with coconut, pandan, ginger, turmeric, and fragrant spices that capture a little of the magic of this land.

Whenever I travel, I'm drawn toward the native plants, healing traditions, and ancestral foods. It feels like a way of listening to the land, allowing each place to teach me through its flavors, medicines, and rituals.

One of the very first things I tasted in Bali was Jamu, a traditional Indonesian herbal tonic made from fresh turmeric, ginger, tamarind, and sometimes other medicinal plants. For generations, Jamu has been prepared as a daily ritual to support immunity, digestion, circulation, energy, and overall wellbeing. 

Of course, I also sought out locally grown cacao. While I always travel with Daughter of Earth Ceremonial Cacao, I loved experiencing the unique character of Balinese cacao and supporting local whenever I could. If you ever visit Bali, I highly recommend seeking out locally grown cacao, you'll discover another beautiful expression of this beloved plant.

In the jungle on retreat, I met a beautiful Balinese high priestess named Made (pronounced Mah-day). She guided us through a water blessing ceremony beneath a waterfall at an ancient spring temple. She brought us fresh coconuts every morning and healthy Indonesian meals—comforting pumpkin stews and nourishing moringa dishes.

Made introduced me to Pandan leaf, an essential herb in Southeast Asia with numerous health benefits and culinary uses. It’s flavor is grassy with vanilla, rose, coconut and almond notes.

Before we left, we visited her small shop and were honored to support her by purchasing pandan-infused body oil, pandan tea, cloves, and cacao beans—all lovingly grown on her land.

We invited her to our shamanic spa day where we poured our love over her in the sweet-aroma plant bath she prepared with marigolds, frangipani and pandan, while we sang to her. Her only words after that were “I love you!” followed with cheek kisses and a group hug with her in the center. No elaborate words were needed. Love had become its own language

After leaving the island, I found myself missing its scents and flavors.

The warming spice of fresh ginger.

Golden turmeric.

Sweet coconut.

Fragrant cloves.

The soft vanilla-like perfume of pandan.

I wanted to capture those memories in a ceremonial cacao recipe that could transport me back to the jungles, waterfalls, and temples where they first awakened something inside me.

This recipe became my way of honoring Bali and sharing a little of its beauty with you.

Bali Bliss Ceremonial Cacao

A ceremonial cacao recipe inspired by the flavors and spirit of Bali.

Ingredients

• 6 oz ginger-turmeric tea

• 2 oz full-fat coconut milk

• 20–28 g ceremonial cacao (approximately 6–9 pieces)

• ½ tsp pandan powder (or substitute with vanilla)

• Cinnamon, to taste

• Cardamom, to taste

• Clove, to taste

• Pinch of sea salt

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1/2-1 tbsp coconut blossom sugar or coconut nectar

• Edible gold leaf flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Brew your ginger-turmeric tea using either fresh roots or a tea bag.

2. Add the strained warm tea to a high-speed blender along with the ceremonial cacao and all remaining ingredients.

3. Blend for about 20 seconds, until smooth and creamy.

4. Pour into your favorite mug and garnish with edible gold leaf flakes if desired.

Take a moment to pause before your first sip.

Offer gratitude for the cacao, for the plants, and the wisdom carried by the lands and people who inspired it.

Sip slowly, receive fully, and enjoy in bliss.