“FOOD OF THE GODS” TO HONOR THE “ISLAND OF THE GODS”.

I recently returned from an unforgettable journey in Bali and the Indonesian Islands; praying in waterfalls and cave temples, rewilding in the jungle, making offerings, creating and connecting deeply with Mother Earth.

Of course the heart-led journey was fueled by Cacao! I flew with Ceremonial Cacao and also enjoyed cacao grown in Bali. When in Bali, definitely support local and try Balinese cacao!

As a Daughter of Earth, when I stay any place around the world I feel an importance to connect to the land and the indigenous medicinal herbs, spices and foods.

One of the first things I tried was Jamu Juice, a medicinal healing tonic traditionally made with fresh ginger, turmeric and tamarind. It’s great for overall wellness, immunity, inflammation and energy.

In the jungle, I met a Balinese high-priestess Made (pronouned ma-day), who blessed us in a beautiful authentic ceremony at a spring water temple, just below a sacred waterfall. She brought us fresh Bali-grown coconuts every morning and healthy Indonesian food (pumpkin-moringa stews and well, LOTS of cleansing moringa meals!).

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.

Photo: Made preparing a shamanic plant bath for us over an outdoor fire with local flowers; pandan leaf, marigolds and frangipani aka plumerias.

We got to bless Made back by supporting her shop; I bought her pandan infused body oil, pandan leaf tea, cloves and cacao beans, all grown on her land. We invited her to our shamanic spa day where we poured our love over her in a sweet-aroma plant bath while singing to her. Her only words after that were “I love you!” followed with cheek kisses and a group hug with her in the center.

I was inspired by the local grown plants and flavors of clove, pandan, coconut and ginger & turmeric of the Jamu Juice to create a Cacao elixir recipe.

My intention was to capture some of the magic of Bali and hope it helps to connect you to this sacred land through the senses too!

BALI BLISS CACAO

INSPIRED BY FLAVORS AND ESSENCE OF BALI

Ingredients:

6 OZ GINGER TURMERIC TEA

2 OZ COCONUT MILK

6-9 CACAO PIECES (APPROX. 20G-28G.)

1/2 TSP. PANDAN POWER OR SUB. VANILLA

CINNAMON TO TASTE

CARDAMOM TO TASTE

CLOVE TO TASTE

DASH OF CELTIC OR HIMALAYAN SEA SALT

1 TBSP COCONUT OIL

1 TBSP COCONUT BLOSSOM SUGAR

EDIBLE GOLD LEAF FLAKES (OPTIONAL)

Instructions:

BREW GINGER-TURMERIC TEA (FRESH ROOTS OR TEA BAG). ADD TEA TO BLENDER WITH ALL INGREDIENTS AND BLEND ON HIGH FOR 20 SECONDS. SERVE INTO MUG AND TOP WITH EDIBLE GOLD LEAF FLAKES.

MINDFULLY SIP AND ENJOY IN BLISS!

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