This dessert always makes me feel like I’m at a ski lodge relaxing in a so-comfortable-I-can’t-get-out-of-it oversized chair soaking up the warmth of a blazing hearth fire. I’m wrapped in a warm blanket; all snuggled in and watching the snow lovers outside through ceiling high windows. This is actually a little more than a feeling; it’s the usual scenario when someone has coerced me into going skiing. I love snow. It’s a vision to behold; beautiful in paintings and photographs and definitely from inside a nice and cozy ski lodge. And it makes great ambience for tonic beverages like Pistachio Honey Superfood Tonic and this dessert. I just don’t like being right in the thick (or sleet) of it.
Having grown up in the northern Midwest and endured a great deal of winter snow (up to my ears at times) I find myself content now to enjoy it from a distance or just very occasionally. Everyone I know has tried to get me into the snow, luring me with every piece of extravagant equipment known to man at the finest ski resorts in the world. But I always end up right back inside the lodge sitting in front of a roaring fire. Just give up. I’m not leaving this comfortable chair and my drink…..unless it’s a snow mobile. To each his own right? Quirkiness is one quality all of us humans have in common. I hope.
This superfood pudding is an explosion of intense chocolaty heat, spices, and nutrients. It’s hot spicy-wise yet calming. I performed a bit of alchemy to get a certain degree of warmth and of course lots of flavor. But don’t worry, you won’t break out into a sweat or anything. I just wanted my dessert to accomplish something positive. It is after all, an elixir.
One of nature’s most outstanding achievements is giving us spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg that can effectively warm us up and cool us down. They also helps us burn more calories and balance out our metabolism. I wanted this double-sided effect when I formulated this delicious creamy dessert. One beautiful plus to this dessert is that you can eat it straight away or wait until it’s chilled and set to an almost mousse-like texture.
One of the main ingredients in this treasured pudding is hemp seeds. I think most people think of hemp seeds as unsuitable for desserts because of their slight bitterness. I’m here to tell you not so! Hemp seeds blend extremely well with other flavors and can even find itself lost in there. In fact, unless someone told you it was in this drink, I doubt you would even know it’s there. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of heart-healthy hemp Oregano Hemp Dip.
Hemp seeds are considered by many to be the most complete food source in the world. Now that’s a powerful statement when you think of all the millions of available foods out there.
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a good health. No other single plant source in the world has such digestible essential amino acids or such a perfect ratio of essential fatty acids.
Hemp seeds also contain vitamin E, fiber, trace minerals, and no phytic acid (the anti-nutrient that keeps you from absorbing minerals) which means you don’t have to soak them before using.
Hemp is important for strengthening the immune system and can even help fend off immune diseases.
Hemp is one of the oldest cultivated foods in the world dating back to ancient China where it was used for everything from clothing to medicine.
Anyone thinking that hemp seeds are just hippie food needs to think again. Another benefit I noticed when eating (or drinking) hemp is that my mood and energy levels instantly improve. Never underestimate the importance of a mood-lifter. And unlike artificial mood-lifters, hemp has no side effects. So eat and be happy.
Warm, powerful and intense like a big wonderful hug; this intoxicating and powerful dessert will transform your taste buds and help take the chill out of any season. I hope you enjoy it.
This recipe is raw, dairy and gluten-free, and serves 2 – 4 persons.
Spice and Hearth Chocolate Elixir Pudding
- If using plain water you may want to increase the sweetener even up to the full amount recommended.
- The spices and super food powders are optional but highly recommended.
- You can substitute the cashews with any combination of other nuts, preferably blanched or without skins. You can also use about 1 1/4 cups fresh coconut meat instead of the cashews.
- 1 3/4 cups coconut water or water
- 2 cups unsalted cashews, soaked in water for 2 – 8 hours then drained and rinsed throughly
- 1/2 cup shelled hemp seeds or other nut/seed of choice
- 4 Tbsp carob or cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp maca powder
- 1/2 tsp mesquite powder (optional)
- 2 cardamom pods or 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 – 1/4 tsp cayenne or to taste
- 2 vanilla beans or 2 tsp vanilla or vanilla-flavored stevia to taste
- 1 – 3 Tbsp coconut/palm sugar or other natural sweetener to taste (optional)
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup virgin coconut oil (depending on how thick you want it)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- stevia to taste
- Add water, cashews, and hemp seeds to a blender and blend until very smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until well mixed and smooth.
- Pour into pudding containers and chill covered for at least two hours before serving.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
- Yields about 4 cups.
- Can be stored refrigerated up to 3 days.
