The Foodie News

The Peruvians know how to do some things really well. Brewing up a cup of Jo, the spicy way, is one of them.

Raw Chocolate being called "The New Red Wine" is made from Raw Cacao beans (Theobroma Cacao(Raw Chocolate). Theobroma literally means "Food of the Gods" the value and goodness from these seeds was and still is, extraordinary. The Mexicans named the pounded seeds "chocolate" and people have enjoying this sensual food for centuries. The new Raw Cacao emerging on the culinary scene is increasingly being consumed for its nutritive and health-enhancing properties, as it has been in many cultures in the past.

Cacao contains many chemicals that enhance physical and mental well-being. Including an incredibly rich supply of magnesium. The cacao bean also contains more antioxidant flavonoids than Red Wine, Green Tea and Blueberries. I prefer Navitas Naturals Raw Cacao. Their antioxidant rich organic raw Cacao (Cocoa) powder is processed at low temperatures which protects the nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Their premium Cacao comes directly from the farmers who cultivate them using sustainable methods that have been used for generations. And, their products are guaranteed to be free of heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides.

My personal experience with Raw Cacao actually took me by complete surprise. Not being the typical Chocolate lover, I never ate very much chocolate. Now and then I would purchase an organic dark Chocolate bar and nibble away at it over time. I was told I would experience this euphoric high - so to speak. But, that never happened. Then one day I purchased a bag of the Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder because I wanted to make some Raw Cacao Mousse. Well, the next afternoon it was unusually hot and wanted a cold smoothie. Without any forethought I decided a tropical banana Chocolate shake sounded good and before I knew it a couple tablespoons of Raw Cacao Powder went into the Vita Mix along with the other ingredients. I was not at all prepared for the extreme boost in energy I experienced - not to mention my euphoria. It was like I got a shot of something that transformed me into another state of being. Wow is what I said to everyone I encountered. I could not believe it. I continued my indulgence for a few days which was a little over the top - for me. I had to cut back so that I balanced myself out. I am particularly sensitive and you may be too, so indulge with caution. Raw Cacao is a powerful stimulant - a little goes a long way.

I offer you this drink because it is a great way to start your day - especially if you are a coffee drinker. I personally don't do well with caffeine, but love the taste of a good cup of jo - so with a little cacao my drink is a perfect pick up and I love the flavors. Did you know that chili powder and cayenne are also highly functional foods?

Remember to "Make Every Bite Count"!

Enjoy, Chef Teton

Here is a delicious drink that is full of

"highly functional" ingredients!