Coconut Chai Hot Cocoa...
What are you drinking while waiting for this morning’s lunar eclipse?
Right now my mug is full of Coconut Chai Hot Cocoa. Paradoxically, the coconut is supposed to remind me of the tropics and warmer times, while the Chai spices remind me it’s the week of Christmas. And what a fitting combo for an auspicious night of the lunar eclipse followed by the winter solstice—both in one night (more like morning), a definite rarity. I feel so lucky!
...reminds me of the tropics and Christmas at the same time!
A total eclipse of the moon, which should be visible in northern skies December 21, 2010 (right now in this moment!), when the Earth blocks the sun’s rays from the face of the moon for 72 minutes, casts the Earth’s shadow on the moon. The result is an amber lit moon. According to NASA Science by 3:17 a.m. EST, “That’s when the Moon will be in deepest shadow, displaying the most fantastic shades of coppery red.”
I’ve lasted this long to see the red brilliance cast upon on the moon and my hot chocolate is keeping me warm and awake! The next time this rare occurrence is happening is on December 21, 2094, so this is so worth the wait.
Compared to my fave Garam Masala Hot Chocolate, this one has more sweet notes from the cardamom in the Chai Masala and coconut milk.
Did I mention I usually slip in about 1/8 tsp. of turmeric powder into my hot chocolate!? Sounds a bit odd I know, but this way I get my daily does of turmeric antioxidants! You won’t even notice it, as it’s masked by the taste of cocoa.
================================================================================================================================
Coconut Chai Hot Cocoa
I used So Delicious unsweetened coconut milk, which is not like thick canned coconut milk. So Delicious is drinkable, light and not heavy! I found organic coconut extract at Whole Foods Market. Note: The extract I used was not concentrated, so if you’re using another brand, only use 1 drop of extract, otherwise the flavour will be overpowering.
I used lots of layers of coconut, even organic coconut sugar to sweeten!
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk (I used So Delicious unsweetened)
1 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder (use good quality cocoa)
½ tsp. Arvinda’s Chai Masala + 1/8 tsp. turmeric (for bonus antioxidants)
3-5 drops pure coconut extract
coconut sugar, to sweeten
dry coconut, toasted, to garnish (optional)
Method: In a small pot, heat coconut milk on medium high heat. Whisk in cocoa powder and stir until milk is frothy and cocoa powder is well dissolved.
Stir in Arvinda’s Chai Masala, turmeric (optional) and coconut sugar to sweeten. Whisk again. Strain into a mug and stir in coconut essence. Garnish with toasted dry coconut.
Enjoy on a bitter cold winter solstice-lunar eclipse night! Serves 1.
================================================================================================================================
In India the winter solstice is observed as Lohri, the bonfire festival in northern India, in the state of Punjab on the eve of the winter solstice. However over time this festival has been paired with the Hindu winter solstice festival called Makar Sankranti, marking the sun’s change in positioning into Capricorn, where the sun God Agni is revered. For this reason, Lohri is typically celebrated in mid-January.
Punjab, being home to vast farmlands and India’s wheat-growing region, Lohri is celebrated before the harvest period, where huge bonfires are lit on the land and sweets, nuts, seeds and candies are eaten and thrown into the fire in hopes and promise for a prosperous growing season.
The winter solstice in North America to me has always been a special, sacred day, a time to light candles and feel the presence of lightness during the darkest, longest night sky.
Celebrations take place at Toronto’s Kensington Market’s Winter Solstice on December 21 at 6:30pm. The festivities dotted with decorated lit lanterns look amazing and I want to go!
Check out the fun from 2009!
Okay, I better catch this lunar eclipse!
Did you see the lunar eclipse? Was it amazing or what?! And what were you drinking to stay warm?
A teaspoon of: U2. Listening to: Ultraviolet (Light My Way).
