Ceremony Cacao Brownies with Ema Taylor

Images by Sam Riles

Ema Taylor is the founder of Ceremony Cacao, a small business that celebrates nourishing, everyday rituals.

“Ceremony was born 3 years ago while I was at University studying a Bachelor of Health Science majoring in Naturopathy. My fiancé and I lived with friends and I would make them hot cacao drinks most nights after dinner.” My best friend and I were talking about the array of healthy hot drink options available now at cafes, but we hadn’t seen a healthy drinking chocolate being offered. The seed was planted and from then on it became my mission to share the power of food as medicine through the tastiest offering of all – chocolate!”

The seed was planted and from then on it became my mission to share the power of food as medicine through the tastiest offering of all – chocolate!

“It was important for me that each ingredient in Ceremony Cacao possessed nutritional benefits – the way food should be! Ceremony is a blend of organic cold pressed Peruvian cacao beans and a handful of Mother Nature’s superfoods (cinnamon, maca powder, coconut sugar, celtic sea salt and a chilli blend – cayenne pepper).”

Here are a few of their benefits:

CACAO

Cacao is one of the highest natural food sources of magnesium, rich in cardiovascular protective properties and antioxidants, which enhances detoxification, reduce inflammation and promote longevity. Contains the precursors for the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and tryptophan, which assist feelings of wellbeing, encourage resilience to stress and anxiety and are natural aphrodisiacs. Contains PEA and anandamide, which promote excitement, euphoria and increase energy.

COCONUT SUGAR

Unrefined with a lower glycemic index compared to other sugars, rich in minerals and contains inulin, a prebiotic fibre that supports digestive health.

CINNAMON

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, stabilises and modulates blood glucose levels while reducing insulin levels.

MACA POWDER

Increases stamina and endurance while nourishing the endocrine system, rebalancing hormones, increasing libido and promoting fertility. Rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytonutrients.

CAYENNE PEPPER

Stimulates metabolism, supports healthy digestion and promotes weight loss. Encourages blood circulation to all major organs, enhancing nutrient delivery and promoting detoxification. Relieves congestion and supports the immune system through antibacterial properties.

CELTIC SEA SALT

Provides essential minerals helping to balance electrolytes, blood glucose levels and alkalise the body.

“I especially love to enjoy a cup of Ceremony in the mornings, mornings are the most sacred time of my day, there’s nothing better than waking up early and having a few hours of ‘me’ time while the world feels quiet and calm.”

The Recipe

Ceremony Cacao Brownies

Ema shares a recipe for a delicious brownie, made using Ceremony Cacao powder and unexpectedly, sweet potato.

Ema shares a recipe for a delicious brownie, made using Ceremony Cacao powder and unexpectedly, sweet potato.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 generous cup of brown rice flour
  • 3/4 cup Classic Ceremony Cacao powder
  • 1/4 tsp. baking powder
  • 175g sweet potato, cooked and mashed to a puree
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 175g goats butter or coconut oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

For the chocolate sauce

  • 2 tbsp. Ceremony powder
  • 2 tbsp. melted coconut oil

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees
  2. Sift the flour, Ceremony cacao and baking powder into a bowl.
  3. Place the sweet potato puree, coconut sugar, melted butter/coconut oil, egg and vanilla extract in another bowl and mix together well.
  4. Stir dry ingredients into wet.
  5. Pour the brownie mixture into a cake tin lined with greaseproof paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is set on top but gooey in the middle.
  6. Cool in the cake tin, then cut into squares.
  7. For the chocolate sauce, add 2 tbsp. of ceremony powder to melted coconut oil and stir well until combined
  8. Serve brownies with a dollop of coconut yoghurt, raspberries and a drizzle of sauce

Enjoy!

**Store in an airtight container if you haven’t eaten them all on the first day.

@emataylornaturopathy