Happy New Year from Capella Ixtapa! How was your holiday season? I have to admit, mine was fabulous! But after enjoying the holidays surrounded with my family and dear ones, savoring many of our traditional dishes at home and at the resort, I think it is time for a thorough detox inside and out. Fortunately, Alex Branch, Executive Chef has offered to share his favorite detoxing tip: Cocoa Tea!
To help detox our body after a holiday season, Alex recommends enjoying a Cocoa Tea. Besides it’s amazing smell, this delicious tea is filled with antioxidants. Cocoa is rich in magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E. Cocoa can increase the level of serotonin, which can contribute our feelings of wellness and happiness. It is a slight antidepressant and stimulant similar to the body’s own dopamine and adrenaline. Cocoa can even help to keep blood pressure low.
Cocoa Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp Ground Cocoa Beans
2 pieces Clove
1 stick Cinnamon
2 oz Vanilla Extract
4 pieces Black Peppercorns
4 oz Ginger
12 oz Water
Method:
Heat water to a boil, add cocoa beans and boil for 5 minutes. Then turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Allow mixture to steep for 8 minutes, pass through a sieve into a mug. Serve hot.
