Scintillating Spices & Herbs for Valentine's!

Happy Friday, herb lovers!  We just wanted to share some sensually stimulating and scrumptious recipes from this month's newsletter on this Valentine's weekend eve.  They would be wonderful gifts but you can make them to share or enjoy them yourself!  Self-love is important, too!

For those on the gift hunt, our 10% off jewelry sale is still on so feel free to drop on by and see our gorgeous pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings and more!

Aphrodisiac Bliss Balls by Ascension Kitchen 1 cup coconut desiccated 1½ cups almond meal 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon coconut nectar ½ banana (about 62g) ¼ cup chia seeds ½ teaspoon beetroot powder (optional – for a pink color) ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder 1 tablespoon Damiana powdered 2 tablespoons Maca powder 1 teaspoon orange zest ½ cup coconut flakes Extra orange zest and shredded coconut to roll in Instructions 1. Add all ingredients except the orange zest and coconut flakes, to a food processor and blitz to combine. 1. Add the zest and larger coconut flakes for a quick pulse. 3. Roll into equal sized balls. 4. Cover a small plate with shredded coconut and extra orange zest, and roll the balls to coat them. These are best kept in the fridge as they have fresh banana in them. Yerba Aphrodisiaca Cashew Mousse 1 cup raw cashews 1/4 cup water 1/2 tsp. Damiana leaves 1/4 tsp. Lemongrass leaves 1/4 tsp. Hibiscus leaves 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup coconut oil 1/4 tsp. salt 2 cups fresh Raspberries Instructions 1. Cover cashews in water and soak for 8 hours/overnight. 2. When finished soaking, drain cashews and set aside. 3. Heat the 1/4 cup water, add damiana, lemongrass and hibiscus and steep for 10 minutes. 4. Strain out herbs. 5. Combine your tea, syrup, oil and salt until just melted. 6. In blender or food processor, combine liquid mixture with cashews and raspberries until completely smooth. 7. Refrigerate at least 6 hours before serving. 8. Enjoy!     Photo © Charity Burggraaf, excerpted from Healing Herbal teas   Chocolatl 2 parts raw Cacao powder 1 1/2 parts Chamomile flowers 1 part Peppermint leaves 3/4 part Cinnamon chips Roughly 1/3 part Star Anise Pinch of Cayenne pepper 1 tsp honey per cup 3/4 cup milk (any desired milk or substitute is fine) 3/4 cup water Instructions 1. Combine milk and water in a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. 2. Pour hot liquid over 1 - 2 teaspoons of your herb blend and allow to steep for 5 - 15 minutes. 3. Strain out herbs. 4. Add honey to taste and enjoy! __________________________________________________________ Titillating Topicals   Chocolate Body Paint (by Maria Noel Groves) - 3oz organic, fair-trade dark chocolate (white/milk chocolate works, too!) - 3oz edible oil (Sweet Almond, Grapeseed, Sunflower, or Avocado oils work great.  Coconut oil is fine, too. Just remember it will firm up as it cools.) 1. Carefully melt chocolate in double boiler or microwave. 2. Add desired oil and stir until smooth. 3. Pour into a glass jar. 4.  Paint onto the body with a clean paintbrush/makeup brush. Can also be used to dip fruits, etc. into. 5. Optional fun: Add in a natural edible body shimmer like this one or a culinary dust like this one while stirring in oil for a bit of shine! Flax Good Lubricant by Sheri Winston - 4 Tbsp. Flax Seeds - 2 cups pure water - Very Optional: 1 small True Cinnamon stick (Adds a gentle warming and stimulating sensation but do not use if skin is sensitive at all) 1. Bring water to a boil and (optionally add cinnamon stick here for about 5-10 minutes) add flax seeds. 2. Simmer for 5 - 15 minutes (until a somewhat frothy goo starts to form when you drag a spoon through it). 3. Strain out flax seeds. 4. Pour goo into squeezable bottle or bottle with pump. 5. Compost used flax seeds or refrigerate and re-use to make more within 2 weeks. **Goo will keep 2-3 days un-refrigerated or about 2 weeks refrigerated. Flax seed goo should be safe for most skin but use caution until you know if it works for you.**