QUICK START GUIDE

• There are infinite possibilities for crafting the perfect cup of Keith's Cacao. We encourage experimentation and creativity. You can begin with this simple, basic recipe, and add other ingredients you enjoy if you wish to. 
• Every individual is unique, and your body will be the ultimate guide to the ratios and proportions that work best for you. Keith's Cacao is powerful stuff, so take your time, test, and tune in to what your body wants. The measurements in this recipe are guidelines from Keith's intuitive guidance and personal practice. When you are ready, you may consider Keith's prescribed "ceremonial dose" of 42g (1.5oz). See the dosage guide below for more.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: 

• 28g (1oz) of Keith's Cacao
• 200ml (7oz) of hot water  
• Sweetener (such as maple syrup) and spices (consider, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, vanilla) to taste.

1. Using a stove or kettle, warm the water, add the Cacao and your spices of choice. Use a hand blender or whisk to smooth it together. Pour it into your favorite mug and enjoy! 
2. Alternatively, pour the warm water over your Cacao, starting with a small amount so you can stir it together and create a paste. Take your time to whisk the water and Cacao together and create a smooth blend. Once you have created a paste, fill your cup, and add spices and sweetener to taste. Sip, enjoy, and let Keith's Cacao Bring on Your Magic. 

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT CUP

• It's best to use water that is not scorching hot! Take it off the heat before it boils and let it cool for a minute before blending it with your Cacao. Finger warm water is a good guide.
• For a smoother, creamier drink, make a paste first or use a blender to combine all the ingredients. 

• Each block of Keith's Cacao is its own work of art! You will likely see a beautiful configuration of whitish lines throughout your Cacao block. This is the natural separation of the Cacao butter from the Cacao mass that occurs in non-tempered Cacao and is called bloom. Bloom is the sign of a minimally processed product. Plus it can make breaking down your Cacao brick much easier.
• How you chop your block will depend on your available kitchen equipment, personal preference, and your relationship to the process.

Options include:

1. Use a sharp, heavy knife to slice small pieces or shave into small slivers. 
2. Break it into small chunks and grind it into a fine powder using a food processor, blender, or Nutribullet. 

• After you have broken your block of Cacao, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve its freshness. A dry cupboard or kitchen pantry is perfect!

• 0.3-0.4 oz (8.5-11g) for dreaming or lucid dreaming, taken mid-sleep cycle.
• 0.4-0.75 oz (11-21g) for sensitive or long-term Cacao drinkers.
• 3/4 oz (21g) twice a day for cardiovascular long-term health uses, such as high blood pressure or clearing arterial deposits. Switch to just 15g
  twice a day after six months.
• 1 oz (28g) for meditation or to assist creativity.
• 1.2 oz (34g) for mild aerobic activities like yoga, dancing, cardio, or general gym workouts.
• 1.5 oz (42.5g) for the standard ceremonial dose (for inner work).
• Up to 2 oz (57g) for an upper-limit ceremonial dose, especially if you are large-bodied. Note that about 5% of average drinkers will get nauseous (sick) if they consume this much at one time. We do know of some massive bodybuilders who take 4oz (113g) before an intense workout!

• Regarding timing, Cacao's strongest effects typically last between 4 and 5 hours. Many can feel the impact of Keith's Cacao begin immediately. If you are on an empty stomach, you will typically feel some buzz within 20-30 minutes, while 45 minutes after ingestion is when the full effects occur.  
• Some people prefer taking a typical day's Cacao dose as two separate portions, perhaps an ounce each, taken several hours apart. Or they take the second dose just as they begin to taper from the first ounce, which can be highly beneficial for an entire day-long of focus holding for activities such as hiking, creativity, or workplace productivity. If Cacao is taken with a meal, it has a slower assimilation speed, which means that the effects are felt a little slower but can be spread further over time. Taking Cacao in this way is perfect for an entire day of soulful work!
• A dose of +28g taken after about 6 pm may keep some people awake until late; drink responsibly!