On Magic and Herbal Halloween Treats

Treats for the season, and a little everyday magic.

In today's world, a sense of Magic often gets lost in the daily to-do lists, the news headlines, and the stress of living through a global pandemic. Magic can mean all sorts of things, but I usually attribute it to a moment where I notice the beauty of life happening all around me. A peaceful awareness of seeing the good things that are part of each day, despite the mess of what might be going on globally.

Sometimes I think the Magic that comes with this particular time of year, late October, is the coziness of the nights spent by the fireplace, warm meals, and loved ones to snuggle up with. Moments like these call for celebration and gratitude, good wine, herbal tea, and the sweets that we let ourselves indulge in--guilt-free.

Whether you are celebrating a traditional Samhain or honoring past lives for the Day of the Dead, this time of year is traditionally a moment of ritual and celebration. Samhain, the Gaelic festival, marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.  The festival honors transitions and the year's bounty with merriment, food and drink, and of course, treats.

These herbal treats are just the thing to replace that processed, sugar-filled candy with something that is a healthier choice with natural sweeteners, and of course, herbs. That way, you don't feel so guilty as you reach for another. They feature a few of our favorite herbal formulas; Joy Tonic, and Immune Tonic.

Our Joy Tonic is just the thing for the occasional stress of life.  A mood-brightening formula of nervine herbs like motherwort, rose, mugwort, and lemon balm, traditionally used to promote a joyful spirit and positive mental attitude.* It is also helpful for occasional worry and tension from stress.  We find that we could all use a little more support in that area these days, with a pandemic and an upcoming presidential election.

There is no denying it--our Immune Tonic is the perfect pair to chocolate, which is a great reason to get more immune-supporting herbs into you this season. The blend of roots, mushrooms, and berries in our Immune Tonic is traditionally used to support optimal immune function and support healthy defenses. This nourishing blend of organic medicinal mushrooms and herbs builds and strengthens the immune system.*

Nutty Turmeric Truffles with Joy Tonic

These are just the thing to get you in the Halloween spirit, satisfy the sweet tooth, and enjoy the benefits of herbs. Makes about 10-15.

Ingredients:

Nut Balls

• 1 cup cashews
• ½ cup dried apricots
• ½ cup coconut
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup of another type of nut- sunflower, almond, hemp seeds, etc.
• 2 tbsp Joy Tonic
• ¼ tsp sea salt 

Chocolate Dip

• ½ cup white chocolate
• ½ cup cacao butter
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

Optional toppings: sea salt, turmeric powder, cacao nibs, coconut.

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients for the nut balls into a food processor and blend until the texture can stay together when rolled into balls.
• Roll into balls, your preference on size- and place on a baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 mins.
• While waiting, start on the chocolate dip. Using a double boiler, melt the white chocolate, and cacao butter until liquid. Stir in the turmeric powder and remove from heat. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes until it starts to become a little thicker as it starts to solidify.
• Removing the nut balls from the freezer, dip them into the liquid chocolate, and place them back on the parchment tray. Sprinkle with optional toppings.
• Store in an airtight container and keep in the fridge. They will last about a week.

Medicinal Mushroom Almond Butter Cups

An herbal twist on the traditional Reese's peanut butter cups. Makes about 10-15.

 Ingredients:

Chocolate

• 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
• 3 tbsp melted cacao butter
• ¾ cup raw cacao powder
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• Pinch of sea salt

Nut Butter Filling

• 1/2 cup almond butter (or any nut butter: cashew, pecan, hazelnut…)
• 1 tbsp. raw honey (or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp Immune Tonic
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp of sea salt

Directions:

• In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil and cacao butter. Add the honey and whisk to combine. When completely uniform, remove from heat and stir in cacao, vanilla extract, Immune Tonic, and sea salt. Taste for sweetness and saltiness, and adjust accordingly.
• In silicon or paper muffin cups, spoon enough chocolate to cover just the bottom. You are only using a small bit of the liquid chocolate- you need the rest to finish the cups.
• Place in the fridge or freezer and cool until solid, about 15 minutes.
• Mix the ingredients for the filling, making sure to combine well.
• Add the nut butter filling to each cup on top of the solid chocolate, about ½ tsp in each cup, and drizzle the remaining liquid chocolate on top, making sure to cover the filling completely.
• Place in the fridge to harden for at least one hour.
• These can keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. If they last that long.

Enjoy & don't forget to look for the magic in every day🧡