This recipe is just like the one in the last post, but without the cacao/chocolate.

Why, you might ask, would anyone want to skip the chocolate? Well, these have a deep, rich, pristine taste that really supports whatever topping or layers you add. (Whereas cacao/chocolate can sort of steal the show.)

Plus they are very pretty for New Year’s, and you probably have the ingredients on hand to make these now.

These are made of just three simple ingredients: 
Coconut 
Nut Butter
Honey

And you can make these as layered cups as in the photo above which has almond butter and rose petal jam, or just as little coco cups by only pouring in a bottom layer, then topping that with nut butter, or fresh fruit, or both.

I invite you to read the last post to learn more about Ojas and its importance in health and why these beauties are so good for your beauty and strength.

Coconut is considered a divine plant in Ayurveda. In addition to its soothing nourishment – cooling in summer, and hydrating in the dry months of late autumn, early winter – it is also used as a sacred addition to all holy rituals in the Vedic tradition.

So it seems a propitious way to start the new year with holy coconut sanctifying the whole of you!

Speaking of the Vedic tradition, Jyotish suggests that 2020 holds great promise. I hope that it is for you delicious and nourishing in every way!

WHITE COCO NUT BUTTER CUPS
Makes about 6-8, depending on the size of your cup

These are so easy and quick to make, and will stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. They are especially hearty as a layered butter cup with almond butter and the delightfully soothing rose petal jam. You could also spoon chyvanprash into the middle layer if you are so inclined. But you can also skip the top layer, and just make them as an open cup topped with nut butter, fruit bits, toasted nuts or seeds.

Ingredients
1/2 cup shredded coconut (or coconut flakes)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 shakes cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pink salt 
raw honey
1/4 cup nut butter
Optional: 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed, and/or adaptogen of choice

Options: rose petal jam, pomegranate seeds, raspberries, pepitas, broken candy cane pieces, chopped preserved lemon, mandarine pieces, dried cherries, cranberries or crystallized ginger

Equipment
Metal bowl + sauce pan to melt cacao
Muffin cups or parchment paper
Muffin tin

Instructions
Make the Base: Put the coconut (shredded or flaked) in a high speed blender and blend on high for 10-12 minutes until you have a smooth consistency. You can learn more about making coconut butter here.

Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the coconut butter. Once fully melted, add the vanilla, cinnamon and pink salt and stir well. Remove from heat. If adding ground flaxseed and/or adaptogenic herb powder, blend now.

Spoon this coconut mixture into muffin cups, dividing equally. If you are going to leave these as open cups, use all the coconut mixture. if you are going to make layered cups, reserve 1/3 of this mixture for the top layer. Refrigerate.

Middle layer: Once the coconut base has set in the refrigerator (15-20 minutes), pull it out and lightly drizzle honey over the base. Spoon a teaspoon of nut butter into the middle of each cup. Optionally add half a teaspoon of rose petal jam, or fruit, nuts or seeds. Refrigerate. 

Topping: If you are adding a top layer, warm the remaining coconut mixture. Pour over the cups, ensuring the middle layer is completely covered. You may need to flatten the nut butter to get an even cover.

Place in the refrigerator to set. After about 20 minutes they will be ready. Decorate with pomegranate or a topping of your choice. 

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Thank you for reading this post, and please scroll to the bottom to learn of my gift giveaway which you may receive. I just want to let you know first about some exciting offerings in this new year.

2020 Trainings: Peering into the Stars | Nutrition Consulting

Jupiter Workshop: January 11

If you are curious to learn more about Jyotish, or the planet of primary influence for 2020, and how it will affect our world, please join me for this first webinar in my new series Peering Into The Stars.

Use this discount code to get $10 off: Jupiter2020

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Become an Ayurvedic Nutritional Health Counsellor

Grow Your Career As A Healer, A Coach, or A Healthy Chef

When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. ~ Ayurvedic Proverb

I’m excited and honored to offer this new, three part training to help you establish a dynamic and rewarding career in Ayurvedic Nutrition.

Each phase is a stand-alone certified training that you can immediately offer your students and clients, providing them greater health, vibrance and balance in their lives through the time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda.

If you complete all three levels you also will be certified as a VedaWise Nutrition Coach able to lead a variety of cleanses, workshops, courses and retreats, and eligible to work with me and my clients on future Ayurveda projects. I give you all my protocols, Cleanse materials and support so you can immediately get started and help others digest and live well!

As a dedicated reader of my blog, I want to offer you a discount on the Training: Ayurvedic Integrative Nutrition Level One: $100 discount
Discount expires January 10, 2020.

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Finally, I have another giveaway! I am so fortunate that Banyan Botanicals has invited me to be an Ambassador for their products. It means that I sometimes have extras of my favorite Ayurvedic goodies in my pantry, including now my favorite for daily skin care – the Ojas cultivating Beauty Balm. I love this so much I give it every year as a Christmas gift. It is pure, clean, simple and all you may need for evening facial care. Just comment below (for random blind drawing Saturday).
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GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED. Thank you!

How are you celebrating New Year’s? What will you be creating in 2020?

Thank you & Happy New Year!