Somatic mindfulness: hot chocolate
Director, camera, editor Mali Kanuve of Vinteve Media for Medicinal Media. EP/writer Rob VanAlkemade / Medicinal Media. Music Burning Rosemary by John Metcalf and Simon Richmond. Music supervisor Brian Keigher.
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Join us in Savannah, Georgia for a somatic meditation exercise hosted by 5-year-old Arlo, who works patiently, joyfully, and mindfully with her mom until they’ve mixed, simmered, and steeped a blissful blend of chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, cream, sugar, and a dash of chili powder for Valentine’s Day hot chocolate time.
Arlo and her mom
Arlo is known to be assertive, often goofy, very sweet, determined, and independent. Arlo loves to dance so much that she is sometimes able to let go of her sense of place, time, and even self, in a way that is freeing, until she’s back “as something new.”
Arlo’s recipe: Spicy Hot Chocolate from The New York Times
Step 1
In a medium pot, whisk together 3 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, and a dash of ancho chile powder. Place pan over medium-low heat and whisk until chocolate begins to melt. Slowly whisk in 1 3/4 cups whole milk, then ¼ cup heavy cream. Drop in 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer. (Note: you can replace the milk and heavy cream with alternatives of your choice.)
Step 2
Remove pot from heat. Cover pot tightly and steep 1 hour (or, as long as you can wait, says Arlo). Whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and taste for sweetness, adding more sugar if you like. Warm over low heat before straining and serving hot, with marshmallows or whipped cream if desired.
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