At Up the Hill Inc., we believe chocolate is more than indulgence — it is ceremony. When paired with herbs that soothe and open the heart, chocolate becomes a ritual of connection. This DIY recipe invites you to craft your own herbal chocolate, weaving together cacao with lemon balm, lavender, oatstraw, and vanilla. Each ingredient carries intention, transforming sweetness into a gift of love.
Choosing the Herbs
This blend is designed to soothe emotions and invite tenderness:
- Lemon balm — bright and calming, often called “the herb of joy.”
- Lavender — aromatic and soothing, inviting peace and tenderness.
- Oatstraw — grounding and nourishing, symbolizing resilience and emotional support.
- Vanilla bean — warm sweetness, evoking intimacy and comfort.
- Cacao nibs/powder — rich and earthy, symbolizing heart‑opening indulgence.
Ceremonial note: As you gather each herb, reflect on the qualities of love you wish to nurture — joy, peace, resilience, sweetness, or openness.
Step One: Preparing the Herbal Infusion
To bring the herbs into the chocolate, begin with an infused cream or butter.
You will need:
- ½ cup dried lemon balm
- 2 tbsp lavender
- 2 tbsp oatstraw
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for dairy‑free option)
Instructions:
- Warm cream gently in a saucepan.
- Add herbs and let steep for 15–20 minutes on low heat.
- Strain, pressing herbs to extract flavor.
- Allow infused cream to cool slightly.
Ceremonial note: As the herbs steep, breathe in their aroma. Pray or send gratitudes to the infusion to carry tenderness into the chocolate.
Step Two: Making the Chocolate
You will need:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- 2 tbsp cacao nibs (optional, for texture)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Herbal infused cream (from Step One)
Instructions:
- Melt chocolate gently in a double boiler.
- Stir in vanilla and optional cacao nibs.
- Slowly add infused cream, whisking until smooth.
- Pour into molds or a parchment‑lined pan.
- Chill until firm.
Ceremonial note: As you stir, imagine weaving together sweetness and care. Pouring the chocolate becomes an offering — a gift to yourself or loved ones.
Step Three: Sharing the Ritual
Break the chocolate into pieces and share during a moment of connection — with a partner, family, or community. Pair it with tea, journaling, or candlelight.
Ceremonial note: As you offer a piece, speak a word of gratitude or affection. Let the act of sharing become the ritual itself.
DIY herbal chocolate is simple, yet deeply meaningful. It invites us to slow down, connect with plants, and transform indulgence into ceremony. At Up the Hill Inc., we celebrate these practices as pathways to balance, creativity, and mindful living. May your herbal chocolate be more than sweetness — may it be a gift of love, renewal, and joy.
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