Cacao Alchemy
Task
To develop five different recipes condensed in an ebook highlighting the craftsmanship of Puchero as well as the benefits of cacao.
Cacao Alchemy is a research and recipe development project in which we deep-dived into the chemistry of chocolate and how it impacts the mind and the body. We developed a series of cacao-based recipes with different effects that, besides being super tasty, are beneficial for our well-being.
For these recipes, along with other fascinating (and easy-to-find) ingredients, we used the amazing products made by Puchero, a Spanish bean-to-bar company. Our recipes will give you from energy boosts to higher libido and one of them will even make you have more vivid dreams and remember them!
For this project, we had the pleasure of working with Paloma and Marco, founders of Puchero, an outstanding coffee and chocolate roaster. They select the beans from some of the most hidden corners of the Earth to bring them to their roaster in Valladolid to create one of the best and most expressive chocolates in Spain.
With this publication, we wanted to bring back part of the original symbolism of cacao, when its uses were ritual and not recreational, and its many properties on mental and physical health were revered.
Nowadays, that same ingredient has turned into a simple industrially produced chocolate bar, and with this project, our goal was to educate and make consumers aware of the difference between cocoa and mass-produced “chocolate” as well as offering alternatives for its consumption: a more responsible, quality product that’s good for our health and with a direct connection to its origins.
A ‘dirty chai’ (chai + coffee) variation, in which black tea is substituted for cacao husk tea, taking advantage of the antioxidant benefits for the brain of cacao and spices. Together with these, coffee and a touch of brown sugar ensure several hours of energy and concentration.
A sensual drink packed with aphrodisiac ingredients that will tune you up and give you energy for what’s coming next. You’ll thank us later.
Months of cold weather, lack of sleep and stressful workdays can turn even the most chipper person into a bit of a grump. If the blues are starting to catch up with you, this drink will help you beat fatigue and lift your mood.
The craziest recipe of all. A powerful combination of chocolate, maca powder and peanut butter designed to enhance the dreaming experience with more intense and vivid dreams. You’ve been warned!
In appearance a tonic-based cocktail, but without all the downsides of alcohol. A festive drink that will help you socialize and relax thanks to the properties of ginger, cacao husk and CBD oil.
