Nectar of Love: Rose, Saffron, Lime Coconut Cream

Bhakti is of the form of Supreme Love towards God. It is of the nature of Nectar. Attaining Bhakti, one becomes perfect, immortal and fully contented.

~ Narada Bhakti Sutras

Ojas. Soma. Bhakti. How do we translate these Vedic terms, or convey the experience—that deep knowing, that get-up-and-dance urge, the sense of soaring wings lifting you to the infinite, the feeling of sailing through light’s orchestral silence?

You could say that Ojas is the biology of love, that Soma is the principle of love in the world, and that Bhakti is the nectar of divine love in the heart. But given these are such essential yet subtle truths, maybe it’s better to offer an experience as a way of understanding. And then why not a food experience, since food is so often the sharing of love?

This is that—what we call the Nectar of Love: A Potion for Cultivating Bliss. It is a beautiful healthy dessert or serve with dessert, or enjoy for breakfast, or even as a tonic—a sleep tonic, an anti-anxiety tonic, a peace tonic—just by adding hot water. I hope it the taste you the biology of love.

The Nectar of Love: Coconut Cream + Rose, Saffron, Nutmeg, Lime

Serves 2-4

Ingredients

1 cup coconut water
1 cup coconut meat
1 tablespoon coconut manna
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1-2 teaspoon rose water
1-2 medjool dates
4-5 strands of saffron
a pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated
a light dusting of cinnamon, cardamom
1 lime
kumquats
raw honey

Instructions

Put all the ingredients in a blender and mix on high for 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust spices. Pour into a bowl, cover and let it rest in your refrigerator an hour or so to set.

Slice the lime into rounds and score the kumquats and place in a shallow bowl with honey. Marinate an hour, or overnight.

Pour the cream into serving bowls or glasses, and garnish with honeyed kumquats and lime.

If you have any left over, serve it with your breakfast in the morning. It is great with blueberries, raspberries, mangoes, and peaches.

Remember, God, to love us in a way
our souls can taste…
—St Teresa of Avila