Recently my friend Rhonda Kave sent me an email asking if I would like to spend Easter weekend in Belize. It took about an hour for me to organize my schedule. I packed my carry on with bug spray and school supplies (for the local kids) and was on that plane, quicker than you can say “jungle Jane.” By the way, if you are in NYC definitely stop by by Rhonda’s Roni-Sue’s Chocolates. You will thank me. Now I need to thank her for these 4 Exceptional Belize Culinary Experiences.
We stayed at Cotton Tree Lodge, an off the grid jungle retreat situated on the Moho River between two Mayan villages. This laid back gem is located in Belize’s Toledo district near the town of Punta Gorda. We packed our four days with activities including 4 exceptional Belize Culinary Adventures. The delicious frozen chocolate colada recipe is at the end of this post. You can…
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The lodge resides on 100 acres of bountiful trees bearing cacao, mango, cashew, pineapple, star fruit, custard apple, soursop, bananas, papaya, plantain, orange, and grapefruit. In addition, the property curates a large organic garden. Consequently, the ingredients in the lodge’s fresh and delicious meals come from the garden. The rest is sourced locally within 10 miles of the lodge. For example, breakfast is an abundance of fresh fruits, egg dishes, local meats, potatoes, and a cooked veggie.
The daily programs offered at the lodge are in cooperation with the locals. The excursions are varied and interesting which makes it hard to decide which ones to participate in.
Believe me, if this mermaid did not get in the water the entire trip, you know there was something special going on topside.
Guests are treated to a free shoulder massage upon arrival. Cotton Tree Lodge also has a spa and a yoga program. After your taste of relaxation, book your own spa appointments at your leisure.
Each spacious room or hut is equipped with an extremely comfortable mosquito netted bed and large ensuite bath and shower. One of the best parts of the trip for me was lying in bed at night in the dark and listening to the cacophony of the jungle right outside the room. Howler monkeys that sounded like dinosaurs, insects, and frogs and whatever else was lurking out there all collaborating in a fabulous symphony each evening.
Stone or wooden paths traverse the property, making it easy to get from accommodations to the main lodge where the dining room is located.
Early evening, the lodge’s bar hosts a happy hour with a drink special. For a third of NYC prices, imbibe in an exotic concoction or something simple like fresh local watermelon juice and rum (one of my favorites.)
However, the Frozen Chocolate Colada blew my waterproof jungle shoes off. Consequently, I may or may not have had more than one. I nicked the recipe from the bartender and have already served them at this year’s summer season opener barbecue at our PA house.
Happy hour at the Cotton Tree Lodge is always accompanied by complimentary snacks like these fried banana chips and homemade salsa from the lodge’s gardens.
Onto the 4 Exceptional Culinary Adventures I had while in Belize:
#1 Making Corn Tortillas From Scratch With Mrs. Bo
Our first morning we loaded into the hotel boat along with eggs from the hotel’s chickens and tomatoes from the organic garden. After a leisurely cruise down the Moho River, we were deposited at a Mayan Village where we walked through the village to the tidy home of Mrs. Eusebia Bo.
Shortly after greeting us warmly, she put us to work. Mrs. Bo has 10 children and 12 grandchildren. Consequently, she makes 75 tortillas for her own family three times a day. Additionally, she regularly provides tortillas to the lodge’s menu. The woman is a tortilla making machine. It was amazing to watch her at work and a privilege to be instructed by her.
Mrs. Bo’s pristine kitchen is a marvel of efficiency. Everything is neatly placed on the wall and everything has a purpose. I was embarrassingly reminded of my own kitchen overstuffed with gadgets and cookware. Consequently, I waste a lot of time rummaging through my cabinets trying to find items as I need them. I’m now inspired to fix that.
When I say we made tortillas from scratch, I mean scratch. We had to shuck, boil and grind the corn to create the tortillas. Your arms definitely get a workout. The husks of the corn are reserved to start the fire in her stove. In addition, the cobs are burned as fuel for the fire. Nothing goes to waste.
The corn is boiled with a bit of lime powder. Then put through the grinder twice to refine its texture.
A bit of water is added to the paste to create a dough.
We portioned off pieces and patted the dough into round shapes out using plastic cutout guides.
Of course, I had to get creative after making my first tortilla. So next, I made a heart shaped one which delighted Mrs. Bo.
The tortillas were arranged a flat pan over the wood burning stove and cooked on both sides. During which, Mrs. Bo boiled the eggs. She then made quick work of the tomatoes we brought whipping up a gorgeous but simply spiced salsa we ate with the freshly made tortillas. We all dug into this Fresh and scrumptious meal so proud of our homemade tortillas.
I doubt I will be grinding my own corn at home to make tortillas. However, the lovely hospitality of Mrs. Bo and learning from her incredible tortilla making skills is an unforgettable experience.
#2 Rainforest Liqueurs Tasting
Our second evening brought the guests an incredible treat. On the property next to the lodge reside two medical doctors who have an interesting hobby/business. They make gorgeous, fragrant and tasty Elixir liqueurs from rainwater and the fruits that grow on their property.
In addition to liqueurs, Casa Mascia Apothecary also creates lucious soaps, massage oils, and tinctures.
The lovely Dr.s Alex and Mandy, hailing from Italy and Scotland respectively, arrived at the lodge after dinner with a box of their gorgeous products to treat us to a tasting.
“We will go as long as you want, tell us when you want to stop,” said Mandy. And go on they did. Consequently, we tasted over 10 varieties of their locally made liquors. Also, the fun part was, this was a blind tasting.
We all had fun guessing what we were sipping. Ginger, Culantro, and Lime were some of the flavors. Additionally, some of the Elixirs were 5 to 8 years old which completely changed their flavor. Consequently, it was often hard to guess.
I was sure I would be impaired by my fifth or sixth sampling. However, the products are so pure and fresh tasting, I never felt buzzed. But looking at all the blurry pictures I took, I might reconsider how tipsy I may have been. Check out their wares here.
#3 Making a Traditional Mayan Cacao Drink
One of our four precious mornings we hiked through a local farm where we feasted on cacao fresh off the trees.
During our trek, we lso tasted bananas off the tree and washed it all down with fresh coconut water.
After a delicious lunch, we participated in a cacao drink demonstration.
First, cacao beans are dried and roasted on a flat pan over a wood burning fire.
Then using a Mayan tool, the beans are crushed.
Then the skins are separated from the beans.
After the skins have been separated. The beans are further crushed until the oil is released.
The mass is scooped up, boiled with some water and served in calabash bowls.
At different stages of creating this cacao drink, we all took turns helping with the different steps it took to create it. From the farm hike tasting the fruits to enjoying a beautifully prepared lunch to helping create the cacao drink, this is a wonderful local immersion activity.
#4 Medicinal Plant Walk with a Bush Doctor
Mr.Santiago Chub comes from a family of Mayan medicine men and he is currently training one of his sons in the practice. He has studied in Mexico, Guyana, Honduras, and El Salvador. However, most knowledge is passed through generations in each family.
We were dropped off at his village to participate in a medicinal plant walk with this local bush doctor.
After sipping homemade medicinal tea and learning about his personal journey to become a Bush Doctor, we set off into the jungle to learn about the plants he uses in his daily practice.
This afternoon we were all reminded how nature is astounding in its ability to provide. Anyone who has grown a garden or herbs knows the joy of reaping a harvest from your own back yard. However, this walk into the jungle where plants that look ordinary or like weeds have magical healing properties is astounding.
Some of the plants we discovered with Santiago were used for pain, swelling, toothaches and even to prevent pregnancy. Some were brewed into teas, some were brewed into teas, some were applied directly to the affected area.
For example, we learned purple Vervain is female and white vervain is male. Each has a different use. The white variety is used to treat toothaches. Also, it is made into a tea to drink for women right after childbirth to help them heal. As a douche, it is used to treat gonorrhea. Who knew?
Buttonwood is used to treat an itchy scalp or insect bites. As a shampoo, it treats dandruff. Use the leaves in a bath to treat insomnia.
There were leaves to treat snake bites, high blood pressure and pink eye.
Santiago not only treats physical ailments. Many of the local people believe people can curse them, bringing misfortune to them and their loved ones. Consequently, he performs rituals using herbs and plants to remove bad energy from people’s lives. In general, if locals are physically or psychically ill, they go to a bush doctor first. Western medicine is only used when the village bush doctor is unable to help them.
Our walk with Santiago was eye-opening and fascinating. Consequently, I’ll never look at the forest or jungle in the same way.
As promised, here is this fantastic Frozen Chocolate Colada Recipe
Frozen Chocolate Colada
Ingredients
- 2 oz light rum
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz coconut rum
- 8 oz coconut cream
- 6 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons shaved dark chocolate divided
- 1+1/2 cups Ice
Instructions
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Place all ingredients and three tablespoons of the shaved chocolate in a blender and combine.
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Pour into two tall glasses, Top each with the remaining tablespoon of shaved dark chocolate and serve.
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I recommend using high quality, organic chocolate. The lodge has its own chocolate brand which is organic and locally produced.
So much more to offer:
There is so much more to do in this Toledo area of Belize. As I mentioned, the lodge offered many other wonderful adventures. There are cave swims, snorkeling, waterfalls and Mayan ruins to visit. They even offer a night jungle survival course.
You can get up early for a guided walk to discover the multitude of exotic birds on the property. Jungle kayak or visit a spice farm. There’s hiking and cooking and drumming. One can easily pass two weeks in the area and find something or even a few new things to do each day. Highly recommend.
COTTON TREE LODGE RATES start at $196 for a Garden Vista Room. Full Board and All-inclusive rates are available.
Check out some of my other travel adventures:
