Coconut Buttered Rum with Orange and Cacao Nibs

Has anyone out there read When Cupid is a Prying Journalist, via The New York Times?  The article was published in November, so maybe so by now.

If not, the gist of it is that the aforementioned journalist is interviewing Justin McLeod, the CEO of Hinge (a modern-day cupid in his own right).  Their conversation turns somber as Justin is asked about his own love life.  He mentions a girl he let get away.  He still loves her but she is engaged to someone else.  The piece goes on to talk about lost love, missed connections, and things coming full-circle.  Spoiler alert: Justin does work up the nerve to find his girl and win her back in the end.

I found the entire story to be cute, thought-provoking, and uplifting at once, so I highly recommend reading it if you have a few minutes to spare.  The comment section is almost as interesting as the content.  Ala Adele and the recent “Hello” debate on reconnecting with someone, there are so many varying opinions on this matter.

All of that has absolutely nothing to do with buttered rum, except to say that if you have a relationship like that in your life, then perhaps you could make this drink and talk it out with the other person, because a little liquid courage never hurt anybody in that kind of scenario.  Am I right?

Plus this concoction lends itself very well to cuddling up, listening to some tunes, hanging by the fire, and should you be in a snowy part of the world – escaping the white stuff.

More on the drink itself…I made it with coconut butter, which is one of the items I found hidden in the back of my pantry while I was on my mega cleaning spree last week.  The butter is essentially a blend of coconut flesh and oil.  It has a thicker consistency as a result, and a richness to it that is perfect for melting into some spiced rum.  The effect is similar to a bulletproof coffee.  Now that I think about it, this mixture would also be delicious swirled into a cup of joe.

If you prefer to use regular butter, that will work, as will ghee although I would go lighter on that since the flavor is more concentrated.   You want the final product to look similar to cookie dough and to taste good enough to eat plain with a spoon, which would be fun to do with a special someone too!

Have a cozy, lovely weekend!