You guys, I have barely been able to get used to it being September already and now September is coming to an end this week?!? What the what?! Wow!
Well, I'll tell you what….at least the time is flying with things happening behind the scenes. ;-) Hint hint; wink wink. You've asked and I'm listening.
Fall is upon us and there's something about this season that truly energizes me - more than in an I'm-shivering-for-the-first-time-in-half-a-year kinda way. I suppose you can liken it the calling of a deep clean that Spring thrusts upon us. Maybe it's my mind's rebellion against the days getting shorter. Or, maybe it's the bubbling of excitement over the holidays coming. I like a good party - can you blame me? These days the onslaught of holidays start with my daughter's birthday next month and will end with my son's birthday in January. Who knows (and who cares) though, right?! When I can reign in the flurry of ideas just a bit, I am super-productive in the Fall. I'm just going with it. (Note: Super-productive IS a relative term with a toddler, baby, new house, clients, etc.)
So….Autumn is here. Bugs will be buggin' off soon and germs will be multiplying in their place. Did you know whether you get sick or not has a lot less to do with what you "catch" and a lot more to do with how strong your immune system is? We're filthy beings…covered in germs all the time despite the best hygiene. Working on your health from the inside out is a great place to begin to ward off many colds/viruses or at least kick them out a day or 2 earlier.
The idea for the immune-boosting latte came to me while I was making my morning cup o' joe one day. I was headed to the gym and wanted a little energy before my workout, but not a full meal. While adding coconut oil to my coffee for a little taste and energy, I couldn't help but think about how this would be a great time to consume some turmeric, as the coconut oil aids in its absorption. So does black pepper. Then I needed something else to help mask that flavor while bringing added health benefits: cinnamon! I used a tad bit of honey to sweeten as an experiment because raw honey is excellent in helping to fight all kinds of microbes. I added my cashew milk as usual. Wouldn't ya know - blended all together it actually tasted GREAT! Not only was the taste on point, but the texture was creamy with a little froth on top. A fancy latte for a fraction of the price, a 20 foot commute to the kitchen, no refined sugar, no gluten, no dairy, no weirdness anywhere in the recipe, and a good deed done for my immune system (you're welcome). Yup!
Here you have it: IMMUNE-BOOSTING LATTE...
"Sugar and Spice" - Tinkerbell mug for this Immune-Boosting Latte.
To a blender, add:
- 1 cup of coffee
- 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (I used cashew milk)
- 1 T coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp - 1 T honey or sweetener of choice (depending on taste preference)
- pinch of black pepper
Blend and enjoy the creamy, frothy goodness!
P.S. Use a Tinkerbell mug as pictured to complete the pleasurable experience. ;-)