Winter is a time we crave the comfort of sipping warm drinks.
It’s important to stay hydrated in the winter, as much as the warm weather months. Select beverages that have little added sugar, sodium or saturated fats but provide health enhancing ingredients.
Tea is a favorite of many, very simple to make. It contains compounds that help lower the risk of cancer. Enhance your favorite black, green or white teas with dried fruit by simply mixing the dehydrated fruit pieces with the tea before brewing. Adding herbs and spices like mint, cinnamon or ginger to the brewing water is another simple way to make interesting teas.
Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)
Creamy turmeric latte, also known as golden milk or turmeric milk, is a delicious warming Indian beverage. Made with hints of warming spices, you’ll love this simple recipe with a handful of ingredients.
2 cups of your favorite milk
(dairy, oat, coconut, almond
or whatever you enjoy)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric, anti-inflammatory spice
1/2-inch fresh ginger, grated, or ¾ teaspoon powdered ginger,
anti-inflammatory, aids digestion, increases metabolism
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (cinnamon helps stabilize blood sugar
and cuts bitter taste; use it to decrease the amount of sugar you use in
beverages), few grinds of black pepper, helps with absorption of the
healing properties
1 teaspoon or to taste honey or maple syrup, optional
Instructions: In a small saucepan, whisk milk, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper and sweetener of choice. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes. Strain if using fresh ginger.
Notes: To create a frothy beverage, use a milk frother or pour the mixture into a blender and blend until frothy. Note that turmeric will stain your blender, so immediately rinse it with soap and warm water.
Mayan Spiced Hot Cacao Mix
Created by Jo Cessna
1/2 cup sucanat or brown sugar
1/2 cup raw cacao* powder or cocoa powder
1 teaspoon arrowroot powder or cornstarch
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
Mix and store in an airtight container.
To use: Boil water; place 2 to 3 tablespoons mix in mug and fill with 6 to 8 ounces water, depending on richness you prefer. Stir and enjoy! *Cacao is the seed from which cocoa and chocolate are made. Cocoa is the powder from the bean after they have been roasted, ground and oil removed. Select natural cocoa powder not Dutch-processed. Natural cocoa powder retains its antioxidants, Dutch processed is alkalized, which removes the healthful antioxidants in the processing.