Gingerbread-goodness latte (serves 1)
Delicious almond milk infused with warm spices that sing gingerbread. Don’t be shy with the cinnamon, it is loaded with anti-oxidants, has an anti-inflammatory effect, can aid digestion and it is even believed to help maintain blood glucose levels.
Ingredients:
- Single espresso
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (almondbreeze barista blend)
Method:
- In a mug, combine the espresso, agave, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. Whisk together until well-combined.
- Heat the milk until just steaming in a small saucepan (or in a microwave). Froth using an electric or handheld frother (optional). Pour the milk gently into the mug over the back of a tablespoon. Spoon on the frothy milk on top and serve with a sprinkling of cinnamon.
Sunny Turmeric latte (serves 1)
Where to begin… much like cinnamon, turmeric has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. The reason for its health effects is the compound known as curcumin. Almost anyone can benefit from this Indian-hailed spice, especially because it can boost the immune system and act as an anticancer agent.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled (or 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder)
- 1cm fresh ginger, peeled (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
- Pinch of salt
Method:
- Combine turmeric, ginger, honey, cinnamon, vanilla essence and a pinch of sea salt in a blender.
- Heat coconut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat (or in microwave) until just simmering.
- Pour the hot milk into the blender and blitz everything until smooth and frothy.
- Serve with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top.
Watch ‘yer Matcha (serves 1)
Matcha, is a very fine green powder made from the green leaves of tea bushes. It’s the only tea where the leaves are consumed as part of the drink rather than being infused in hot water. The anti-oxidant content of matcha is higher than other teas, and it’s a particularly rich source of L-theanine, an amino acid unique to tea.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (almondbreeze barista blend), soy milk or rice milk.
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder*
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup
Method:
- Bring 3/4 cup milk to a bare simmer in a small pot over medium-high heat (or in a microwave).
- Place 1 teaspoon matcha powder in a mug/cup. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup boiling water, then the milk, tipping the cup slightly to help create more foam. Sweeten with agave syrup.
*Matcha (green tea powder) is available at Wellness Warehouse.
Charry night latte (serves 1)
Activated charcoal has a strong affinity for absorbing impure and toxic gases in the body and drawing them out, like a magnet, and aiding your body’s natural detoxification process. Activated charcoal is not known to be toxic, but avoid taking it within two hours of vitamins or medications because it will keep the body from adsorbing them. A latte to be enjoyed if you are experiencing a nasty bout of the tummy bug but if not – tantalise your taste buds with another one of our Royal lattes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (almondbreeze barista blend)
- 1/2 cup water
- ¾ – 1 teaspoon activated charcoal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence/extract
- 1 teaspoon agave
Method:
- In small pot on medium heat, add all ingredients.
- Whisk vigorously until milk begins to froth.
- Add to mug and enjoy warm – remember that this latte should not be drunk within 2 hours of taking vitamins/medications.
*Activated charcoal is available at Dischem or health shops – look for Natures Choice Detoxinol.
Macalicious (serves 1)
Maca has recently found itself on the top of almost all superfood lists; and I’ll tell you why. Benefits of maca include: increased energy, enhanced libido, immune system support, improved memory and mental clarity, reduction of chronic fatigue and an enhanced mood. With benefits like that and the malty taste it has – there’s no reason to not add this superfood to smoothies, soups or your daily latte.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (almondbreeze barista blend)
- 1-2 pitted dates
- 1 1/2 teaspoons maca
- 1 teaspoon carob powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
- Add the milk and dates to a saucepan and heat until steaming.
- Add the warm milk and remaining ingredients into a blender. Blend on high until smooth and frothy. Serve with a dusting of maca powder on top.
*Maca is available at most health shops including Wellness Warehouse – look for the Superfoods Organic Maca powder.
Dreamy peppermint and cacao latte (serves 1)
Besides the irresistible aroma of peppermint – the benefits are endless: digestion health, nausea, weight loss, stress management and even bad breath. Pair peppermint with cacao nibs which are potent anti-oxidants and you have yourself a winner.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 teaspoon of organic cacao powder *
- 5-6 peppermint leaves
- 1 teaspoon agave
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (almondbreeze barista blend)
Method:
- Add the milk and peppermint to a saucepan and heat until steaming.
- Infuse the milk with the peppermint for 5-10 minutes or until desired strength is acquired.
- Stir in the cacao powder and agave.
- Gently pour the heated milk mixture over the espresso shot.
- Top with a sprinkling of cacao powder and enjoy.
*Superfoods to the rescue once again – try Superfoods organic cacao powder available at Wellness Warehouse.