Autumn drink recipes
Here are a couple of warm drink recipes to enjoy on a crisp morning, by a bonfire, or after an evening of trick-or-treating!
Spiced Pumpkin Chai Latte
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- A pinch of ground cloves
- A pinch of black pepper
- Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the almond milk, pumpkin puree, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, fresh ginger, and black tea bags (or loose leaf tea).
2. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot but not boiling.
3. Once it's heated through, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the tea bags (or strain if using loose leaf tea) and the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and ginger slices).
5. Stir in the ground nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and black pepper. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more honey or maple syrup if needed.
6. Pour the spiced pumpkin chai latte into mugs.
7. If desired, top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall!
Witches' Brew Hot Chocolate for the kids
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt over low heat until well combined.
2. Slowly pour in the milk, continuing to whisk to incorporate the cocoa mixture into the milk.
3. Continue to heat the mixture over low to medium heat until it's hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the hot chocolate is ready, add a few drops of green food coloring until you achieve the desired "witches' brew" color. Stir well.
5. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs.
6. If desired, top each mug with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut whipped cream to represent "foam" on the witches' brew.
This fun and festive drink is perfect for Halloween parties or for enjoying by the fireplace on a chilly October night!
