Adding 'Golden Milk' To My Evening Routine

Last year I was at my friends house for a visit. She has three little boys and a dream home. She also it the type to introduce me to things I had no clue about, but then soon be come life changing. I love her to the moon and back. I also love that Mila fits nicely with the boys as they all rough house and play make believe. I love seeing Mila play with boys because it gives me a quick breath of what it maybe would have been if her big brother were physically here with us. As the kids play, us moms talk. Mostly about our kids and work or our husbands ;). Somehow though, the conversation always ends up being about what we do during the day that helps us in any way possible. Even down to the snacks we give our kids. We talk about things that make our life easier or things that take the edge off a long day. Right? Do other moms do that with their mom friends? Anyways, my friend soon offered me a 'Golden Milk Latte'. She said she has been having one every day almost and has become obsessed with it. It was something delicious to enjoy while wrangling our kids. We ended up getting these iced Golden Milk lattes from a nearby cafe' and they were divine! They were subtly spicy and sweet. After that I started to crave them. Though I think I craved our time together and our kids playing with each other more so than the Golden drink ... (I love you Erica)

Golden Milk has been around since forever. It is referred to as 'Golden' because the spice turmeric gives it a yellow hue. Turmeric is mega good for you and used in so many different ways. Though they only way I've used it so far is in my Golden Milk. I love the warm spice flavor! You can google turmeric and see the many benefits of it and how it helps our bodies. I truthfully love the flavor and how it helps with inflammation. I also love drinking this at night as it helps sooth my stomach too.

I tried my hand at make Golden Milk at home the other night and shared it on my Instagram. I received a ton of messages and emails asking about how I put it all together and a lot of you were questioning the vanilla bean pod. So, I've put together how I make my own Golden Milk at home to help you guys. I now make this about 2-3 times a week at night. I've added it into my night time routine and I love it. Since I do enjoy it at night, I don't add any sweetener to it (just the vanilla beans) and I think it helps me unwind. If you are curious, I urge you to try it!

To make things easier I use the powdered versions of both turmeric and ginger, which you can find in the spice aisle at the grocery store. Though you can use fresh turmeric and ginger roots. Just peel and grate them. I believe you'll get the same flavor, maybe if you use the root the flavor might be a hint more bold. I also use my favorite almond milk, for this recipe but you can use any kind of milk you love most. Lastly, I use vanilla beans in this because, well truthfully? I have personally given up sugar for a little bit. I love using vanilla beans instead of vanilla extract sometimes, though you can use either for this. I've put a photo below of the ingredients and you'll see what a vanilla bean pod looks like. In the recipe card I've told you how to extract the beans, it is simple. I hope you enjoy making Golden Milk!

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GOLDEN MILK

  • Prep time: 5 minutes

  • Cook time: 8 minutes

  • Servings: 2 cups

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups of almond milk *You can use any kind of milk you enjoy most

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric *This can be the powdered version you find in the spice aisle. OR You can find the actual turmeric root in the produce aisle then peel the root and use a fine grater to grate 1 teaspoon. Either will work.

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper *This is important so don't skip this. Adding black pepper helps your body absorb the turmeric and its benefits. (You don't taste the pepper)

  • 1/2 teaspoon of ginger OR if you don't like the taste of ginger so much you could just do 1/4 teaspoon. I love the spicy warm taste of ginger so I add a 1/2 teaspoon. *This can be the powdered version you find in the spice aisle. OR You can find the actual ginger root in the produce aisle then peel the root and use a fine grater to grate 1/2 or 1/4 teaspoon. Either will work.

  • 1/2 of one vanilla bean pod

*I don't use any added sugar/sweetener in mine other than vanilla beans. Though to make it more tasty you could add 1 tsp of; maple syrup, honey or whatever kind of sweetener you enjoy most.

STEPS

1

In a blender add your milk and all your spices except the vanilla beans.

2

Blend the milk and spices until frothy, about 1 minute.

3

In a small sauce pan on medium low heat, add the blended milk mixture. 

4

Use a knife to split the vanilla bean pod down the center. Then use the tip of the knife to scrape out the vanilla beans inside. You'll see a ton of black stuff inside, those are the vanilla beans! They add a subtle sweetness. Be sure to scrape all the vanilla beans out of the pod, but don't scrape too hard. You don't want to tear the pod and accidentally add some of the pod into your milk. Now, tap the vanilla beans into the milk mixture and stir them around. They will slowly come apart and perfume the milk. 

5

Keep stirring your milk until it has warmed through. Be sure to not scald (burn) your milk, if that happens then your milk will taste extremely bitter. Once your milk is warmed serve it in two mugs. Or just serve you and save the rest in a glass container in the refrigerator. Be sure to enjoy the left overs the very next day. Take note, you should wash your blender, pot and mug soon after enjoying the Golden Milk as the turmeric tends to stain if left on surfaces too long.  

6

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top of your Golden Milk and enjoy! I love making this at night as it the turmeric helps with inflammation and the ginger soothes my stomach. Though I do love adding a shot of espresso to my Golden Milk in the mornings to make a Golden Latte. Or even using it as a "creamer" in my coffee. 

Golden Milk is an acquired taste. It is definitely healthy for you and offers many benefits, which is why I enjoy it. Be sure to read up on Turmeric. If you like earthy tastes with subtle spice then you'll you love this Golden Milk!