What does one make when they choose to not drink coffee? They make a chocolate mint tea latte.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and began my continuing education to what type of foods work best to nourish my body while managing this chronic condition. One of my first lessons dealt with how coffee (my morning and through-the-day habit) was hurting my body. I would take it out of my diet, feel better and then think I can have a cup once-in-awhile. Off I would go to “treat” myself to Starbucks or brew a cup at home and BAM! – I would be in pain again. Talk about my own version of Groundhog Day – how often did I need to continue to hurt myself before I was willing to say no more? Finally not suffering needlessly because of a poor food choice became the goal over a cup of coffee. Now my hot and cold beverage choice is organic mint tea. Drinking organic tea is a recent change for me and I’ve included a link toward the end of this post to explain why. Many of my previous tea recipes in the blog do not reference organic teas as an ingredient. Although the recipes are delicious – I would substitute an organic tea in the future. Here is a recipe I came up with that helps me spice up my mint tea. I’ve listed links of my tea-related products after the recipe.
- 1 Numi Organic Moroccan Tea Bag
- Hot Filtered Water
- 1/2 cup milk (I use coconut milk) or your choice of milk
- 1 Tbsp of cocoa
- 1/2 tsp organic vanilla
- 5 drops of Toffee Stevia
- Coconut Sugar - to taste
- Brew a cup of tea
- Heat milk, cocoa, vanilla, stevia and/or sugar until well blended.
- Mix hot tea and milk together.
- Enjoy.
Breville Electric Tea Kettle – Why I love – we have had our kettle for close to 10 years and use it daily for tea, coffee, and anytime hot water is needed. Worth every penny.
Tea Maker or Mr Tea – Why I love – containing a tea for several minutes in an enclosed area makes a richer cup of tea. They work well with tea bags but are an essential kitchen tool when using loose leaf tea.
Numi Organic Mint Tea – Why I love – I stick to organic teas because I want as clean of a product as I can to nourish my body. Mint tea is one of the gentlest teas to digest. I’ve tried other brands but this tea’s mintiness (is that a word?) is smooth and doesn’t have a bite to it. Another benefit – this comes in bags and I always carry a few in my purse. What to know more about what is in most tea you buy? Here you go.
Toffee Liquid Stevia – Why I love – stevia is a natural sweetener made from a herb. A little goes a long way so add a drop at a time. Too much can taste bitter.
Organic Coconut Sugar – Why I love – coconut sugar processes slower in the body than white sugar. What to know more? Here you go.
Hope you enjoy the recipe. Let me know if you have any questions.
