Golden Milk Paste + Turmeric Latte
The turmeric health craze has been making the rounds for a while now. Let me guess, you bought a fresh little piece of turmeric at the grocery store after hearing it was good for you with the best intentions but…that thing rotted in your vegetable drawer. Don’t even lie, I know it did. WE ARE ALL THE SAME. You tossed it in the trash along with any hope of consuming turmeric regularly ever again until you read the article where Gwyneth Paltrow said she drinks “golden milk” which is just fancy talk for “turmeric milk” every night to stay healthy and your interest was rekindled.Golden milk is an easy and yummy way to get turmeric in but it can be kind of a hassle to make each time you want a cup. This is why I go through the trouble of making a paste. That way, I’ve got a mixture ready in my fridge that keeps for a very long time at my fingertips whoever the mood strikes.Of course golden milk isn't the only way I get turmeric into our diet. Some of my other favorite ways are:
- adding 1/4-1/2 teaspoon in most every smoothie I make
- adding a teaspoon to taco seasoned ground beef. It’s great.
- adding a few shakes to any chili, yellow or red soup I make (vegan tomato and butternut squash immediately come to mind)
- I add about an inch of fresh turmeric root to any green juice I makeorange, ginger, turmeric shots
Basically, anytime I make anything these days, I ask myself, “Could turmeric go in this?”“Golden milk” is a nice idea, but it’s also precious. This fact is not lost on me. Like we all have a warm milk routine to calm us into a relaxed state before bed? Maybe once a week while I watch “This Is Us” I plan to make golden milk, but if I’m not consuming the stuff on a more habitual basis I don’t have the paste languishing around in my fridge ready to go which means it’s not going to happen. I started to wonder…Could I seamlessly fold this turmeric paste into a routine I already had?Answer: you betcha.How? Coffee. I drink coffee every morning. I prefer lattes, but because I don’t “need” them, and they provide zero extra nutritional value, I usually just drink it black.However, a while back, I had started drinking this turmeric latte every other morning or so. As a treat. I love knowing that I am providing my body with a little healthy coconut oil, fresh ginger, and inflammation taming turmeric right at the start of the day because it sets me up to make other good choices as well.When buying turmeric powder, make sure to buy an organic, clean brand. Some companies mix their turmeric with fillers and less than stellar stuff.
Turmeric Paste
- 1/2 cup powdered turmeric (in a spice bottle. Buy organic, pure turmeric to ensure you get the healing benefits)
- 1 teaspoon organic black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 5-6 tablespoons raw honey
Combine all the ingredients for the turmeric paste in a small saucepan EXCEPT the raw honey. Over medium heat, whisking frequently, heat the mixture until boiling. Once it’s boiling, whisk constantly and let it boil for 10 minutes. Don’t skip this step. Boiling is crucial to getting a smooth paste at the end and getting rid of the bitter flavor associated with turmeric.Remove the saucepan fro the heat and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. The mixture may separate a little. It is okay. Add the raw honey and whisk vigorously to combine it. The honey will help emulsify the mixture.Transfer your paste into a glass jelly jar and store in the fridge. It will last several months.
Golden Milk Recipe
Heat 1 cup milk of choice over medium heat until hot. I love unsweetened coconut milk for this, but use whatever makes your skirt fly up. Once hot, take mixture off the heat and add in 1-2 teaspoons golden milk paste. Whisk, then transfer to a mug to drink.
Golden Milk-Turmeric Latte
- 1-2 teaspoons turmeric paste
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1/2-3/4 cup coffee
Heat your milk and turmeric paste gently to just warm in a saucepan. Pour coffee into a mug and pour in golden milk to top.