Category: Drinks

  • Sea Salt Caramel Hot Chocolate

    FinalGuys, it’s almost the end of the year and I’m sure resolutions are being drafted up. But before we commit to those good habits, let’s have one more splurge and indulge in something decadent. We deserve it, don’t we?

    Tcho

    Leili and I love the marriage of salty and sweet – Leili is kind of a mega-girl fan of that coupling and that’s an understatement. So naturally, this hot chocolate with salted caramel fits the bill. And since it’s so close to the New Year, why not add some Bailey’s to it and be merry?

    Ganache

    This recipe is very similar to the hot chocolate we used to make at the cafe we worked at. It is made with ganache and steamed milk – I won’t go too in depth with ganache since Leili already covered that in the chocolate truffles recipe. I use two different types of chocolate since it was all I had but it comes out to about 67% cocoa. Use the chocolate you like, but keep in mind that the caramel is rather sweet and if you’re adding Bailey’s, well, then good for you.

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  • Homemade Almond Milk

    Almond Final

    Can we take a moment and all agree that lactose intolerance sucks? I know it can be a blessing in disguise, helping us be healthier and support animal-friendly foods…but sometimes I really just want a pint of Ben and Jerry’s without my stomach pulling an Alien on me. It’s unfair. Especially if you’re like me and your perfect dinner consists of an entire round of cheese. Being the rebel that I am, I still enjoy most lactose-filled foods in moderation, but I could never do it every day. So the one thing I really needed a replacement for was milk in my morning coffee or tea. Because without caffeine I’m a useless lump.

    Blender
    Blending

    I tried the Lactaid milks and they were okay, but didn’t always leave me feeling so great despite claiming to be filled with lactase. Soy milk worked for a while, but I got nervous about all the “SOY IS GOING TO GIVE YOU HORMONES AND KILL YOU” talk floating around. Store bought almond milk was my last viable option but its ingredient list made me wary. So I finally decided to take matters into my own hands. Literally.

    Milk Bags
    Squeeze (more…)

  • Lavender Syrup

    Final Tea

    When it’s too late to have a latte in the afternoon I opt for an iced tea. Tea is my comfort drink– my mom always has a hot green tea in her hand. If someone pointed a hot teakettle at me and asked me to choose my favorites, it would be jasmine and Earl Grey.

    As a general rule, I never sweeten my green teas but always take something with my black teas. Again, blame this rule on my mother. This time I’m adding lavender syrup and it is quite good.

    Lavendar

    This recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make. Best of all, it can be used in literally everything. Use it in teas or cocktails but don’t limit this delicious syrup to just beverages – you can use it to soak fruit or layer on top of yogurts.

    Mix (more…)