Thursday Pampered Treats

Hello everyone, because it's cold out and the snow is on the ground I thought about warm tempting drinks that are healthy and tasty.

Hot Chocolate......an oldy but a goody.

1 cup Almond or Cashew or Coconut milk
1 tbsp. pure Coco powder (organic if possible)
1 pkg. Stevia

In a small sauce pan heat almond milk over medium heat.  Add in Coco powder and stir constantly so that mixture does not burn.  When Coco is blended in, add in Stevia and stir until blended in.  Poor into a cup and enjoy.

For a nice twist, add in a cinnamon stick or few drops of mint or any other flavour of your choice.


Cranberry Spiced Tea

4 cups/ 1 quart/ 950ml filtered water

3 ounces/85g fresh or frozen cranberries

1 large or two small lemons juiced and zested

2 cinnamon sticks

One 1 inch piece of ginger peeled and grated

2 Tablespoons dried goji berries (optional but offers some extra anti-oxidants and immune boosting properties)

2 Rooibos or black tea bags (optional, use rooibos for a caffeine free tea or leave out completely)

Raw honey to taste (use stevia or maple syrup for a vegan  version but raw honey offers extra throat soothing properties and helps control cough)

Fresh lemon and cinnamon sticks to garnish (optional)

Made on the Stove

Combine water, cranberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, grated ginger and goji berries in a medium to large pot or saucepan.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Add rooibos or black tea bags if using and steep covered for 3 to 5 minutes.

Strain and serve with honey or a few drops of stevia to taste. Garnish with extra lemon slices or cinnamon sticks.

Using Crock Pot (slow cooker)

Combine water, cranberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, grated ginger and goji berries in the slow cooker.

Set to high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 6 and then keep warm.

Add rooibos or black tea bags if using and steep for 3 to 5 minutes just before serving.

Serve with honey or a few drops of stevia to taste. Garnish with extra lemon slices or cinnamon sticks

References:

http://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/2013/cranberry-spice-tea/