Winter Cups Of Comfort

In practicing mindfulness, I have learned to be more present in the small, simple acts that I carry out each day. One of those simple acts in the winter is enjoying a variety of hot beverages. I now prepare drinks for myself as an act of love for myself, the act of heating the water, mixing the ingredients, stirring, and holding the warm mug in my hands; it's like giving myself a big hug.

I have recently reduced my coffee consumption to just one cup a day, but have found some new delicious alternatives to provide comfort throughout the day. In the morning, I start my day with a nourishing blend of cumin, coriander, and fennel tea. I love the way the smell starts to fill the kitchen as it simmers on the stove early in the morning before light has even filled the kitchen. I enjoy my coffee once I sit down to lessons with the kids. In the afternoons, I have made a daily practice of pausing, after a busy morning of homeschooling, to make myself a cup of tea, find a good book or podcast and take 10 minutes to find a little bit of quiet. I also love to tuck into bed at night with a warm cup of cocoa. Warm drinks have become a steady rhythm throughout my winter days providing a little extra warmth during the endless cold weather. 

Here are two of my favorite hot winter drinks: 

Dandiroot Cocoa

I roasted and dried dandelion root last summer. The humble (or for some pesky) dandelion is a powerhouse of nutrients and goodness. It is chock full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals, such as iron, potassium, and zinc. If you don’t have dried dandelion root on hand, you can find Dandy Blend online or at your local health food store that could be mixed and easily substituted for the dandelion root powder.

Recipe

Makes 3-4 cups

1 Tbs Dandelion Root Powder

1 Tbs Cocoa

1 tsp Cinnamon 

Milk (I prefer oat or almond)

Preferred sweetener (honey or maple syrup) 

Mix the dry ingredients in a resealable jar. Take one teaspoon of powder and mix with a splash of boiling water until dissolved. Heat milk with sweetener and combine with tea. 

Enjoy! 

Chai Quick Mix Recipe

I adapted this recipe from Living Ayurveda by Claire Rogozzino. This chai is warm and spicy and so convenient. I love that it is made without black tea and therefore a perfect non-caffeinated alternative for afternoon or evening sipping. The spice mix is also amazing in porridge-try adding it to your morning oatmeal.

Recipe

Makes 12-24 servings

½ Cup coconut sugar

1 ½ Tablespoons ginger

1 Tablespoon cardamom

2 Tablespoons of cinnamon

1 Teaspoon nutmeg

¼ Teaspoon cloves

Mix all the ingredients in a resealable jar. Store until ready to use. When making a drink, take 1-2 teaspoons of powder and mix with a splash of boiling water until dissolved. Add additional water or milk and sweeten to taste.

Enjoy!

Now, I invite you to turn on the kettle and prepare yourself a hot mug of comfort, breathe in the aroma, warm your hands and exhale the joy and peace.