Homemade Flavored Coffee Creamer

I am always looking for efficient ways to boost the nutrition in my every day food and I figured it was time to take a look at  my daily morning cup of Joe and give it a make over. Coffee, when consumed in moderate amounts, is considered a healthy beverage. Coffee is an antioxidant and it can boost physical and mental performance. When coffee is consumed in more than moderate amounts, 5+ cups per day, emotional and physical disturbances can occur, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal problems, blood sugar swings, and stress. One or two cups of coffee a day is considered moderate. Since I am drinking coffee and it already packs some good nutrition, why not make it better by adding a healthy homemade flavored creamer to it. I used to buy a flavored cream product that was all natural, real cream, real sugar, and real vanilla. It is no longer in my local grocery, so this was a good time to investigate some alternatives and I came up with a great one: turmeric milk. Not only does it make my coffee or tea taste great, I can drink it on its own, and it adds nutrition to something I am drinking already.

Many flavored coffee creamers on the market have partially hydrogenated oils, carrageenan, and artificial colors and flavors. Partially hydrogenated oils supply the heavily documented unhealthy trans-fats. Carrageenan and the artificial ingredients have not been proven absolutely hazardous to health but some people show signs of sensitivities and there is not enough research to prove that they are GOOD for people to consume. My rule of thumb is that if mother nature didn’t make it herself, I am going to pass on it for now.

Turmeric milk is a nutritional powerhouse that is fast and easy to make. You can make a batch ahead and use it all week. Turmeric is one of the spices highest in antioxidant powers and contains an anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin. It doesn’t have a super strong flavor so it can be sneaked into a variety of dishes, it is the yellow ingredient in most Indian curries. This recipe calls for ginger and cinnamon (cinnamon and coffee are an awesome combination), two more nutrient dense and healthy spices, SO exciting how much nutrition we can get with this one recipe.

Fresh turmeric root and ginger root
Fresh turmeric root and ginger root

 

I prefer to use fresh turmeric and ginger root when it is available but dried flakes and ground can also be used.

Everything you need for this simple, easy recipe.
Everything you need for this simple, easy recipe.

Turmeric milk recipe 8 oz.
1/2 tsp. fresh turmeric root or ground
1/2 tsp. fresh ginger root or ground
(I use a vegetable peeler and get thin slices this way)
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 black peppercorn (no need to increase the amount of peppercorn even if you quadruple the recipe)
8 oz. milk, any type you prefer cow, goat, coconut, hemp, almond etc.
1 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. vanilla
Place all ingredients in a small sauce pan and simmer but don’t boil. Heat for 5 minutes to extract all of the goodness from the ingredients. Pour into a tempered glass (Mason or Ball) jar through a sieve to remove any root chunks. The amount of honey can be increased to your taste, but I encourage you to start small and add slowly to get the desired sweetness.
Use in coffee, tea or as a warm beverage before bed.

turmeric milk 001

turmeric milk 002

I hope you try the recipe and let me know what you think when you do.