Warm your soul with Winter Foods

 At this time of year, your body is craving warmth. Cooked foods nourish your body and soul.  Avoid cold drinks and smoothies, switch instead to healing teas and cocoas.   The key is to find a drink that is both delicious but also nutritious.  Most take out beverages are full of sugars that cause inflammation.  The following  homemade drink is anti-inflammatory, easy to make, and full of nutritional benefits.  This latte features Rooibos Tea which is Native to South Africa, and comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant.  It has been used for centuries and is highly regarded for its health benefits. A serving of this tea contains iron, potassium, zinc, copper and magnesium and has been  shown to balance hormones, prevent diabetes, soothe digestion, regulate blood pressure and prevent aging. On top of all that, it’s anti-inflammatory!  The spices in this latte also have many health benefits.  Enjoy!

Chai Rooibos Tea Latte
Serves 1
1 cup water
1 rooiboos tea bag
½  cup lite canned coconut milk 
1 teaspoon chopped, fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoons ground cloves, allspice, and cardamom
Pinch of black pepper
​1 tsp. raw honey (optional)
In a small pot, bring water to a boil.  Prepare a mug for the tea bag, pour the boiling water over it and allow  it to steep for 5 to 7 minutes.  While the tea steeps, place the remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until totally combined and smooth.  Return this mixture to the small pot and heat over medium heat until hot, about 1 to 2 minutes.  Remove the tea bag from the mug and add the milk mixture.  Stir in the honey (optional). 
Check out other healthy drink options in my book, Fight Fire with Food.  Check it out at susannej.com.
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