I started making this milk within the last few weeks, inspired by the tumeric milk posted over at the beautiful Journey Kitchen. Similar to a hot chocolate my friend Carrie makes (milk + cocoa powder + sweetener + heat = bam!), it’s nothing complicated or confusing. It’s hot and soothing—pure comfort when paired with a big down comforter and some online TV, especially when it’s as cold as it has been around here lately. And, because of the powerful spices, spiced milk is actually really beneficial for your health, too:
First, there’s tumeric, the bright yellow spice that colors mustard and flavors curry. Commonly used in both Chinese and Indian ancient systems of medicine, tumeric is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory spices out there, the same ingredient I heard physicians wax eloquent about at a CCFA symposium I attended with my friend Alicia a few years ago. Because inflammation is connected to so many physical ailments, from Crohn’s to eczema to heart disease, foods that work against inflammation are like nutritional powerhouses, ingredients I want to work into my diet as much as possible.
There are also ginger and cardamom, long considered beneficial for digestion; cinnamon, which helps regulate blood sugar; cayenne, aid to the circulatory system, among other things; and cloves, another anti-inflammatory and also anti-bacterial spice. I add raw honey for taste, but I could just as easily be adding that for the nutritional benefits as well, as raw honey has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
But all that aside, trust me when I say the health benefits are just icing on the cake for this drink, which is at once soothing and stimulating, spicy and sweet. Going down your throat, it burns just slightly (and of course, you could adjust the spices to your liking if you’re less tolerant of the kick of cayenne) and feels like a kicked-up version of chai tea or some really amazing steamed milk.
More than anything though, to me, it’s been one of a hundred comforts I’ve been tasting over the last few days, I really believe brought to me by the Great Comforter, the one to whom I could barely hang on at the beginning of this month. There have been long talks with Tim, encouraging Bible studies with friends, peaceful nights of sleep, random free tickets to the symphony, the ability to think clearly enough to remember how many blessings I’ve been given. My friend Joanna, in a recent email, told me that the darkest times in our lives are also times covered by God’s love and grace to pull us out of them, and she’s right. I’m tasting that these days, and it is good.
You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit. (Job 10:12 NIV)
Hot (!) Spiced Milk
Makes three cups or, two generous servings.
Totally adjust the spices to your liking. This is just our way.
Ingredients:
3 cups whole milk (we use raw)
1 1/2 teaspoons tumeric powder
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/4 teaspoons of cardamom powder, cayenne powder, coriander powder, ground cloves
1 whole stick of cinnamon
Plus: Raw honey (or other sweetener), to taste
Directions:
Combine ingredients in a saucepan and slowly heat, not quite bringing it to a boil, whisking frequently. (I like doing this slowly so the cinnamon stick has more time to enhance the flavors.) Add honey or other sweetener to taste. Pour into mugs and enjoy!
About Shanna MallonShanna Mallon started Food Loves Writing back in 2008, as a way to remember her grandma and write about her life through food. Since then it's become a place leading her to a lifestyle of eating whole foods, a new home in Nashville and the love of her life, Tim. Follow Shanna on Twitter @foodloves, keep up with Food Loves Writing on Facebook and stay inspired with the monthly newsletter.
So, I was reading this post & turned to dw, asking him if he would have an interest in something like this. He’s not sold on all the random spices. However, since I am dairy free, I mentioned maybe coconut milk + chocolate/cocoa too. That sparked an interest. We’ll see how this turns out…
That sounds great—coconut would only enhance this, I think. On a related note, did you see this coconut hot chocolate post at Deliciously Organic recently? Carrie comes up with such good recipes! You might like: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/coconut-hot-chocolate-recipe/
oh, this sounds DELICIOUS! making, today! thank you,shannalee
I hope you enjoyed it! : )
It makes me glad that you’re feeling stronger, both physically and spiritually! And this milk just made my short list for things to do tonight. Mmmm.
Thanks again for your e-mail. It really did encourage me so much!
This looks amazing. Totally on a chai kick and this might take it to a whole new level for me!!
It is really reminiscent of chai! Hope you enjoy!
How funny: I received a free ticket to the symphony in the past few days as well! And as it goes, it was grace and comfort to me also. I’m glad you’re being reminded of God’s goodness. (And–this milk looks delicious!)
Small world, Stacy! I love how little surprises like that can be such specific reminders of God’s goodness and love and I’m glad you’re tasting that, too.
Ohhhh this sounds delicious! I don’t care for milk and hot chocolate is usually too sugary sweet, but this sounds just right. I think I might try it with coconut or almond milk. Yum!
I think coconut milk or almond milk would be really good in this. I’d love to hear how you like that!
Sounds very interesting…I a coffee-with-cream-and-raw-sugar girl through & through but I’ve been thinking that I should find another hot drink that I can hold in my cold hands that has a little less sugar…this sounds like it could be the drink!
So very glad to hear you are feeling better…keep it up
I totally understand! Tea is my usual standby for warmth, but this milk is a much more delicious treat. : )
Wow! This looks exotic and delicious and I can’t wait to try it!
Hope you enjoy, Christine!
So glad you are enjoying this drink. Its just so soothing and versatile. Thanks for spreading the love!
I really love it, so thank YOU for posting your tumeric milk! Last night, I was watching “Downton Abbey,” and they referenced cinnamon milk as a tonic, and I thought, aha! spiced milk really has been a healing beverage for centuries! and in so many cultures. Thanks for turning me on to it!