Golden Spices
Two days ago we had the warmest 1st of November EVER in the Netherlands. Well, now that is a thing of the past and today it is clear that the winter is coming. I honestly don’t mind, despite the fact that it gets dark at 17:00. And I don’t mind because it seems more normal to go to sleep at 10:00, in an attempt to feel well-rested at 6:00, that my lovely daughter wakes up and is ready to chat.
What I really love about this season is the thousands of leaves on the ground, that come in all shades of yellow/orange/brown/mustard. And they make that soft cracking sound when you step on them as well. If I was not slightly scared of spiders and other tiny insects, I would for sure roll on fallen leaves.
Anyway. That is not the point. The point is that now that the weather is getting colder and the days shorter, you are more likely to feel like crap. Whether you suffer from SAD or you catch one cold after the other, you could definitely use a mood booster. And so could I.
This hot spice drink is a variation of the traditional golden milk, that I mentioned before here.
Ingredients (for 2 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
- 1 full tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 4-5 crashed cardamom pods
- 1-2 sugar cubes (optional)
- 2 cups milk or dairy-free milk alternative. I made ours with almond milk and it tasted great.
Instructions
- In a pot put all the spices and the milk or dairy-free alternative.
- Bring to a boil.
- Simmer over very low heat for 10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
This drink is loaded with antioxidants, thanks to all the spices that it contains. You can read about the health benefits of curcumin here, to get some information. Saffron has also been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and anti-depressant. Even if none of these health benefits are actually true, this golden milk tastes great.
My happy drink
To boost my immune system even more, I enjoyed my golden drink with a slice of whole grain bread with iron-rich stroop and protein-rich cashew butter and a piece of a date-almond roll. Dried dates are rich in iron as well and almond contain plenty of vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.
Tasty, tasty iron.
What will you enjoy your golden drink with? I want to know!
Random image to remind you that the winter is coming. Go like Lou’s page. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lou-the-sparrow/306575132878381?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
The non-hip hippies 
mmm….
yummy, right? 🙂
I love the snowman and the “net” of branches….you have made a briliant repetitive motif!
Guys, let’s play a game! It’s called “Spot the architect”! Aaaah! Found one! ❤
hahaha……!!!!
Yum – that sounds great!! Pinned it to try later! 🙂
I hope that you will enjoy it Jamie 🙂
The change in the time isn’t my favorite time of the year. It gets dark entirely too dark too soon. I’m will to try it to keep my spirits up. Food really does have a big effect on your mood. #IBAbloggers
Mine neither
Especially since our baby decides to wake up SO freaking early and it is totally black outside. Oh well… 🙂
G’day! Looks like an interesting drink indeed! 🙂
Pinned Cheers! Joanne @What’s On The List
#ibabloggers
It might take some getting used to Joanne, as those spices have distinct tastes, but you can always adapt it to your liking 🙂
Oh wow! that sounds amazing. Not that I can afford Saffron, but I am still pinning #ibabloggers
It’s really expensive, that’s true Audrey! That’s why I ask my mom to send me some from Greece every time she sends us a package. The best variety is actually produced in Kozani, Greece. You can just leave it out though and the drink will taste equally great. Maybe add some ground nutmeg instead.
It’s coming up to summer here in New Zealand. I’m dreaming about cold drinks and picnics. But last weekend, I tried a spiced rum that had smoke and coffee flavours in it. It was very interesting. Probably more of a winter drink.
that sounds really delicious! You don’t happen to remember the name of the drink, do you?
This sounds absolutely orgasmic.
I will try it without a doubt – seems to be a perfect way to start a winter morning when your little one wakes you up just after 6 and everything outside is still too cold and dark to handle.
Yum!
Yes, what’s up with that “I HAD ENOUGH SLEEP” at 6? You will regret this one day kiddo!