Autumn is a wonderful time to break out the warm drink recipes, and anything with turmeric is a perfect ayurvedic tonic for this time of year. Both turmeric and ginger are warming, great for the digestion, immune-boosting, and are helpful in removing toxins from the body (helpful as we enter into cold and flu season). Following is my one of my favorite fall beverage recipes. Feel free to play around with the spices, adding or subtracting your favorites. The only must-haves are turmeric, ginger, and black pepper (the black pepper helps your body absorb the turmeric). Golden Milk Recipe
2 cups milk of your choice
1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
1 teaspoon of powdered turmeric (or one tablespoon finely chopped turmeric root)
1 teaspoon powdered ginger (or one tablespoon finely chopped ginger root)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 or 2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
7 black pepper corns
5 cloves
Sweetener, to taste (I have tried maple syrup, honey, and evaporated cane juice. You can also leave it unsweetened)
1 tablespoon cardamom pods, crushed
1 pinch saffron
Bring the milk, oil, and all the spices (except the cardamom and saffron) to a boil. Add the cardamom and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add the saffron, and let the mixture steep for 15 minutes. Serve immediately by straining the mixture into coffee mugs. Enjoy!
