TOASTED ALMOND-CASHEW DATE MILK & AN ICED TURMERIC LATTE | dolly and oatmeal

it’s taken me a while to welcome turmeric into my day-to-day. and it seems that each time i’m pregnant, it’s something that i tend to reach for. this is all to say, if you’re not pregnant, don’t worry, you will enjoy this latte thoroughly, i promise ;) this little beverage/pick-me-up is something i prepare in the afternoon (although it would be just as good in the morning, or even at night), usually around 3 pm, just before i pick amesy up from preschool, and right at the point when i’m heading towards that afternoon slump. while this drink doesn’t have caffeine in it, it does pack a hearty punch.

the turmeric is mixed with a few other cozy spices that typically make you think of the colder months. but i find them super refreshing when prepared iced. it’s the perfect mix of cold and warm/cozy to enliven your senses without the giving you any jitters late in the afternoon (i don’t know about you, but i have to stop drinking caffeine around 2:30pm or else i’m jitter city). but the best compliment to the turmeric spice blend is the milk i’ve paired it with. it’s a toasted nut milk made with almonds and cashews, and a few dates. the toasted notes in the milk is just another cozy element that’s rich and punctuated with flavor. mix the milk together with the plush flavor of the spices and you have yourself the perfect little tonic to get you through the rest of your day.

happy may everyone! xo

toasted almond-cashew date milk & an iced turmeric latte | v

print the recipe

the recipe for both the milk and latte are super versatile. for the milk, try a blend of nuts or seeds that you like, and go from there. i had initially tried just toasted cashews, but found that the flavor was too overpowering. the almonds dull the overwhelming cashew flavor, while still letting it do its thing and shine. also, i’m not one for sweet milk, and the addition of 3 dates is sweet enough for me. you could of course add more for more sweetness, or none at all - completely your preference.
for the latte, yo could go straight turmeric and not add any other spices - totally optional. but i do love how warming the spices are here in an iced beverage, kind of like the best of both worlds. the pepper is added for maximum curcumin absorption (that’s what provides you all those lovely anti-inflammatory properties).

iced turmeric latte

| serves 1 |

1/2 cup filtered water
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
a few cracks fresh ground pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 cup toasted almond-cashew date milk (recipe below)

toasted almond-cashew date milk

| makes scant 4 cups milk |

1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw cashews
3 pitted dates
3 1/2 cups filtered water
pinch of salt

method

fill a large glass halfway with one large ice cube, or a few small ice cubes. add the toasted almond-cashew milk, and set aside.
in a high-speed blender (or with a handheld milk frother), combine the water, turmeric, ginger (if using), cinnamon (if using), pepper, and 1 teaspoon maple syrup. blitz everything together for about 30 seconds-1 minute, until everything is sufficiently combined. pour the turmeric mix over the milk and ice. stir to mix, and enjoy.
toasted almond-cashew milk. preheat the oven to 350°F. on a baking sheet, spread the almonds and cashews out in an even layer. place in the oven and toast for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the nuts halfway through, until toasted and fragrant. let the nuts cool completely.
place cooled nuts, and dates in a large bowl and cover with 3 1/2 cups filtered water. let everything soak for 30 minutes. then blend the mixture in a high-speed blender for about 1 1/2 minutes, until everything is broken down, and the milk is frothy.
pour through a nut milk bag, squeezing it gently until only solids remain (discard, or save for another use). pour the milk into a large bottle and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.