 | I was never a big caffeine person. Not because I think there's anything "wrong" with having a bit of caffeine in your life, but because I didn't really like the taste of coffee and saw no real need for it. Now, though, with an incredibly active, demanding 9 month old, caffeine sometimes seems essential to everyone's survival. ;) (that, and a glass of wine... but, I digress). |
Anyway, not only are coffee-shop drinks expensive, they tend to be made from some less than savory ingredients. In an effort to save money and improve the nutritional value of the things I put in my body, I came up with a lovely homemade mocha concoction that's been a great way to keep me going on even the hardest days.
Quick notes before the recipe. I use this lovely stove top espresso maker and this great espresso powder. The powder is very inexpensive, but super tasty. When I make the espresso, it makes enough for two good-size coffee-drinks, so I either make one for my husband too, or I'll just put the extra half in the fridge and use it in a smoothie like this one (sooooo good!), or put it over ice for an iced latte/mocha later or heat it for a warm one. Additionally, I use a milk frother like this one to give my hot drinks that authentic foam and to help incorporate the cold cocoa powder when I make a mocha.
Because I'm making this at home and can add the best ingredients possible, I use raw cocoa powder and maple syrup, with grass-fed whole milk for the base. I also usually add some turmeric, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg for some anti-inflammatory and immune system magic. You won't really taste it (well, the cinnamon and nutmeg a very little bit), but you get some added health benefits! :)
Momma Mocha
*Papas can have it too!
makes 1 mocha
1 cup grass-fed whole milk
2-4 Tbs espresso (per your taste and caffeine needs)
1-3 tsp maple syrup (depending on your desired sweetness level)
1 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
sprinkling of turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Make your espresso. Once finished, add all other ingredients into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking or mixing with the frother to combine well and create foam as desired. Do not allow the milk to boil (even a simmer is too much; just check with a quick finger dip to determine when it's hot enough for you!).
Pour desired amount of espresso into coffee mug. Add hot milk mix. Enjoy.
**For an icey treat, do not heat milk, just whisk/shake to combine. Poor over a cup full of ice and add espresso (you can allow the espresso to cool first, if you wish). Or, combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend to desired consistency.
***Not feeling a mocha? Leave out the cocoa for a slightly sweetened, still nutritious latte. :)
Quick notes before the recipe. I use this lovely stove top espresso maker and this great espresso powder. The powder is very inexpensive, but super tasty. When I make the espresso, it makes enough for two good-size coffee-drinks, so I either make one for my husband too, or I'll just put the extra half in the fridge and use it in a smoothie like this one (sooooo good!), or put it over ice for an iced latte/mocha later or heat it for a warm one. Additionally, I use a milk frother like this one to give my hot drinks that authentic foam and to help incorporate the cold cocoa powder when I make a mocha.
Because I'm making this at home and can add the best ingredients possible, I use raw cocoa powder and maple syrup, with grass-fed whole milk for the base. I also usually add some turmeric, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg for some anti-inflammatory and immune system magic. You won't really taste it (well, the cinnamon and nutmeg a very little bit), but you get some added health benefits! :)
Momma Mocha
*Papas can have it too!
makes 1 mocha
1 cup grass-fed whole milk
2-4 Tbs espresso (per your taste and caffeine needs)
1-3 tsp maple syrup (depending on your desired sweetness level)
1 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder
sprinkling of turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Make your espresso. Once finished, add all other ingredients into a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, whisking or mixing with the frother to combine well and create foam as desired. Do not allow the milk to boil (even a simmer is too much; just check with a quick finger dip to determine when it's hot enough for you!).
Pour desired amount of espresso into coffee mug. Add hot milk mix. Enjoy.
**For an icey treat, do not heat milk, just whisk/shake to combine. Poor over a cup full of ice and add espresso (you can allow the espresso to cool first, if you wish). Or, combine all ingredients in a blender with ice and blend to desired consistency.
***Not feeling a mocha? Leave out the cocoa for a slightly sweetened, still nutritious latte. :)