Maca, Coconut, and Cinnamon Latte

15 November 2017 in Recipes

Calling all fans of getting cozy on the couch in comfy pants at 4pm on a Saturday, this latte is for you.

It’s best sipped while reading a good book, snuggling up to a movie, or warming up under a big fluffy blanket, because I know we are all big fans of those things. Of course, this recipe isn’t quite a latte (no coffee here), but it does contain warming and cozy ingredients that make this sip reminiscent of a big cup of frothy coffee goodness.

Maca Magic

Lately, I’ve been slightly obsessed with this pseudo-latte made with homemade coconut milk (more on that later!), cacao powder, maca powder, coconut sugar, cinnamon, cashew butter, and vanilla.

I’m rediscovering my love for maca, mostly because I found an organic and inexpensive version at Trader Joe’s, and adding it to all of the things. I’m finding that it works well stirred into overnight oatmeal, steel cut oatmeal, chia seed pudding, and warm lattes – like this one. Maca has a unique malty and butterscotch flavor and provides a dose of vitamins, minerals, and plant powers, too.

Maca is a root grown in South America that has been cultivated and used for thousands of years. Now, you can find the dried, ground up version at your local health food store, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, or online. Although maca hasn’t been widely researched with peer reviewed articles to back it up, it is thought to be a superfood with adaptogenic powers.

Rich in fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and amino acids, maca powder is thought to balance hormones, boost sexual health, and provide adaptogenic effects. Adapta-what? Adaptogens are herbs and foods which help to regulate stress responses and promote adrenal health. Other adaptogens include ginseng, holy basil, ashwaghanda, rhodiola, licorice root, astralagus, and mushrooms like reishi and cordycep. Although these sound like substances straight out of a Harry Potter potion’s class, they’re been used in Eastern medicine systems and functional medicine for years and years for reducing stress and anxiety.

Maca is one such adaptogen that is thought to promote these effects. Although the research is not quite there, it’s still fun to use maca in the kitchen, simply because it’s nutrient packed and delicious.

Maca along with mineral-dense cacao powder, creamy cashew butter (for healthy fats!), and homemade coconut milk are blended up along with cinnamon and vanilla to make a delectable sip. Coconut sugar sweetens this blend, but maple syrup or raw honey would make a delicious swap.

BTW, homemade coconut milk is where it’s at. Made with just two ingredients (unsweetened coconut flakes and water) this coconut milk is way tastier than the store-bought version. Simply blend up coconut flakes and water in your high-speed blender, strain through a nut milk bag, and enjoy! This homemade coconut milk is delicious as a base for overnight oats, soups, and of course, magical maca lattes. Yum!

Cozy on up, this latte is gooooood.

Homemade Coconut Milk

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes
4 cups filtered water

Directions

Simply blend together coconut flakes and water in a high-speed blender for two minutes. Strain through a nut milk bag making sure to squeeze out as much coconut milk from the pulp as possible. Pour into a glass jar and secure with a lid. Coconut milk will keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to five days.