Mm. That delicious smell that promises you a good morning. Whether you take it black or as a flavor to your morning glass of milk, every coffee drinker is in love with their cup of joe. Nothing beats it. So when my doctor suggested I lay off of my cup of coffee. I wanted to cry. No really. She’d already said no bread, which I make myself (see recipe), no sugar, and no dairy. I am not a candy person. I may miss cheese a little but I love roasted veggies and fruits so not a big deal. Now, taking my coffee. Big Fat Tantrum on the floor like a two-year-old in a candy store. Okay, so I didn’t really do that in my doctor’s office. Pretty sure she would have recommended a few more pills and a hospital evaluation from the state. But back to my morning cup of hugs and kitten snuggles.
I had to find a substitute. So here goes…..
Matcha Latte
1 Teaspoon Matcha Powder (ground green tea leaves)
1/2 Cup Almond Milk, warmed
1/2 Cup Hot Water
pinch of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of honey
Golden Milk
1 Cup Almond, or coconut milk
1 teaspoon Turmeric
pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Honey or maple syrup to taste
I do not add black pepper as some recipes call for.
Green Tea with a Splash of Almond Milk
And I am still missing my coffee. It has been five months. Oh sure, my skin looks amazing, hydrated and soft, but these drinks are only substitutes. They don’t make me feel miserable but they certainly don’t make me feel all cozy inside. They don’t remind me of my grandmother’s patio and early morning conversations. They don’t remind me of my father smacking his lips and smiling over his steaming mug of good ole straight black. I can’t look at my tea and pretend I am sharing my morning coffee with my friend in Alaska, even if I am using the mug she gave me. Smell is memory. Taste is the companionship shared over many occasions. Every taste of coffee I’ve had I have never drunk lonely. Alone, sure but never lonely.
What is one beverage or food, you are forever attached too? Why? What memories does the smell hold for you?
Do you have a coffee alternate you love? Leave me a comment and recipe. I’d love to try it.
Whitney Buckley 
Oh dear. Someone suggested I lay off coffee once. I managed a 21-day hiatus during a health cleanse. But I love it so much. I do de-caf and half-caf to minimize the caffeine. But if someone told me to give it up, I would cry. 🙂
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Someday I hope to enjoy it again in small doses. (fingers crossed).
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That matcha latte is gorgeous!
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I am no barista. Mine never turn out that foaming and beautiful.
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I am no barista. Mine never turn out that foaming and beautiful.
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