It is hot and unpredictable here in Auckland. One minute it is clear and sunny, the next it is windy and raining sporadically. Either way, the heat has a dramatic effect on my appetite. I often find it is 4pm and I haven't even thought about lunch yet.
Amongst all the socializing and traveling I find it easy to resort to liquid nutrition.
Enter the creamy tea elixir!
Back in the day, I had the honor of working in a tea house with a huge selection of teas and an industrial strength blender. I was on my feet all day and during summer the muggy heat would kill my usually ravenous appetite. I created the most delicious and interesting way to keep myself nourished and hydrated at the same. Using a base of nut milk (either walnuts, almonds or cashews) a strong brew of Yerba Mate tea, ice and a hefty dose of raw honey this drink is rich, uplifting, stimulating and somehow soothing at the same time.
This is how we do it:
* 1 generous handful of walnuts. Preferably organic. Substitute with almonds or cashews.
* 500 mls purified water
* 1-2 pitted medjool dates (optional, but very tasty)
* 3 heaping tablespoons loose leaf yerba mate tea.
* Honey to taste. I suggest 2-3 tablespoons.
* Add water, nuts and medjool dates to your blender and whiz until frothy and creamy.
* Pour liquid through a kitchen sieve/nutmilk bag/cheese cloth or clean stocking into a decent sized jug or jar.
* Brew yerba mate in a small teapot or cup for 10 minutes and allow to cool slightly.
* Add honey to your drinking vessel (I use a 500ml capacity jar) and stir with a small amount of hot water or tea until melted. Add lots of ice and stir again.
* Pour in nut milk slowly while stirring.
* At this point, the drink is absolutely delicious and you can enjoy it as an iced sweet nut milk without any caffeine added. Perfect for children!
* Pour in the yerba mate to taste. You may need to add more ice if the tea warms things too much.
* You can play around with quantities - more nuts for a creamier milk, less honey, weaker tea.. You can also choose to not strain the nut milk for a more filling drink. I prefer the silky texture of strained.
This is such a refreshing pick me up and perfect if you need some nourishment but
can't seem to face eating a meal. I drank an entire batch today and feel absolutely lovely (and perhaps a bit caffeinated!)
My beautiful daughter likes to join me in my crazy blended beverages. We have been hitting green smoothies every morning for breakfast with chlorella and spirulina added for extra goodness. I give her mini sized portions if I am adding medicinal herbs or blue green algae. Indian chai glasses are perfect for a mini sized smoothie!
My lady is not a huge fan of meals and tends to snack all day. Her new favourite thing to do is eat in front of a mirror as if it is a documentary. She is totally meta.
Wishing you all and superb 2014!!
Stay tuned for more iced tea recipes and yummy treats.
Miss Le Harle x
