Back in the day (you know, like 2009) my older brother worked as a barista at the coffee shop around the corner form my salon. This was both convenient and incredibly detrimental to the balance in my tip drawer.
Every day (that is not an exaggeration) I would walk over for a little afternoon pick me up... you know I'm an addict, what do you expect? On one such occasion, he handed me my latte and in that magical moment everything I thought I knew ceased to be true. This wasn't a latte made from espresso and steamed milk... this latte tasted like magic... like a cookie in a cup. I then found out, that 'latte' was made with yerba mate TEA! I felt betrayed, duped... but also, I wasn't mad at it.
-RAW CASHEW MILK + YERBA MATE LATTE-
What you will need for the cashew milk:
1.5 cups raw cashews soaked for several hours or over night
4 cups filtered water
1 tsp pink himalayan sea salt
2 tsp vanilla (optional)
2 tsp honey
Nut Bag- Optional (if you didn't giggle like a 12 year old boy at that sentence, you may leave).
Combine all ingredients into your Vitamix (or high powered blender), starting at 1 and increasing the intensity every couple of seconds until you reach 10. Leave at this level for (no less than) 45 seconds or until a milk like consistency has been reached.
Strain the pulp away with your nut bag and pour your freshly made cashew goodness into a mason jar or jug for safe keeping.
Should you be feeling twirly and in the need of a mid day pick me up follow these next steps:
Brew a strong cup of Yerba Matte tea (at least 2 tea bags to 1 large mug).
Heat 1/2 cup cashew milk in a sauce pan until warmed through. Add 1tsp honey and 1/2 cup tea (add more tea/milk depending on the strength of flavor you prefer). Enjoy!
You can also chill the tea and add it to cold milk making an iced latte that is to die for! OR if you are feeling twirly, freeze some of the cashew milk and blend it with the iced tea for an amazing 'milk shake' of sorts (I would recommend adding a Date or two for sweetness and texture)
However you make it, I hope you enjoy this alternative option for your caffeine craving needs.
Happy Monday everyone!
xx
