yourfoodchoices « (y)our food choices™

Changing a daily routine is difficult. We’re still in the process of changing ours (up earlier, taking time to meditate, read and breathe), but as more and more time goes by the things that we try here and there have become more habitual. Our morning tonic was one of the first changes to our daily routine, and the benefits have surprised us. It is warming, hydrating and refreshing. It is the perfect fast-breaker and prelude to breakfast and coffee.

Last year, we started our day with simple warm lemon water. After only a few days, the morning desire to have something fresh and easy on the tummy grew to something that felt more like a need. It was the sort of change we needed.

This year, we upped our game with the addition of freshly grated turmeric and ginger, along with crushed cardamom seeds and a pinch of cayenne pepper. All of these ingredients alone are powerful antioxidants, but together they create a super punch of nutrition and flavor.

This warmly inviting tonic gently wakes us without the jitteriness that comes from coffee on an empty stomach. As the tonic steeps, we spend the time in quiet reading, meditating, and journaling before starting our day. The tea itself is refreshing, comforting, and spicy first thing in the morning. It’s also great anytime you feel under the weather or hungover. The concoction gently wakes the body and senses. We feel more awake after a mug of tonic then we would had we gone straight to a cup of coffee right out of bed. Of course, coffee comes next in our daily routine, (the preparation for a cup of coffee is worthy of its own post).

If you can’t find fresh turmeric root in your local market, there is no shame in using the dried variety. But be sure to use fresh squeezed lemon juice and fresh grated ginger root. Both are easily sourced from your local supermarket. The processed stuff will never taste as good, or offer as soothing a start to your day, as the fresh stuff!

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Our morning tonic

1/2 lemon juice
1-3 teaspoons freshly grated turmeric
1-3 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
Small pinch of cayenne pepper
1 cardamom pod, gently crushed
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Add all the ingredients to the mug and with hot water. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes before enjoying.

We’re doing our part to perpetuate the craziness of pumpkin spiced anything by bringing you this adult version of a Pumpkin Spiced Latte. And because all good cocktails begin with tasty ingredients, we wanted to create the best homemade liqueurs possible. These recipes are open to interpretations and as such, offer endless possibilities in creating your own style or flavor.

While homemade liqueurs are simple, they require patience and a bit of faith that the techniques we share actually work. Remember, the first time experimenting with a new anything in the kitchen is its own brand of fun. So gather the stuff you need, take a deep breath and go for it! If you start today you’ll be able to enjoy a cocktail on New Year’s Eve!

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Homemade Milk Liqueur
from The Kitchn
adapted from The New Portuguese Table by David Leite

Makes about 1 quart of liqueur
Start today, enjoy in 3 months

2 cups vodka
2 cups whole or 2% milk (non-UHT pasteurized for best results*)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 ounces of dark chocolate
1/2 (or more) of lemon or other citrus, juice and rind**

Mix everything together in a clean glass container with a tight-sealing lid. Shake vigorously and store in a cool, dark place for 10 days. Give the container a few shakes every day.

After 10 days, the liqueur is ready. Strain through a double-layer of cheese cloth or a coffee filter to catch the milk solids and clarify the liqueur. More rounds of straining will result in a cleaner, clearer liqueur.

Transfer to a clean container and store for up to several months.

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Coffee Liqueur
from America’s Test Kitchen DIY

Makes about 1 quart of liqueur
Start today, enjoy in 1 to 2 months

1 1⁄3 cups sugar
1 1⁄4 cups water
1⁄4 cup instant espresso powder
1 teaspoon cocoa
1 1⁄3 cups vodka
2⁄3 cup brandy
2 vanilla beans

Heat sugar and water in medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stir in espresso powder and cocoa, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to boil. Off heat, stir in vodka and brandy.

Slice vanilla beans in half lengthwise and place in 1-quart glass jar or bottle with tight-fitting lid. Pour liqueur mixture into jar with beans. Let mixture steep in cool, dark place until mellowed, 1 to 2 months, shaking jar to redistribute mixture once a week. Coffee liqueur can be stored at room temperature for at least 6 months. It will continue to mellow with age.

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Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
recipe from Chowhound

Makes about 1 quart of liqueur
Start today, enjoy in 1 to 2 months

2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
6 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
6 whole cloves
2 vanilla beans, split lengthwise
2 cups bourbon

Place the water and sugars in a medium saucepan, whisk to combine, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and vanilla beans, whisk to combine, and return to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the syrup is infused with flavor, about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, line a medium fine-mesh strainer with a 13-by-15-inch piece of ultrafine cheesecloth and place it over a large heatproof bowl.

Pour the pumpkin mixture through the cheesecloth and let it drain undisturbed until most of the liquid has passed through and only a thick paste remains. Gently press on the paste with a rubber spatula to release any remaining liquid, then discard the contents of the strainer. (You should have about 2 cups of infused syrup.)

Add the rum and stir to combine. Transfer to a 1-quart container and set aside to cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.

Seal the container tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for at least 2 days and up to 3 months before serving.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Cocktail
makes two

1 1/2 ounces Bourbon
1/2 ounce Milk Liqueur
1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur
1/2 ounce Pumpkin Spice Liqueur
1 tablespoon raw egg white
Freshly grated nutmeg

Add bourbon all liqueurs, and egg white to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glasses and add freshly grated nutmeg. Cheers!