Elixir

Certain words make you instantly think of specific things. I hear “elixir,” I think about magic. My favourite majick elixirs are Rocket Fuel Latte and Fat-Burning Golden Milkshake. Both are from The Keto Diet by Leanne Vogel.

I have my rocket fuel latte in the morning and the golden milkshake in the evening before bed a few nights a week. When I drink the latte, I feel full longer, probably because of the hemp seeds. The milkshake is soothing, similar to chamomile tea. Or when I make my warm almond milk drink, I consider this my first elixir – I went to a vegan restaurant several years ago, and they served steamed almond milk for dessert. I decided I’d try making my own. 

Steamed Almond Milk:

• Almond milk
• Vanilla extract
• Fresh ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Cinnamon (as garnish)

Everything is optional ‘cept the almond milk, hehe

Slice your ginger and add it to a heavy bottom saucepan. Use a muddler or similar tool to mash the slices a bit, bringing out the flavour. Add at least 300 ml of almond milk + .5 ml of vanilla extract. Sometimes I also add almond extract because I love the aroma. Add a few cloves, grate your nutmeg, so you end up with about a pinch or two. 

Bring to a boil then simmer, low and slow, for about 20-30 minutes. While you’re waiting, do something relaxing – listen to music or your go-to bedtime podcast. You can also do nothing – which is also doing something but that’s the best kind of relaxing to do 🙂 

Use a little strainer to pour into your favourite mug, sprinkle the cinnamon, have a seat in your comfy chair, wrap your hands around the cup, inhale the warmth and the aroma. Sip slowly and enjoy.

… Sleep tight!

NOTE: You should end up with 250 ml or one serving. I rarely get this right because I don’t know the rate of evaporation per minute for almond milk, and I’m not inclined to figure it out. My apologies for not having exact measures – experiment with the optional ingredients making it your own over time.

Feature Photo Credit: @joe.fotography via Twenty20