Drink up Some Warmth

Once again, it’s that time of year when the air turns nippy, and scarves and heavy coats are called into service. As the fall days lazily pass by, warmth becomes an increasingly rare and precious commodity.

There are numerous ways of getting your fair share of it: slipping into cozy slippers and curling up under a blanket; sitting by a crackling fire; savouring a hearty, piping hot meal; enjoying a long, relaxing soak in the bathtub. Yet it seems like the most comforting manner of absorbing warmth is to sip it slowly.

In that spirit, here are a few recipes for easy-to-make hot beverages that will help you face the frigid season. Savour them all bundled up in your layers, letting the warmth seep into your skin as you cradle the hot mug in your hands.

TROPICAL INFUSION
Hot Pineapple & Ginger Punch
Source: Reader’s Digest

Ingredients
– 4 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup freshly sliced ginger root (no need to peel)
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 8 whole cloves
– ¼ cup pepper

Preparation
– In a pot, mix the pineapple juice, ginger, honey, cloves and pepper.
– Bring to a boil.
– Reduce heat and let simmer 10 minutes.
– Yields 4 cups.

VEGGIE ELIXIR
Squash Spice Caffè Latte
Source: Loeticia Cuisine

Ingredients
– 4 tbsp butternut squash, baked
– 5 tbsp soy milk
– 1 hot espresso
– ½ tsp spices (e.g., cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp agave syrup (or other type of sugar)

Preparation
– In a bowl, mix the baked squash, soy milk and spices.
– Heat until hot, without bringing to boil.
– Pour espresso into a cup, then incorporate squash mixture.
– Yields 1 cup.

FIERY POTION
Spicy Hot Chocolate
Source: Plaisirs Santé

Ingredients
– 2 cups 1% milk
– ½ tsp vanilla extract
– ½ tsp cinnamon
– ¼ tsp Cayenne pepper
– 2 tbsp dark-chocolate chips or
– 30 g semi-sweet chocolate, grated

Preparation
– Heat milk over medium heat.
– Add vanilla, cinnamon and Cayenne pepper.
– Incorporate the chocolate and heat until melted.
– Yields 2 cups.