Hazelnut Latte with Adaptogens

It’s been chilly lately, so my tea and coffee consumption has been steadily increasing through the day. More of tea than coffee which I stick with one a day after breakfast. I typically use Oatmilk and Oatly has been my favorite brand for dairy milk alternative for beverages (not sponsored just love the product). My day usually starts with ginger chai made the Indian style-water, fresh ginger, ground cardamom and a touch of oat milk. I avoid sweeteners first thing in the morning. It’s the one beverage I have been drinking since I was a teenager decades ago and has been a favorite to cozy up, to calm me and pick-me-up. For the rest of the day I like some kinda homemade latte, usually a choice of hot beverages like matcha, turmeric, pumpkin etc. I experimented with this recipe of hazelnut and adaptogens latte and we loved it so much and I thought it deserved to be shared. The adaptogens maca, ashwagandha are totally optional, but if you need something extra it is worth giving them a try. The other option is to add collagen powder for extra protein and nutritional benefits.

Hazelnut Latte with Adaptogens, make 1 cup

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup plant-based milk of your choice I used light Oatmilk, but almond milk or any other milk will work
• 2 shots espresso or 1/3 cup brewed coffee, I prefer espresso
• 1 heaped tablespoon homemade or good quality hazelnut butter (regular Nutella has too much sugar and hydrogenated oils)
• Sweetener of your choice: pure maple syrup, date or honey, I didn’t add any
• 1 teaspoon Maca powder, optional
• 1 teaspoon Ashwagandha powder, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Warm the nut or oat milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Don’t worry if it separates or curdle, we are going rot blend it in the next step.
2. Once warm, transfer to a blender with the freshly brewed hot coffee, hazelnut butter, sweetener and adaptogens. Blend at high-speed until smooth and foamy.
3. You can also use a handheld foamer. Simply add all the ingredients in a large mug and whisk to blend until foamy.
4. Taste and adjust for sweetness as needed.
5. You can reheat if you prefer your latte hot.
6. Enjoy immediately.