Dr. Burkman’s Health Hacks Blog
Welcome to my health blog! As we all strive to become healthier, it is nice to know there are others along the same path, working hard to maintain or regain a healthy balance in life. This blog is meant to provide information on food recipes, research on natural health topics and a glimpse into the life of a naturopath, who occasionally needs to be reminded of the importance of health balance in her life!
As a naturopathic physician and lover of food, I take pride in finding delicious and also nutritious foods to nourish my family. Being an avid recipe seeker, I wanted to share some of my favorites with you to try! My hope is you find a healthier way to make some of your classic dishes in addition to trying something new!
“Health is a relationship between you and your body” ~Terri Guillemets
Fall into Healthy Delicious Food
Fall is most certainly my favorite time of the year. The colors of fall in New England, cool days that require a sweater and college football are all things I have grown to look forward to. Another reason fall is near and dear is the FOOD! Bring on the pumpkin, squash and root vegetables! With so much delicious produce in abundance let’s explore some palate punching recipes.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Really, anything pumpkin is a must in my kitchen, however, when it comes to warm drinks the pumpkin spice latte is a must. For those of us who are dairy free and want to avoid the extra sugar and chemicals that come infused in a store bought version of this latte, an at home version is the next best thing.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup of strongly brewed, hot black coffee
- 1/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 2 Tbs full-fat organic coconut milk (the kind in the can)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (I like a blend of coconut and almond)
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small saucepan on the stove, heat the 1 cup of milk until it just begins to boil.
While the milk is heating, in a medium bowl combine the pumpkin, spices, vanilla, honey (if using), and 2 Tbs of coconut milk. Mix well with a fork or whisk.
Pour in the coffee, and whisk until combined
Pour the pumpkin mixture and heated milk to a blender for about 20 seconds. Serve
in your favorite mug with a shake of cinnamon on top as a garnish.
Optional coconut cream as a topping:
1 Can of full fat coconut milk chilled in refrigerator for 2 hours. Open can and scoop out the thick cream into a bowl and poor the liquid into another container to save for a smoothie!
With a hand mixer, blend the coconut cream with 1 tsp coconut sugar and ¼ tsp vanilla extract. Add a dollop to your latte and enjoy!
TIP:
The first time I made this the latte was on spice OVERLOAD! The next time I made the latte I added more warmed coconut/vanilla milk and less spice and … delicious!!