Hot + Healthy Holiday Drinks

Snowy, winter days are here in Toronto. 

With the holiday season upon us, it's the perfect time to put on your wooly socks and get comfy on the couch with a good book and a nice warm, festive beverage. 

In my past life, I'd be cozying up with copious cups of coffee. 
Coffee hasn't disappeared completely from my life these days, but my relationship with it has changed considerably since my struggles with adrenal fatigue.   Read more about this change here. 

These days, I have found really fun ways to enjoy festive drinks and "lattes" in ways that support my health. I'm super excited to share a few of my favourite recipes with your today! Unlike coffee, these drinks won't interfere with your sleep, make you anxious or put excessive cortisol demands on the adrenals. 

I've also snuck in a few special ingredients to help keep them balanced and extra hormone loving. 

In the spirit of the holiday season, today I'm pumped to share a few of my favorite hot + healthy, festive drinks.

All of these recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free and sweetened naturally. 

Gingerbread Cookie Latte

• 2 cups steamed nut milk

• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil

• 1/3 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground clove

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• 1 tbsp molasses

• optional- 1 scoop of Dandy Blend Coffee alternative

Heat nut milk over the stove, whisk in spices and vanilla. 
Transfer to a blender (or use a hand mixer) and add coconut oil and molasses. 
Serves 2. 

Creamy Cashew Egg Nog

• 1 cup soaked, raw cashews

• 1 can full fat coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 tsp quality salt

• 6 re-hydrated dates

• a generous sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

• optional- 2 scoops of collagen protein powder (we like this one)

Add everything to a high powered blender and blend well. 
Pour 1 cup into a mug/glass and garnish with fresh nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Serves 4-6

Collagen Loaded Hot "Chocolate" 

• 1 cup steamed nut milk of choice (unsweetened)

• 1 tsp carob powder

• 1/2 tsp cacao powder (we like this one)

• splash of vanilla

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• 1 heaping tbsp of collagen protein (we like this one)

• a sprinkle of cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice

• Optional- make healthy, homemade marshmallows like these and float one on top!

Over the stove top, heat your milk. Whisk in the rest of the ingredients or use a blender or hand mixer if you prefer it frothy. Depending on the time of day or how sensitive you are to caffeine, you can omit the cacao and use more carob or vice versa. 

For more holiday recipes, including my favorite festive "mocktails" be sure to grab our Holiday Adrenal Survival Guide below! 

Wishing you health and happiness this holiday season!
xo Danielle + the HYAF Team