I enjoy my morning cup of warm goodness, it is like a ritual. I can remember waking up to the smell of my dad’s coffee brewing in the kitchen. As I became older I often enjoyed visiting my parents for breakfast and having a cup of coffee on the porch. We often talked about cars, fishing and taking turns predicting the weather.

As an adult who worked nights with two children I thought of coffee as a necessity to function and start my day. I was the girl who had a little coffee with her creamer. Since finally becoming aware of my body’s disagreement with dairy, I have cut out the creamer and just add honey, some coconut oil and almond milk. I stick it in a blender for my version of bullet proof coffee. I enjoy this take on coffee but my breath is left totally gross and I feel like I crash by lunchtime.

Through the power of Instagram I discovered Match lattes. I was curious about this popular drink so I started researching the benefits. Matcha tea is high in antioxidants and acts as a natural energy booster and stress reliever. Although I enjoy the taste of coffee, I felt as if I became more dehydrated. I also seem to have more energy throughout the day since I made the switch from drinking coffee. In an effort to make healthier choices I decided to give matcha a try.

There are many ways that you can enjoy your matcha. Did you ever watch Karate Kid II when Ralph Maccio’s character Daniel Son visits Japan with Mr. Miyagi? A young girl shares a special moment with Daniel Son over the making of matcha. See video here.

Through personal taste and trial and error, here is how I make my matcha morning lattes:

Ingredients:

• 12 oz of filtered water
• 1-2 tsps of matcha powder
• 1 tbsp of coconut oil
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsps of local honey (more to taste)
• 1 scoop of vital proteins collagen
• 3 tbsps of coconut or almond milk

Step 1 Bring 12 oz of filtered water just under a boil.

Step 2 Pour water into a blender and add all ingredients and blend. You can also use a mixing bowl and whisk.

Step 3 Pour mixture into your favorite cup or commuter mug and enjoy!

Vital Proteins – in case you are wondering why I use vital proteins ok no my matcha and smoothies check out the link! Not only does it promote digestive and gut health, it also can help with your joints and ligaments. I played soccer for years and need to be kind to my body!

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha as hot tea and embodies a meditative spiritual style. In modern times, matcha also has come to be used to flavor and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream, matcha lattes, and a variety of Japanese wagashi confectionery.

7 Fun Facts about Matcha

via The Republic of Tea

•Matcha has one of the highest levels of antioxidants of all known “super foods.” A single cup has more than 5x the antioxidants of blueberries.

• To produce matcha, the tea bushes are covered with shades of cloth at least 20 days prior to harvest. This shades the plants from direct sunlight, increasing the levels of chlorophyll and enhancing the production of L-Theanine.

• Matcha creates a calm alertness thanks to L-Theanine.

• Samurai used to drink Matcha tea before going into battle due to its energizing properties.

• The Japanese have been drinking Matcha for more than 800 years.

• Matcha is the traditional tea served in Japanese tea ceremonies.

• Matcha is an ingredient in many mainstream Japanese foods, including Kit Kat Bars and Pocky

Thanks for reading!

Love,

Venice