As someone who cherishes the nightly ritual of settling down with a warm cup of something soothing, I was thrilled to blend the traditional with a touch of the exotic. The recipe calls for the enchanting touch of ashwagandha root powder, a staple in Ayurvedic medicine known for its stress-reducing properties. Pairing it with the calming effects of chamomile and the aromatic embrace of lavender seemed like a recipe for the sweetest dreams.
In my own twist to this already wonderful recipe, I opted for a splash of homemade vanilla extract, because let’s be honest, everything tastes better with vanilla. The natural food coloring was a skip for me; I prefer the milky white canvas speckled with herbs, painting a picture as pure and comforting as the drink itself.
Creating this lavender bedtime milk felt like a gentle pause, a moment stolen from time. It’s a simple pleasure, easily whipped up in just about 7 minutes, making it the perfect nightcap on evenings when you crave a touch of indulgence without the fuss.
This blog post isn’t just about sharing a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace those quiet moments of evening reflection. Whether you’re a busy parent who’s just tucked the kids into bed, a student winding down from a long day of studies, or simply someone who enjoys the solace of nighttime, this lavender bedtime milk is your companion in finding that blissful night’s sleep.
How to Prepare The Lavender Bedtime Milk
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You will need:
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract or the seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean
- 1/2 tbsp natural food coloring or fruit powder
- 1/4 tsp ashwagandha root powder
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, or more to taste (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender (can substitute with 4 to 5 fresh lavender spikes)
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of your choice (can be dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 tsp dried chamomile
Directions:
Start by whisking together the milk, lavender, chamomile, ashwagandha powder, vanilla, and food coloring (if using) in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Allow it to warm for about 5 minutes until it starts to steam slightly.
Be sure to keep it from boiling by lowering the heat if necessary.
Once infused, remove the saucepan from heat and strain the lavender milk through a fine-mesh sieve into your favorite cup or mug. Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten it to your liking.
You can adjust the amount or skip it altogether. For an extra touch of luxury, use a milk frother to froth the milk, creating a creamy top layer.
Serve your lavender milk warm, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some dried flowers for a beautiful presentation.
Frequent Asked Questions:
What are the benefits of using ashwagandha in lavender milk?
Introducing ashwagandha into lavender milk not only enhances the flavor but also provides significant health benefits. Firstly, ashwagandha is renowned for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, it can boost brain function and help fight symptoms of depression. Incorporating this herb into your lavender milk can be an excellent way to enjoy these benefits in a delicious and soothing beverage.
Can I use any type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of milk for this lavender milk recipe, whether dairy or non-dairy. The versatility of the recipe allows you to choose based on dietary preferences or availability. For instance, almond, oat, or soy milk can be great non-dairy alternatives, offering different flavors and nutritional profiles that complement the other ingredients.
How do I prevent the milk from boiling over?
To avoid boiling over, keep a close eye on the milk as it heats and make sure to stir it occasionally. Additionally, use medium heat and reduce it to a lower setting once you see small bubbles forming at the edges. This method ensures a gentle simmer, which is perfect for extracting the flavors without risking the milk boiling over.
Is it necessary to use a fine-mesh sieve for straining?
Yes, it is necessary to use a fine-mesh sieve for straining your lavender milk. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth texture by removing all solid particles, including the lavender buds and chamomile. Consequently, this results in a more pleasant drinking experience, free from gritty bits.
Lavender Bedtime Milk
Ingredients
- 1/4 tsp ashwagandha root powder
- 1/2 tbsp natural food coloring or fruit powder
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract or the seeds of 1/2 vanilla bean
- 1/2 tsp dried chamomile
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of your choice can be dairy or non-dairy
- 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender can substitute with 4 to 5 fresh lavender spikes
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup or more to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Start by combining the milk, lavender, chamomile, ashwagandha powder, vanilla, and food coloring (if using) in a small saucepan. Give it a good whisk.
- Next, gently heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it warm for about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it and turn down the heat if it starts to boil. You just want a gentle simmer.
- Once the flavors have melded nicely, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain your lavender milk through a fine-mesh sieve into a cozy cup.
- Sweeten your brew by stirring in some honey or maple syrup to your taste. It's all about how sweet you like it!
- If you like your drinks a bit fancy, whip out your milk frother and give it a good froth for some creamy goodness on top.
- Serve it up warm, and if you're feeling extra, sprinkle a few dried flowers on top for a lovely, Instagram-worthy look.
