Words by Shubhangi Dua
All equipped for the white season with fuzzy socks, uggs, north face jacket and a woolen muffler, you definitely need a cup of hot drink to compliment the eskimo inspired outfit and warm your numb gloved hands. WhatÔÇÖs better than a hot chocolate, gingerbread Latte, Matcha and espresso, maybe topped with heavy whipped cream, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg or chocolate? The countless options cause massive confusion in the process of selecting the perfect drink. Here, there are a few recipes for your drinks in the warmth and comfort of your own kitchen. Maybe a hot pint of butter beer to accompany Harry PotterÔÇÖs yearly encounters with Voldemort? Or would you prefer a plain cup of hot coffee maybe with skimmed milk and cinnamon?
Waking up to the wonders of hot chocolate as if itÔÇÖs straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,we start by boiling a cup of organic whole milk on medium heat. Further, adding a spoon and a half of Belgian cocoa powder and stirring it for 5 to 10 minutes. We add half a spoon of cinnamon and a pinch of salt and stir the liquid for a 2-3 minutes. ┬áIf you prefer a thicker hot chocolate, add an egg into the mixture with some sweetened cream according to personal taste.
However, make sure to whisk the egg, in a separate bowl, with the secret ingredient: 3-4 spoons of milkmaid instead of sugar . Then, slowly add the latter into the milk gradually. Continue stirring till the ingredients are amalgamated well into the boiling liquid. Violà! Your drink is ready to soothe the soul.
Who doesnÔÇÖt love a good old palatable festive drink: Gingerbread Latte? Let’s go heavier on the cream to balance the stimulating zesty and hot ginger flavor as if it was kissed by Santa himself. Begin by brewing a half cup of coffee or simply add two spoons of coffee to extremely hot water. Stir till its diluted. Add Honey according to taste along with a pinch of nutmeg and half a spoon of cinnamon. It is time to grind the ginger as well as pressurize till the liquid emerges. Then, separate four spoons of the ginger extract, pouring it directly into the coffee. Furthermore, heat the milk and create froth by using an electric frother; pour the milk into the coffee medium. Add cream according to taste into the cup and stir it slightly. Finally! You have a gratifying cup of Gingerbread Latte ready.
The scent of snow urges the soul to walk in the park. Matcha and Espresso seems like the perfect drink especially for those looking for a healthy but caffeinated hot beverage. Heat up 3/4th cup of milk and a quarter cup of water separately in two utensils. Add 1&1/2 spoon of matcha powder in the heating milk. Put in the water 1 & 1/2 spoon of coffee ┬áalong with some honey according to taste – honey is optional and I personally wouldnÔÇÖt recommend you to add any sweetener as matcha alone does the trick in enhancing oneÔÇÖs taste. At last, add the coffee medium into the milk once itÔÇÖs warm enough. Use an electric frother to create the froth and your drink is ready to be consumed.
Winter is considered to be the most magical time of the year. Amalgamate your life with some taste. Factually speaking, warm beverages encourage more warming and welcoming behavior from people in general. Therefore, why not make someone smile by inviting them to have a hot drink in a space more comfortable and embracing?