Recipe: Monkey Business Cocoa

Adult add-ins to cocoa are nothing new, but this version is definitely not your run of the mill cocoa! It's like drinking Chunky Monkey Ice Cream in a cup. Um, yum.

photo courtesy of eDiets.com

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photo courtesy DeKuyper

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Monkey Business Hot Cocoa

Happy Holidays!!

Ingredient: Pumpkin Puree

Ever since I read Unplanned Cooking's blog about her post-Halloween Pumpkin Latte, I have not been able to get it out of my head. Make your own pumpkin latte at home? Why didn't I think of that? Maybe many of you have, but it just never occurred to me. Since the fam loves pumpkin waffles (with chocolate chips) and pumpkin pancakes (with cinnamon sugar), I usually have some pumpkin puree in the fridge. So, I set out to make my very own pumpkin latte....

Now, I had to tweak it a little to suit my taste. And you should feel free to do the same. Although, any combination is going to be delicious. You know another reason to love this DIY beverage? It's actually healthy. Using real pumpkin (instead of that pumpkin-y flavored syrup) gives you Vit C, beta-Carotene + potassium. Not using the syrup also gives you control over your calories. And finally, the milk adds some Calcium + protein. Not a bad way to rationalize a latte!

Here is my version for one. Note that I use the new Starbucks' Via instant coffee (it's good. really!), as no one else in my house will touch coffee. No need to make a full pot!

Lazy Pumpkin Latte
serves 1

maple syrup (to taste)
1T organic pumpkin puree
1/4t cinnamon (or more to taste)
1-2 drops Mexican vanilla
about 6oz. organic fat-free milk about
6oz. Via Coffee (medium or dark roast)

-in your BIG mug, add maple syrup to cover bottom, cinnamon vanilla + pumpkin. Stir to combine.
-add milk (about half a mug)
-microwave for 1 minute (I told you this was the lazy version)
-add Via coffee packet, and hot water to fill mug.
-stir and enjoy!

Not bad for a Monday morning....

Food Find: Unpeeled Kombucha

Okay. So part of the appeal (pun intended) of this kombucha is that it is locally made right here in the Twin Cities. The other part? Unlike the other commercially bottled kombucha out there, this one is as smooth as a baby's bottom and does not have the vinegary bite that some folks dislike. Now, I happen to like the bubbles + bite in the GT Dave's version, but this 'unpeeled kombucha' has won me over with it's drinkability and lovely ginger flavor.

Give it a try yourself at Linden Hills CoOp, Midtown Produce Exchange, Seward CoOp and other fine stores near you. You'll be glad you did!