John Bubbly (or The Thai Champagne)

I know, I know, make up one name for your new drink and stick with it. When I first concocted this drink I definitely molded it after the classic John Daly drink (iced tea, lemonade and vodka) which is a play on an Arnold Palmer (iced tea and lemonade.)

Skipping the lemonade, I mixed iced tea with Champagne- it was that easy. The bubbles give just a little sparkle to a basic tea. To get into the details, I made the drink to go with a this snappy coconut milk cod, which is Thai-like, not to mention somewhat difficult to pair a cocktail with (this one worked great with that dish!) That lead me to iced tea, which lead me to the John Daly which got us to this point.

Because the flavors already rolling around the kitchen involved ginger and lemon grass, I tweaked my tea in that direction by brewing basic tea with a slice of ginger and stem of the lemongrass.

Now, your version doesn't have to be Thai-esque.
You could use a straight black tea or even a fruity tea; skip the lemongrass and add in a cinnamon stick. It all goes and it all depends on your palate.  I don't like anything too sweet, so the plain unsweetened tea actually helped to calm down the sweetness of the champagne for me, but you could add a touch of honey to your tea while it's steeping.

It's a refined John Daley.  It's a simple afternoon sunny sipper. It's a base idea for you to have fun with.

Moroccan Mint Tea

Hot off our most recent travel adventure to Spain and Morocco, be prepared to read more than one post from me that has to do with the amazing food and drink we encountered. Today it's Moroccan Mint Tea, the Moroccan drink of choice and now mine as well.

No matter where you go in Morocco, you will be greeted with lovely mix of green tea and fresh mint leaves. Hotels, restaurants, houses, even rug sellers all had a fresh teapot waiting for us. Rows of shiny pots hang in the markets and piles of fresh mint are plentiful; my favorite glass of tea was from a unassuming cafe in the little beach town of Asilah.

The act of tea in Morocco is a ritual, a sign of friendship, a welcoming and a matter of etiquette. Served from shiny silver teapots, the tea is poured with bold grace  from high above into small, ornate glasses. It is felt this aerates the tea; I'm not sure I would notice the difference but the performance is exciting to watch and and completes the ceremonial act.  Did I mention it's also delicious?

Green tea is considered one of the world's healthiest drinks with it's anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Mint has been know to alleviate indigestion, nausea and headaches while quenching free radicals, clearing congestion and help to inhibit the release of histamines which often spur allergy symptoms. Mint also grows like a weed so this is a perfect way to use it up. 

Add mint to your green today today, make a spectacle while pouring it and then sit, take the time to enjoy your glass while you feel the worldly atmosphere of the Moroccan culture. Happy really does eat healthy.

Chai Tea Latte - Infused Oatmeal

Turning healthy is often confused with tasteless, unsatisfying dishes.

Flavor packed smoothies have been my breakfast of choice recently, but there are days when good old fashion stick to your ribs oatmeal is a must.

I'm also a fan of simple tea, but I still turn to a chai tea latte when I'm looking for something warmer and filling. Being dairy free doesn't mean giving up the latte, it just means it's time to get creative.

And getting really creative means building layers of unexpected flavor. Steeping almond milk with chai tea and cooking it in oatmeal is the quintessential warm, hearty, mind-blowingly healthy breakfast and it couldn't be easier.

Fat and happy is turning healthier, but not flavorless.