Food4Thought is a commentary on the ethics of eating, food justice and contemporary ideas on food democracy as well as recipes. Did I just say the same thing three different ways?

Sunday, January 22, 2012


Recently I was in Santa Barbara at a vegetarian restaurant called Adama. It was New Years Day AND Pajama Day. The waitresses bustled around in their sheepy pj's and I sipped a freshly made almond milk chai latte. It was soo good - my husband and I nestled in our little secluded nook and took turns sipping it and ohhing and ahhing. Naturally, they wouldn't give me the recipe (I wouldn't either if it were mine) but I came home and tried to drum it up. Cardamom is my favorite spice so in it went - I think I came pretty darn close!

Almond Milk Chai Latte

1 cup almonds, soaked a few hours
3 cups water
2-3 shakes cardamom
few twirls freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla powder 
(I use one from Living Tree Community Foods)
1 tsp coconut palm sugar

Add soaked nuts to water in your blender and puree (you need a Vita-mix or a Blend-tec for this)
until smooth - strain through a nut milk bag.
Put back in blender and add spices and sugar choice - blender for a few seconds.
Warm on the stove but do not stir - that way the foam stays!
Pour into mugs and top with a shake of nutmeg.