The gauntlet has been tossed!
Actually, it was more of an oversized mug than a gauntlet, but our coworkers feel we have jilted the java junkies and are calling us out for being unfair. You may remember that we recently switched the office to matcha. Well, our coffee club wants equal treatment for their beloved beverage, so in fairness to our espresso aficionados, this brew is for you.
We talked about the amazing antioxidants of green tea leaves, but it turns out that morning cup of joe boasts a hefty dose of free radical fighters itself. So much so that, according to researchers at the University of Scranton, Americans get more of their antioxidants from coffee than from any other source. And the good news for anyone not looking for a caffeinated jolt – decaf provides nearly the same level of antioxidants. Coffee also contains a complex mixture of polyphenols and hundreds of biologically active compounds.
Health benefits aside, of the best reasons to drink coffee is the variety it affords. There are so many different flavors, roasts, blends and ways to enjoy a cup, and you don’t need to be a barista to experiment. Dark, bold roasts like Sumatra can be lightened up a bit with the milder Yirgachaffe, or make your own half-caf version by combining equal amounts of decaf with Costa Rican – the combinations are endless. One of our second favorite reason to drink coffee? Mocha. The combination of coffee and chocolate is simply heavenly, and by adding a dash of cocoa powder, you are providing your body with even more delicious antioxidants.
Here’s our recipe for a mocha latte that is simply divine!
- Your favorite Arturo Rudolfo coffee
- 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- Sweetener of your choice (we used honey!)
- A pinch of salt or baking soda
- 1. Brew your favorite blend of Arturo Rudolfo coffee, adding just a pinch of baking soda or salt to tone down the acidity a bit.
- 2. While waiting (and inhaling the delicious scent – it counts as aromatherapy!), bring almond milk to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave.
- 3. Add the milk to ¼ cup of brewed coffee, stir in one teaspoon of raw cocoa powder and a sweetener of your choice like agave, coconut sugar or stevia.
- 4. Enjoy hot or iced!