Plus Make a Luscious Lavender Mocha Latte
Click here to learn the many ways culinary lavender can add wonderful flavor to dishes. And enjoy this irresistible yet easy Lavender Latte
Quick Microwave Lavender-Spice Mocha Latte
This rich-tasting lavender latte requires no fancy coffee machine or frother to foam the milk. The recipe makes a very gratifying, very generous serving, but you can divide the finished latte into two 1 cup servings, if desired. (I never share!) Note that the allspice berries and cardamom seeds are highly recommended, but optional ingredients.
1 cup strong brewed coffee of your choosing
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (no sugar, milk or other ingredients added)
1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender buds
1 nickel-sized slice fresh gingerroot
6- 8 whole allspice berries and/or green cardamom seeds, optional
Sugar or other sweetener to taste
1 cup low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk, if preferred)
In a 2-cup or larger microwave-safe glass measure or deep microwave-safe bowl, stir together the coffee, cocoa powder, lavender, gingerroot, and allspice and/or cardamom (if using). Heat in the microwave on high power until the mixture just barely begins to boil, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Immediately turn off the microwave. To avoid any chance of a boil-over let the mixture steep in the microwave at least 2 minutes. Using a mitt, remove from the microwave and stir in the sweetener. Let steep longer if a stronger latte is desired.Stir well, then strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a 2-cup or larger mug.
Put the milk in a 1-quart canning jar. Cap tightly and vigorously shake the milk back and forth until it foams up and fills the jar about half full, about 1 minute. Remove the cap. Immediately microware the milk on high power for 2 to 3 minutes just until it foams up and starts to fill the jar; keep watching after 2 minutes to check this. Stop the microwave, and let the milk stand to cool 1 minute. Using a mitt, remove the jar from the microwave and immediately pour it into the coffee. Spoon any froth left in the jar over the top. Enjoy!
