|CUISINE| △ THREE DRINKS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR COZY AUTUMN EVENINGS △

Days are getting darker, shorter and colder. Autumn is slowly saying goodbye and Winter is showing off with early signs of snow, cold breeze and fresh air. So, let me tell you a secret now… I get lazy during this grey days and all I wish for is to be at home, under a blanket, with a hot cup of tea/cacao/any kind of warm drink really, read a book, watch my favorite series or a movie, oh and of course, bake some banana bread or something else that makes the house smell wonderful.

You know, that nice smell of oranges, cinnamon and baked goods was always my favorite, reminding me on Winter days back home, when my mom baked all those goodies during the Christmas time. I don’t think she knows how much I appreciate her cooking/baking skills and I doubt she will read this, which means I should tell her that more often, right? ;) I wanted to share some of this enthusiasm with you guys so I prepared recipes for three Autumn drinks that will warm you up, even though they’re not really warm. ;) 

There’s one thing though… I made a whole photoshooting, but somewhere on the way I was also cleaning my disk and making space with editing photos, erasing them (too much of everything) & by mistake, I erased the folder with photos for this post as well. Imagine the frustration when I noticed what happened. Terrible.

The thing is that it’s not the first time this happened to me and probably also not the last time. My clumsiness is a part of me and yeah, sometimes I have troubles because of that, but in the end I always make things right and for that I feel proud. ;) 

So, you’ll get one photo only, just for the feeling of how the drinks look like and I’m sure it’s enough to make you drool. ;)

△ ROASTED HAZELNUT CARAMEL SMOOTHIE △

For all of those that like their smoothie rich with flavor, almost a dessert like feeling, creamy, nutty and sweet, this is for you.

Ingredients

•  ¼ cup raw hazelnuts

•  1 frozen banana

•  ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (I used Almond Milk from Hofer)

•  2 to 3 soft dates, pitted

•  ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

•  ⅛ teaspoon Pink Himalayan sea salt 

•  ½ cup ice (optional)

Instruction

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and spread the hazelnuts evenly in a small baking tray. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the hazelnuts are wafting a warm toasted scent.

Mix frozen banana, Almond milk, dates, vanilla, and sea salt to a high-speed blender. Add roasted Almonds, then blend for 1 to 2 minutes, or until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and if desired, add the ice (to cool and thin the smoothie), and blend for another 30 to 45 seconds. Pour into a glass (or two) and serve immediately.

**Just a lil tip: I added three caramel bonbons – Werther's original. Also You can sweeten it up a bit if you will feel like it.

△  HOT CHOCOLATE WITH COCONUT MILK △

Hot chocolate, lighter version with coconut milk.

Ingredients

•  4 cups unsweetened coconut milk (refrigerated in a carton – don’t use the canned one!) ** you can also use Almond milk if you don’t have Coconut one, but it will not be the same.

•  ¼ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (or use normal cacao)

•  ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)

•  ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instruction

Warm coconut milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Whisk in remaining ingredients until thoroughly combined. Continue to cook until warm throughout. Don’t worry, I know it takes time to combine cacao and milk, but you’ll get there, just be patient.

Serve topped with fresh whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.

△ PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE △

Warning, this is not for everyone because the taste is strong and different from what you probably think of, when you hear a word "smoothie". You can also just not use the pumpkin puree and have a banana smoothie or add some other ingredient.

Ingredients

•  1 frozen banana

•  pumpkin puree

•  1 plain greek yogurt

•  ¼ almond milk

•  ⅛ vanilla extract        

•  ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

•  ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

•  ⅛ teaspoon ginger

Instruction
Blend everything together for 2 or 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. 

This is it for now and next time I might show you which pastry I love to bake in the winter evenings. ;) If you have any of your favorite drinks or dessert that you like to make, I would be happy if you would share it with me. We could also make a fun thing out of it and send each other cookies! Let me know if you’re up to it!

Wish you all wonderful days, full of happy thoughts and positive energy!

Love,

Maja

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