So… it finally happened. Rain, fog, wind, cold air, less daylight, even snow (!) in higher located areas… Autumn is showing its rough side. Trees are starting to strip off their multicoloured leaves, while we put on more warming layers in contrast.
And that last bit is something completely illogical to my little boy. When it’s time to leave the house he is usually quiet happy, until I explain, that we have to put on a jumper and more trousers and a scarf and a coat and a hat and waterproof shoes…. It does seem to be a rather long list, thinking about it now… Anyways, that is when we are getting a bit frustrated with each other: while he keeps bringing me my Summer shoes and determinedly tries to put them on my feet (of course left to right and back to front ;–)) I am struggling to get him into his extra clothes. Doing that, under much protesting on his side, I am having a difficult time not to stumble over this by then assembled collection of ballerinas, havaianas and trainers that he keeps putting on top of my feet, probably wondering, why on earth he has to put on shoes if mom keeps pushing hers away… And then he gives me this puzzled look, as if thinking: ...what’s this Autumn-thingy she talks about all the time anyway? Never heard of it. And why suddenly so many put-on-things? I am totally fine naked, actually I think that’s best. Yes, that’s what I want now. Yes, I gonna take off my socks now…”
And off he takes them. Or at least he is giving it a good try. Pity, that mama put tights on him in the morning, already anticipating that moment. A mom needs her tricks now and then ;–)
Once outdoors, however, he is the happy kid again and looks out for the first puddle he can find. And mom can check out just how waterproof those shoes really are…
Rain or not – fresh air is always a great thing and after a few deep breaths the feeling of annoyance is flying off with the wind. Especially seeing this beautiful light of joy in my son’s rain-covered face, as he jumps up and down this grey, dirty puddle. Aren’t kids amazing? Enjoying something as simple as a tiny pool of rainwater. There is a lot that I will teach my son yet in life, but sometimes, in moments like these, I am learning from him…
After a lot of exciting outdoor-action it is rather nice to open the front door of your house again and dive into the cosy warmth of home. Some more action around the coat stand later (after all, we have to take off our extra clothes and shoes now…), there is this ONE thing that we need for the cold to leave our fingers and warmth to spread in our bellies: a big mug of our favourite HOT DRINK! While I am a huge fan of tea, it sometimes just has to be a cup of something that gives you this gorgeous, satisfying feel of creaminess, you agree? Well, in that case I have a tip for you:
HOT, VELVETY, SOFTLY SPICED ALMOND MILK :–D …if you are just a bit like me, you will suddenly find the weather forecast that puts everyone in a bad mood (cold temperatures, wind, rain,…) rather positive. Because it gives you a perfect reason to enjoy another cup of this golden milk ;–)
If you have never given almond milk a shot yet (or other plant-based milk for that matter) – the time has come now! It tastes amazing in this recipe! In combination with warming, sweet spices such as cinnamon or cardamon it turns into the most amazing comfy drink to give you some encouraging heat on frosty Autumn/Winter-mornings or to warm you up after returning from the a cold trip outdoors.
And if you have one of those handy little milk frothers lying around, that’s a great opportunity to use it ;–)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups = 1/2 litre almond milk
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (unpeeled), chopped
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 whole cardamon capsule lightly crushed
- 1/4 tsp curcuma ground
- 2 cloves
- 1 pinch freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp fennel seeds lightly crushed or 1 teabag fennel (don’t worry if you normally don’t like fennel – you will not realize it’s inside, but it adds to the overall yumminess ;–))
- optional: vanilla (pod and seeds scratched out), zest of 1/4 to 1/2 organic orange
Directions:
- Get yourself a small saucepan, pour in the almond milk and add all other ingredients.
- Bring to a boil while stirring now and then. Once boiled up (ATTENTION: likes to overboil…) simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to give the spices enough time to release their wonderful tastes and smells to the milk and to achieve a creamier consistency.
- Pour through a fine mesh sieve into one big (approx. 500 ml) mug or 2 average (approx. 250 ml) mugs and enjoy ;–)