by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RDN, The Plant-Powered Dietitian
Lavender is not only fragrant and pretty—it is edible. Lavender can offer a floral, herbal taste and aroma to many recipes, such as this delicately spiced beverage. Filled with chai tea, coffee, soymilk, dried lavender flowers and just a touch of agave, you can enjoy this relaxing beverage as a much healthier option over many coffee shop latte drinks, which are often laden with sugar and high-fat additions that are high in calories.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1-2 Tbsp. dried lavender flowers
- 1 chai tea bag
- 1 Tbsp. agave nectar
- 1 cup brewed strong coffee
- 1 cup unsweetened, plain soymilk
Makes 4 servings (7/8 cup). Per serving: 40 calories, 1.5 g total fat (0 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 5 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein, 0 g dietary fiber, 10 mg sodium, 5 g sugar, 4 g added sugar.
Directions
- Pour water into small pot and bring to a boil.
- Add lavender flowers and chai tea bag and set aside for about 15 minutes to steep.
- Pour liquid through strainer, squeezing remaining liquid from lavender flowers and chai tea bag, and return liquid to pot. Discard lavender and tea bag.
- Add agave nectar, coffee, and soymilk and reheat, stirring well, just until mixture is hot. Do not boil.
- Pour into 4 coffee cups.
Notes
*Adjust the amount of lavender you use based on your taste preference.
**Pure maple syrup may be substituted for agave nectar.
***Reduced-fat dairy or milk alternative of choice may be substituted for soymilk.
Courtesy of aicr.org
