That First Date

It was one of those first dates where you could see into the future. The kind that is so childlike that you can barely look at each other in the eyes because you are both so giddy. With every glance came a half smirk and every accidental touch promoted an insatiable need to touch more. But we wouldn’t yet because we were out, in soho, and by the second hour it was as if we had known each other for years. He wrapped his pinky around mine and we walked for hours. Stopping for a coffee here, grabbing a pastry there and as the sun set and the temperature dropped, we made our way to Bedstuy.

The chill had nudged its way in between our layers and by the time we arrived to my apartment, we needed to warm up. I said to him:

“Make yourself comfortable. I’ll meet you in the room.”

The clicking of the gas stove ignition matched with the pacing of my heart knowing this guy was clearly just as excited about me as I was about him. With the expansive blue flame turning orange, I heated up some almond milk to warm us up with something spicy and decadent. The stoves heat raised the temperature slightly in the kitchen and my muscles got to work on crushing the fresh turmeric. The peppercorns and ginger root traced the house and extended itself to my room, where I met him again for the first time.

Turmeric Milk

3 c almond milk
1 1/2 tbs crushed fresh turmeric root
1 tbs crushed fresh ginger
1/4 tsp whole peppercorns
1 tbs coconut oil
1 tbs raw high quality honey
1/2 tbs raw cocoa powder
Pinch of salt

With a spoon, peel your ginger and turmeric root.
With a mortar and pestle, crush up about an inch and a half of turmeric and ginger. Mincing your ginger and turmeric also works.
In a small pot, add all your ingredients except your honey, and bring to a boil. (you may have to sift your cocoa so its not clumpy)
Once your almond milk is hot, bring it back to a simmer and allow for the flavors to fuse for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Once your milk is golden and your house smells rich, turn off the heat and stir in your honey, allowing it to sweeten your milk.
Strain & enjoy!