Small Pleasures

Creamy Coconut Coffee

In 2001, my husband and I took an amazing two week vacation to Belize.  Not only was I taken with the kind people, the lyrical sounds of the jungle and the crystal blue waters of the islands, I was also taken by the most amazing cup of coffee I've ever had. That includes the coffee I used to drink daily when we lived in Italy.  Yes, I said it.  I had the best cup of coffee of my life in Belize, not Italy. (I am sure to get some flack for that statement)

We were staying at this lodge in the jungle and the matriarch of the family brought out the richest and creamiest coffee I have ever had. HEAVENLY!  It had the right depth and punch of coffee essence but it was also delicate and flavorful.  I always thought the secret to that delicious coffee was the coffee itself but recently, through a little research, I discovered it was made with condensed milk and a dash of cinnamon.  Aaah!  Writing those words takes me back to the dining hall of the lodge that first morning of our Belizian adventure.  The aroma of that coffee is wafting through and we're just about to go white water rafting down a gorgeous jungle river. What memories!

Want to enjoy this coffee for yourself?  It's simple.  Coffee + condensed milk + cinnamon to taste

*Notice, there is NO SUGAR in this recipe.  None.  Best cup of coffee ever!

For me though, adjustments had to be made.  I can't have caffeine right now.  I have become sensitive to dairy so condensed milk is also out of the question.  So, when I want this rare treat, I make it with decaf coffee or do a blend of 1/4 regular to 3/4 decaf.  For my dairy-free friends, I was able to recreate this delightful cup of coffee by adding full fat coconut milk + cinnamon.  To make it extra healthy, I added 1 tbsp. of coconut oil. Check out my previous post on the virtues of coconut oil.   Enjoy!

Where have you had your favorite cup of coffee?  Share your story below.

Food Magic. Molly Magic.

I think my friend Molly, is a magician.  She makes magic with her words.  She makes magic at her biodynamic farm, Apricot Lane Farms.  And she certainly makes magic with her food.

Molly shared with us a few weeks ago about the magic of Coconut Oil on healing Alzheimer's disease.  The post on her blog says it best but here's a teaser, "Like the effects of a bad high-school rumor, coconut oil came out of the 80′s with a horrendous reputation.  Demonized for its saturated fat content, you’d have thought that every heart attack began with tub of coconut oil and a spoon...."

Read more and see this amazing video on this magical food on Organic Spark.

I was awestruck when I first watched this video on Molly's blog.  Seeing Alzheimer's disease take its toll on families, I wanted to know more.  I started learning everything I could about coconut oil.  Coconut oil can be used as a body and hair moisturizer, all kinds of salve, for healing digestive issues, for weight management and much, much more.  Coconut oil can improve nutrient absorption, is anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-viral.  I've started taking a few tablespoons myself per day to help with nutrient absorption and tummy troubles.  I have indeed started feeling better.  Did you know that coconut oil has also been used as an effective treatment for tooth decay?

Have you tried using coconut oil to stay healthy or heal yourself?  Please share below.