Some of us on Peaceful Dumpling are viewing this Lent season as a time to renew our spirits and have been taking a break from something we really love: coffee. I’ve taken breaks from coffee in the past. For the first few days sans coffee, I have a dull withdrawal headache that comes and goes– nothing I can’t manage. But after about a week, I miss the ritual of making coffee every morning, I miss the taste, I miss that feeling of Oh I have a cup of coffee in my hands–everything thing is okay. And then there’s latte art…

This demands a creative substitution–a caffeine-free “patch,” if you will. The following is my recipe for a vegan, no-coffee vanilla latte. (It’s more of a café au lait, if we’re being technical.) Whether or not you’re a coffee lover, it’s the perfect comfort drink when you feel like something a little more elaborate than tea.

Vegan No-Coffee Latte

Ingredients:

(Serves 2)

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 cup brewed Teeccino (Teeccino is a non-acidic, herbal “coffee” made with carob, barley, chicory, dates, and almonds. It’s naturally caffeine-free and can be brewed like traditional coffee. I used 2 tablespoons of grounds to make a cup.)

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. cinnamon (plus an extra dash for garnish)

1/2 tsp. stevia or sweetener of choice (optional)

Directions:

1. In a small pot at medium heat, warm almond milk. Stir in vanilla, cinnamon, and stevia. Stir frequently to avoid burning the almond milk.

2. Brew one cup (about one serving) of Teeccino.

3. Add brewed Teeccino to almond milk mixture. Whisk throughouly. Serve with a dash of cinnamon.

Also in Healthy Snacks: Cheezy Garlic Stove Top Popcorn

Southwestern Beet Chips

Chocolate Cinnamon Protein Smoothie

Photos: Mary Hood