How to Make a Turmeric Latte
It’s not a stretch to say that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has superpowers. The compound is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and helps stimulate sleep-supporting hormones. Here we add fresh (or ground) turmeric, with an array of warming spices and honey to almond milk, for a hot soothing caffeine-free nightcap. Like all nutrients, curcumin doesn’t work in a vacuum; both black pepper and ghee help activate it, making it more bioavailable so you enjoy the benefits more fully.
Turmeric Latte Recipe
Serves 4
Shopping List
1 tablespoon ghee
1 tablespoon grated fresh or ground turmeric
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey
4 cups unsweetened almond milk
¼ teaspoon Aleppo chile flakes, optional
Tools
Whisk, fine-mesh strainer, medium sauce pot
1 Make the lattes
In a medium sauce pot over medium heat, combine the ghee, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon and cook, whisking constantly, until the ghee is melted and the spices are blended, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the honey and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the almond milk, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, whisking occasionally, until the flavors have developed and the milk is piping hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2 Serve
Strain into individual cups and garnish with as much Aleppo chile as you like.
Tip: Refrigerate any leftover latte to reheat or serve chilled over ice.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 100, Protein: 2g (4% DV), Fiber: 1g (4% DV), Total Fat: 7g (11% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g (13% DV), Cholesterol: 10mg (3% DV), Sodium: 190mg (8% DV), Carbohydrates: 8g (3% DV), Total Sugars: 4g, Added Sugars (honey): 4g (8% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
Five Healthy Habits That You Can Stick With for a Lifetime
1. Eat Real Food
Real food is energizing, disease-protecting, anti-aging, and mood-boosting—everything we need to live a long, happy life. Colorful fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats are perfectly packaged with all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and energy needed to thrive. Yet, studies show an estimated 50 percent of what we eat is ultra-processed food devoid of beneficial nutrients, and contain toxic, artificial additives.2. Drink Lots of Water
The human body is 65 to 70 percent water, an unmistakable indicator of how important it is to our health. Water plays a critical role in supporting the function of every bodily organ, and yet research estimates a striking 75 percent of the U.S population functions in a chronic state of dehydration.3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Sleep is our body’s primary opportunity to repair, rebuild, and recharge, yet most of us pay more attention to charging our phones than our bodies. Studies show over one-third of the U.S population is sleep deprived.4. Get Up and Move
Our bodies are built to move but each year we become more sedentary. Studies estimate that American adults spend an average of 13 hours sitting each day. Regular exercise promotes sleep, strengthens cognitive function, improves metabolism, relieves stress, enhances physical performance, and supports healthier food choices.5. Chill Out
Unplugging on a regular basis has been shown to improve productivity, creativity, energy, performance, health, and happiness. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, reading a book, taking a warm bath, sipping on tea, or doing a puzzle, taking time to relax and reset is critical to our health and happiness.How to Sear a Steak
Sun Basket Basics—Searing Steak
- Warm oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- While the oil heats, pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- When the pan is hot, sear the steak over medium-high heat, turning frequently (to ensure an even crust) until well browned, 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare for top sirloin and New York strip, and 8 to 12 minutes for filet mignon.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes.
Spring Market Watch: For a Good Thyme
Gone are the days of tucking a sprig of curly parsley next to your steak and calling it a garnish. Today fresh herbs are more than an afterthought, they’re a lean, clean, and a dramatically more nutrient-rich way to add flavor to your meal while also replacing the less nutrient-rich seasoning standards like excess salt, sugar, and fat. Which is why our chefs are happily heavy-handed when it comes to fresh herbs.
Most herbs are practically anti-everything: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, and antiviral, and rich in vitamins, too. As delicate as they look, fresh herbs are easily affected by unpredictable weather in early spring, which is why you may find a different herb in your meal bag than the one listed in the ingredient list.
Basil: More than a seasoning for pasta sauce and pizzas, basil is considered an antidepressant by some researchers because it can positively impact brain function by regulating the hormones responsible for making us happy and energetic.
Chives: Related to onions, chives are the chill younger sibling in the allium family. They’re frequently used in place of traditional onions for a less-harsh onion flavor. We like to toss them into salads, sprinkle them on omelets, and use as a garnish for just about any fish dish.
Cilantro: You’ll find Chef Justine’s favorite herb in nearly every Latin and Asian-inspired dish on our menu. Cilantro aids in efficient digestion, and in many cuisines, it’s added to spicy dishes because its cooling effects can help prevent heartburn. Garnish tacos with a sprinkling of cilantro, toss it into chili and stir it into rice to add freshness to your favorite Indian curries.
Dill: With a flavor that’s like a combination of celery and fennel, dill is a great addition to fish dishes like salmon and sole and has high levels of vitamins A and C. We love dill on salmon burgers and in citrus salads for a punch of flavor.
Mint: More than the essential ingredient in mojitos, this refreshing herb is known for its ability to relieve an upset stomach. We love the sweet counterpoint it gives to dishes from around the world. A sprinkling over a bowl of pasta, tossed with cucumbers for Thai lettuce cups, and stirred into tzatziki sauce for lamb flatbreads, mint balances the rich flavors in so many foods.
Oregano: Gut health is important, and oregano has been shown to protect against foodborne illnesses. This slightly peppery, aromatic herb is essential in many of our Mediterranean dishes. It gives a fresh yet rich herby flavor to the region’s light seafood dishes and is perfectly complemented by the bright, lemony flavors in Mediterranean cuisine.
Parsley: More than a garnish and breath-freshener, parsley is high in vitamin A, which supports the immune system and is critical to vision. We like to add the fresh leaves to salads, toss a handful into the blender with smoothies, and sometimes swap parsley for basil in our pesto.
Rosemary: This piney herb is used in savory dishes like meatloaf and rich pastas, but remember that a little rosemary goes a long way. We like to pair it with meaty pork chops and hardy winter vegetables that can stand up to its earthy richness.
Tarragon: The anise flavor in tarragon might remind you of the flavor of some alcoholic digestifs like Sambuca and Fernet. It’s been used since ancient times to aid in digestion. We love how it brightens up salads, balances out mustardy salad dressings, and compliments the richness of our salmon burgers.
Thai Basil: Sturdier and more pungent than the sweet Italian basil you’re likely more familiar with, Thai basil has a slight licorice flavor with a bright citrusy bite. Commonly used across Southeast Asia, Thai basil is essential in dishes like Thai drunken noodles and Vietnamese pho.
Thyme: This woody herb is higher in antioxidants than any of the others on our list. Its earthy, aromatic flavor gives roasted vegetables and winter dishes an herbaceous flavor that warms you right up.
Our Market Watch page in your recipe book explores potential substitutions and shares information about the seasonal vegetables on your doorstep each week. Our commitment to seasonal cooking means adapting to the unpredictability of the marketplace. That means that sometimes you’ll find fresh produce in your box that’s different than what’s shown in the photograph of the recipe.
Illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
Our Favorite Party Snacks
Award’s season is in full swing and we’re currently planning our Oscar viewing party. Deputy Recipe editor Teresa Karolewicz shares her favorite party foods and shows us how easy it is to turn Thai Turkey Lettuce Cups, a Sun Basket customer favorite, into an hors d’oeuvre.
More of Teresa’s recommended party foods include Teresa’s Really Good Popcorn Seasonings and Five-Spice Mixed Nuts
Check out more on Facebook Live:
Sun Signs—March 2018
As two full moons (the second, a blue moon) pile into one month, March begins and ends on a poignant note. Meanwhile, watery Pisces’ magical mystery tour lures us into dreamy, if confusing, places. Jupiter and Mercury, planets that rule truth and communications, turn retrograde (on the 8th and 22nd, respectively), slowing the pace and demanding do-overs in their domains. Hence, the urge to push forward meets resistance, making it a fine time to take a break, go on vacation or retreat, and backup your hard drive.
By Lisa Awrey
PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20) Your fine-tuned antennae, forever absorbing and filtering your surroundings like a sea sponge, are due for a squeegeeing. The time is ripe to rebrand and reclaim yourself. Turn your best gift to this task and feel your way into a new you. At the end of the month, your attention shifts to finances and a quiet revolution brewing around self-worth. It’s not just a legendary beauty-brand slogan: You really are worth it.
ARIES (Mar 21-April 19) Your usual vroom-vroom energy is washed away by mounting obligations. Setting realistic boundaries at the beginning of the month guards against taking on too much, especially at work. A focus on your diet, coupled with some downtime to reflect, stokes your passions and spurs you to take the reins. There’s something you’ve been chomping at the bit to launch and you’re feeling your power; use this lull to clarify your course, then take a calculated risk.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) A full moon on the first of the month prompts you to clear out your studio and make room for the creative risks you’re about to take. As Bulls well know, building takes time. Poor planning and skipped steps don’t bode success. But sure-footed, steady progress—your specialty—does. So along the way, why not unwind at the beach, schedule a spa day, and chillax. On the 31st, Venus, your ruler, graces your sign and you’re ready to shine.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) The month starts with you feeling restless around the home front, perhaps signaling a deeper rumbling within you. Direct this uneasiness into getting organized; sorting out creates breathing space. You also may find a spring cleaning of your friends or online community helps upgrade your team. In all these endeavors, a light touch is key. As most Twins know, lightening up, doing something fun, lifts the energy and invites creativity. A new moon mid-month in your career house could open the door to a dream job or whole new direction. No need to rush or push the river though. Many creative geniuses were relaxing when their best ideas bonked them on the head.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) Usually private and quiet, this month, crabs everywhere are realizing they have something to say. As you hone your message and make sure you are being heard, you’re eager to blog, network, or learn something new. As connecting outside your shell comes more into focus, you may find yourself buying plane tickets. Whether you sneak off to a tropical beach or enroll in an online language course, your confidence boosts and your reach broadens. At the end of the month, you may be ready to move or give your home a radical makeover.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) The first of the month shines a light on your money. Examining not only your net, but self-worth. Assessing what you’ve done with pride is essential to Lions charging ahead. Then, step away from it all. Taking a trip, going on a spiritual retreat, or exploring something that fascinates you expands your perspective. Later in the month, your body needs some love; you’re motivated to start a yoga class, cut carbs, and make time for cat naps. By month’s end, you’re moved to find a local writing group or meetup and share some of your new discoveries.
VIRGO (Aug 23-Sept 22) Where do you start and others leave off? This month you may be destined to learn something about the art of setting boundaries and being accountable. The month begins with a focus on you and ends with a spotlight on finances and self-worth—yes, they’re related. In between, as Mercury, your ruler, goes retrograde, your attention turns to what’s yours, mine, and ours. Considering how and what’s shared when two souls become entwined lies at the heart of intimacy and is a central question for Virgos now. Here’s a clue: there’s no right answer.
LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22) Normally more comfortable looking outward, as the month begins, the Libran gaze swivels inward. Your dreams may be more vivid, and a rich source of intel, so keep a pen and paper by your bedside. While the metaphysical beckons, the physical demands equal time. Maybe it’s time to detox, change your diet, or join a dance class—anything that enlivens the body is a worthwhile investment. Then, it’s all about what matters most to Libras: Relationships. As the messenger planet does a double take in your partnership house, pillow talk is not just a 1950’s rom com, it’s a national pastime for you guys.
SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21) This month opens with an eye towards discernment concerning your tribe. Perhaps it’s time to cull your crew, streamline your online connections, and cut loose those people you no longer relate to. If anybody can close a door without a backward glance, it’s you. Some network housecleaning frees you up to focus on your health and well-being. Taking a spa day, soaking in a hot springs, giving or receiving a massage goes a long way to restoring your legendary mojo. Body and spirit renewed, you’re ready to catch the vast wave of creativity that’s headed your way. This swell also could sweep in with it a love affair (at least with yourself) and potentially, a sexual healing. Hang ten, Scorpio.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21) You know that thing you’ve been putting off? Well, do it the first week of the month. That’s because Jupiter, your ruler, shifts into reverse on the 8th, and stays there for the next few months. It’s not exactly like a locomotive taking a dirt road, but your natural dynamism may downshift. If you can hold on to your plans, quietly hatching them in the background, you’ll be set to roll them out come December when the planet of luck moves into your sign. That’s when Sagges really hit paydirt. Until then, use this more introspective mode to focus on your home and family. Take trips to visit loved ones, chill out, or lay some new tile.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19) Highly effective CEOs know that their mood and body language can strongly influence the impact of their communications, a phenomenon known as emotional contagion. Your vibe is crucial to success this month. Reading the room and adjusting your message accordingly can improve your chances of getting buy-in from important stakeholders. By mid-month, your energy surges; you’re decisive and motivated to take action. You can accomplish a lot. And accomplishment is music to a Goat’s ears.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18) Like the inspiration behind most ingenious ideas, Aquarians’ noteable originality often depends on the obscurity of their sources. This month, insights might come from the darndest places, from the deep mystery, to the I Ching, to the person behind the counter at the dry cleaner. While you’re busy picking up intel from behind the scenes, an unexpected bonus or bump in salary could boost your take-home. Later in the month your mind shifts into turbo drive, so avoid picking fights with less intelligent beings. Bitch-check your emails or burn off steam in a good workout before engaging in conversations.
If you know your rising sign, read that, too; it’s often more relevant.
illustration by @boccaccinimeadows
Sholeh Zard (Saffron Rice Pudding) Recipe
This is no simple nursery dessert. Our rice pudding is perfumed with cinnamon and rose water and gets its golden hue from saffron threads. It takes almost an hour to make the pudding, and can take another hour for it to chill, if desired, so plan ahead. But most of that cooking time is when the rice simmers on the stove.
Sholeh Zard (Persian Saffron Rice Pudding)
Serves 6
Shopping List
5 cups water
½ cup basmati rice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅓ cup honey
¼ cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon salted butter
½ teaspoon rose water
Pinch saffron threads (½ teaspoon)
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
¼ cup roasted pistachios
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Fresh or dried rose petals, for garnish, optional
Tools
Fine-mesh strainer, large sauce pot
Instructions
1 Cook the rice pudding
- Rinse the rice.
In a large sauce pot, combine the water, rice, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is thickened and the rice is very tender, about 45 minutes.
Stir in the honey, almonds, oil, butter, rose water, saffron, and cardamom and cook until the ingredients are incorporated, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool to warm or room temperature. If desired, cover and refrigerate the cooled rice pudding until thoroughly chilled, 1 to 2 hours.
While the rice cooks and cools, chop the pistachios.
2 Prep the pistachios
- Coarsely chop the pistachios.
3 Serve
Transfer the rice pudding to individual bowls; garnish with the pistachios, cinnamon, and, if using, the rose petals. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Chef’s Tip: For an even richer flavor, brown the butter before adding it to the rice in Step 1. Cook the butter in a small sauce pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, until the milk solids are browned and fragrant, 5 to 6 minutes. Then add to the rice as directed.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 210, Protein: 3g (6% DV), Fiber: 1g (4% DV), Total Fat: 9g (14% DV), Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g (10% DV), Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV), Sodium: 160mg (7% DV), Carbohydrates: 31g (10% DV), Total Sugars: 16g, Added Sugars (honey): 15g (30% DV). Not a significant source of trans fat.
Bonus recipe—ingredients not included in box.
Almond Butter and Jelly Protein Shake Recipe
Forget the bread and drink your favorite sandwich from childhood, instead. We’ve given the classic pb&j a grown-up makeover (hello almond butter) and thrown in some protein-rich cottage cheese for extra richness. Your muscles thank you.
Almond Butter and Jelly Protein Shake
Shopping List
1 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon honey
¼ cup almond butter
¼ cup cottage cheese
1 tablespoon fruit preserves, preferably organic
1 banana
1 Blend the shakes
In a blender, combine the almond milk, honey, almond butter, cottage cheese, fruit preserves, banana, and ½ cup ice. Lightly season with salt, if desired. Blend until smooth.
2 Serve
Pour into glasses and serve.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 320, Protein: 12g, Total Fat: 18g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Carbohydrates: 30g, Fiber: 6g, Added Sugar (honey): 3g, Sodium: 170mg
Mexican Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe
In the city of Oaxaca in southern Mexico, there are markets dedicated to the local chocolate. Cacao beans are ground in a mill along with almonds, cinnamon sticks, and sugar to make a thick paste that’s blended with water to make an absolutely delicious version of hot chocolate. Here we combine those same flavors with soy milk and tofu to make this protein-powered start to the morning.
Mexican Chocolate Protein Shake
Makes 2 shakes
Shopping List
1 cup soy milk
1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
¼ pound silken tofu
¼ cup roasted almonds
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Blend the shakes
In a blender, combine the soy milk, maple syrup, tofu, almonds, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and 1 cup ice. Lightly season with salt, if desired. Blend until smooth.
2 Serve
Pour the shakes into 2 glasses and serve.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 260, Protein: 13g, Total Fat: 13g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.5g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Carbohydrates: 26g, Fiber: 4g, Added Sugar (maple syrup): 9g, Sodium: 85mg
Strawberries and Cream Protein Shake Recipe
Hemp seeds are the surprise ingredient in this creamy strawberry shake. In addition to being a perfect protein (not many plant foods are), hemp seeds also deliver omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to protect your heart and boost your brain power. Chia seeds, another top-ranked source of plant protein, are ideal for building lean muscle, burning fat and balancing blood sugar.
Strawberries and Cream Protein Shake
Serves 2
Shopping List
1 cup coconut milk
¼ cup Greek yogurt
1½ tablespoons honey
½ pound frozen strawberries
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 Blend the shakes
In a blender, combine the coconut milk, Greek yogurt, honey, strawberries, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Lightly season with salt, if desired. Blend until smooth.
2 Serve
Pour the shakes into 2 glasses and serve.
Nutrition per serving: Calories: 270, Protein: 9g, Total Fat: 8g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Cholesterol: 5mg, Carbohydrates: 41g, Fiber: 4g, Added Sugar (honey): 13g, Sodium: 140mg
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