This is a comforting drink you can make with or without caffeine and to fit everyone's tastes. You can mix it with coffee to make a wonderful Pumpkin Spice Latte. If you want to use almond milk it will also work for those that are dairy-free.

Ingredients For A Single Serving

• 1 cup whole milk, heated until very warm (whole, 2%, 1% skim)
  

          Or (mix milk with half coffee for a Latte)

• 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
  
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (to taste)
• 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  
• Pinch of salt
  
• Whipped cream, optional
  
• Cinnamon, optional topping

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in blender. Remove center cap from the lid of the blender and use a folded kitchen towel to loosely hold the cap over the hole in a manner that steam can escape. Turn on the blender to low and then increase it to high. Blend ingredients until frothy. Transfer mixture to a mug, top with whipped cream, if desired, and sprinkle with additional pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Note:
I wouldn't recommend making more than 2 serving at a time in the blender, as the mixture will rise up when you first turn on the blender.

Shrubs are a fruit syrup, preserved with vinegar and mixed with plain or sparkling water, also sometimes alcohol to make a tangy, beverage. This is an old fashion drink that has been making a comeback over the years.

Berries are the most common fruit used to make shrubs, but cherries, peaches, pears and other fruits can certainly be used. The only requirement is the fruit needs to be ripe, but don't need to be in perfect condition. Wash the fruit, peel, chop or lightly crush to shorten the infusing time. Ginger, orange, lemon or lime peel can be added for flavor. Even some herbs like mint it's up to you.

You will also need a 5 % acidity vinegar check the label.  White vinegar has a sharp flavor, apple cider vinegar tends to be milder with a fruity flavor and even wine vinegar's will work. Balsamic vinegar is a favorite with cherries or strawberries.

For the sugar, you can use white sugar which is neutral in sweetness, but brown and raw sugars would also work.

Equipment Needed
Quart sized canning jar
Deep pot
Cheese cloth or Coffee Filter

Recipe
Yields: 2-3 cups depending on how juicy the fruit is

2 c. Fruit (Your Choice) - cleaned, peeled, seeded chopped if needed
2 c. Vinegar
1 1/2 - 2 c. sugar

Directions:
Sterilize your quart jar - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Submerge the jar in the water, and boil for 10 minutes. The lid or cap, wash in hot soapy water and rinse well.

Add the Fruit
Remove the sterilized jar and place the prepared fruit in the jar.

Add the Vinegar
Place the vinegar in a saucepan and heat to just below the boiling point, or at least to 190 degrees F. Pour the vinegar over the fruit in the jar, leaving 1/4 inch head space in the jar. Wipe the rim with a clean, damp cloth and apply the cap tightly.

Let it Stand
Let the vinegar cool completely and store the jar in a cool, dark place like the cupboard or refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 24 hours and up to 4 weeks. The longer it sits the stronger the fruit flavor.

Strain
Strain the fruit from the vinegar through a damp cheese cloth or coffee filter. You may have to strain it more than once, to get a clear product. Save the fruit to use for something else.

Add the Sugar
In a saucepan on the stove top add the strained vinegar and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove it from the heat and let it cool. Pour the finished shrub syrup into a sterilized quart jar with a clean cap.

Store
Place the syrup in the fridge. It will last for up to 6 months.

Use
Now comes the fun part, take out 1 tablespoon and place in a cold glass of water, or sparkling water and enjoy. You can use it in salad dressings, glazes for meats the sky is the limit.

There are some evenings that I just can't sleep. It may be the stress of the day or those aching  joints that just don't let you rest. This is a recipe I have added to my evening routine. I do believe it has helped me relax and sleep more soundly.

This drink is made with turmeric, something most of us don't eat everyday. Turmeric has many health benefits it aids in digestion, immune function, liver health and even possible protection from cancer.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of milk or coconut milk (Co-Op price)
  
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric (Co-Op price)
  
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon (Co-Op price)
• 1 teaspoon raw honey or maple syrup or to taste
• Pinch of black pepper (increases absorption)
• Tiny piece of fresh, peeled ginger root or ¼ tsp ginger powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Blend all ingredients
2. Pour into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-5 minutes over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
3. Drink immediately

Sources
Wellness Mama
Dr Weils Healthy Kitchen

High blood pressure runs in my family, so I do watch what I eat, avoid salt and try to keep my weight under control. I'm not one to take medicine if I can control my pressure with food.

I came across this recipe when I was researching ideas on what I could add to help keep my pressure under control. I enjoy tea in the afternoon as a treat and this is perfect, I can get my treat and medicine in one dose. The Co-Op through Country Life Natural Foods offers great prices on many organic and specialty food items. The Retail store also offers great prices on many Bulk Herbs. 

Ingredients:
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. milk any type but whole is creamy
1/2 tsp. ginger ground (Co-Op price)
1 tsp. cinnamon (Co-Op price)
1 1/2 tsp. black tea
1 tsp cardamon ( I use 3-5 pods crushed) (Co-Op price)
2 tsp. honey (it does not need much sweetening) (Co-Op price)

Directions:
Put all the ingredients into a small sauce pan and bring to a boil.
Strain out the tea and cardamon pods

This is so tasty that you could serve it to your guests, and look at all the health benefits!

Health benefits
Cinnamon

• Cinnamon may help treat Type 2 diabetes.
• Cinnamon can lower your bad cholesterol (or LDL).
• Cinnamon has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and even antiviral properties.
• Cinnamon can help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.

Ginger

• Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that compare to  non-steroidal (NSAIDs).
• Shows promise as a cancer and diabetes fighter.
• Great for nausea, motion sickness, and digestive upset.

Cardamon

• Positive results in counteracting colorectal cancer.
• Lower heartbeat, controlled rhythm, and controlled hypertension.
• Control of Cholesterol
• Protection against gastrointestinal diseases.
• Control the microbes that regularly cause food poisoning.
• Improved Blood Circulation

Sources:
OrganicFacts.net
Herbwisdom.com

Coconut is a medium chain fatty acid which is easily digested and converted to energy. Start your day off right by adding this delicious coconut milk coffee creamer to  your morning cup of joe and watch your metabolism and energy levels soar!
Recipe from Dr. Axe

Serves: 4-8
Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk
• 1-2 T. vanilla extract
  
• 2 T. coconut oil, melted
  
• Honey or vanilla stevia to taste
• Sea salt to taste, optional

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until well combined. Use in coffee as desired. Refrigerate it will be thick, but will melt into the hot coffee.

January is the month we all start watching our weight and what we eat. My thought is make it easy. Pineapples are in season right now and this is the perfect drink to fill you up and keep your diet on track.
Recipe from Simple Vegan Blog

Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients

• 1½ cups water (375 ml)
• 1 cup chopped pineapple (250 g)
• 1 cucumber (peel if not organic)
• 1 lemon (peeled)
• 12 dates
  

Instructions
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Note: You can change up the fruit, or add extra spices. Some suggestions are 1 tsp cinnamon or grated ginger. Instead of the dates use stevia, maple or agave syrup, sugar, molasses or your favorite sweetener.