I loved every second of creating this cookbook, and I can easily say this book is the one Im most proud of. This book never would have happened if my editor, Dervla Kelly, didnt encourage me to do this one on my own. So, Dervla, thank you for believing in me from the very beginning of my journey as an author and for continuing to believe in me all these years later.
Thank you to everyone at the Rodale team for bringing this cookbook to life: Katherine Leak, Patricia Shaw, Mia Johnson, and Stephanie Huntwork. Aubrie, Glenn, and Fanny, thank you for making my recipes look way better than I ever could.
Thank you, glam squadRobert, Marwa, and Danifor all the laughs and for making me look better than I ever could. Susan and Jack, thank you for your continued support and hard work with all you do.
A massive thank-you to my kids for eating the same meals over and over, for giving me their honest opinions, for grounding me, and for inspiring me every single day.
And last but not least, to everyone who has supported me over the yearsI know how lucky I am to do what I do, and its because of you all, so thank you!
whipped coffee
Whipped coffee started trending at the height of the pandemic, when everyone was at home trying out new culinary treats. It instantly caught my eye because of how elaborate the presentation is and how comforting it looked. This is a treat that I like making on the weekends when I have some extra time in the morning. Just make sure the water is boiling hot when you add it, otherwise the coffee wont get super thick and frothy.
Serves 1
2 tablespoons instant coffee (I like the brand Four Sigmatic)
1 tablespoon raw cane sugar or raw honey
1 cup Brazil Nut Milk ()
Ground cinnamon (optional), for garnish
Place the instant coffee, sugar, and 2 tablespoons boiling water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Turn the mixer on low for a few seconds, then increase the speed to high for 3 to 4 minutes, until the mixture is whipped and fluffy. I like to place a dish towel over my stand mixer so I dont make a mess.
Pour the Brazil Nut Milk in a tall glass or mason jar. Spoon the whipped coffee on top. Top with ground cinnamon, if desired. Enjoy right away.
coffee spritzer
Theres a little coffee shop near my house thats one of those tiny houses (it was actually featured on the DIY Networks Tiny House, Big Living ), and they serve these coffee spritzers. It basically tastes like a coffee-flavored soda. You can make up any flavor combination you like. I personally use hazelnut and vanilla extract. Feel free to leave out all flavoring, if you prefer, and just do the baseits still good.
Serves 1
cup iced coffee or cold-brewed coffee
cup sparkling water
teaspoon pure maple syrup
teaspoon pure hazelnut extract (optional)
teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
2 tablespoons full-fat coconut milk
Pour the coffee, sparkling water, maple syrup, and, if using, the hazelnut and vanilla extracts into a large glass. Stir to combine. Add a handful of ice, top with the coconut milk, and serve.
caff salentino
This recipe is inspired by my roots in the south of Italy. Italians like their espresso iced with a hint of almond milk. Ive swapped the almond milk for coconut milk and added a little almond extract, because coconut milk is thicker and gives this coffee drink a touch more creaminess.
Serves 1
1 to 2 shots espresso
teaspoon pure almond extract
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon full-fat coconut milk
Mix the espresso, almond extract, and maple syrup together in a mug or cup. Place ice in a small glass, pour the espresso mixture on top, add the coconut milk, and serve.
london fog
A few times a year I like to prove to myself that I can go without coffee, so Ill take a break from drinking it daily. My logic behind this is, I dont want to be dependent on anythingso taking breaks validates that I dont need coffee. During these breaks, Ill make these London Fogs. Theyre comforting, just like coffee is in the morning, and are a nice departure for me from the normal latte route.
Serves 2
2 Earl Grey tea bags
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 scoop your favorite collagen powder
teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon raw honey
Place 12 ounces hot water in a medium bowl. Add the tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Whisk in the collagen powder, vanilla, and honey. Add the tea and stir to combine.
Pour into 2 mugs and enjoy.
peppermint collagen matcha latte
I cant drink coffee past noon because Ill never fall asleep (yes, Im very sensitive to it), so matcha is my go-to. Its my favorite afternoon pick-me-up that doesnt keep me up all night. I like jazzing up my matchas, so here Ive added peppermint for taste as well as chlorella for its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ive also included collagen powder because its great for joints, skin, hair, and nails, but thats optional for my vegans.
Serves 1
1 cups full-fat coconut milk
teaspoon pure peppermint extract
1 teaspoons matcha powder
1 teaspoons raw honey
teaspoon chlorella powder
1 scoop your favorite collagen powder (optional)
In a small saucepan, combine the coconut milk, peppermint extract, matcha, honey, chlorella, and collagen powder, if using, and warm the mixture over medium heat. Whisk until fully combined and to your desired temperature.
Pour into a mug and enjoy.
chocolate cherry smoothie
Chocolate and cherry is a classic flavor combo. Its rich and luxurious, and this smoothie is just that. Frozen avocado makes smoothies super creamy, and the handful of spinach here gives you extra nutrients (plus, you cant taste it at all). I make this when I want something chocolaty and decadent. For the frozen avocado, peel and pit the avocado, then place it in a zip-top bag and freeze it overnight. I always have a stash on hand in the freezer for smoothies.
Serves 1
1 cups almond milk
1 tablespoon raw cacao powder
2 dates, pitted and coarsely chopped
avocado, frozen
cup frozen spinach
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
cup frozen dark cherries
Place the almond milk, cacao powder, dates, avocado, spinach, hemp seeds, and cherries in a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Pour in a glass and enjoy right away.
sweet green smoothie
Im one of those people who really enjoys green juice, even if its just pure greens without an apple or other sweet fruit. But the only way to get my kids to drink a green smoothie is to add fruit or some other sweetness. I love this smoothie because its not overly sweet, but its still packed with a ton of greens, and my kids will actually drink it. When I make this for my kiddos, I double the recipe, then split it among the three of them, since one full serving is usually a little too much for them.