You can enjoy a healthy version of the classic New Orleans beverage, Cafe au lait, without having to visit the French Quarter.
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A couple years ago, I had a friend invite me over for homemade beignets. Now if you have ever had those lovely little puffs of freshly fried dough, they are truly an indulgence.
But without being paired with a good, hot cup of coffee, they are incomplete. This Cafe au lait is a classic New Orleans coffee and chicory beverage, and often served with beignets.
To make this recipe you will need:
- ground coffee
- ground chicory root
- water
- coffee maker
- coconut milk
- coconut sugar (optional)
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What is Chicory?
Chicory Root is derived from the Asteraceae family and is related to sunflowers and daisies, as well as lettuce and dandelions. There are broad leaf varieties known as endive or escarole.
The plants have been harvested for thousands of years to be used for any number of purposes, from food and beverages to medicines.
During the civil war, chicory was used as a coffee substitute when when supplies and trade were cut off.
The coffee & chicory blend has been popular in New Orleans for over 200 years and traces back to the French roots of Louisiana.
To make your Cafe au lait, you will brew the beverage in your coffee maker, using your favorite, good quality ground coffee as well as the addition of ground chicory root.
The brew is then mixed with coconut milk (or your favorite milk) and sweetened to taste with some coconut sugar.
Pair your Cafe au lait with some Almond Butter Muffins.
Homemade New Orleans Style Cafe au lait
Ingredients
- 1 Tb ground coffee
- 1 tsp ground - dry chicory
- 1 c water
- 1/2 c warm coconut milk - or other milk of choice
- coconut sugar - or other sweetener – to taste
Instructions
- To prepare your brew, combine a tablespoon of coffee grounds and a teaspoon of chicory for ever cup you will make. The total amount will depend upon the size of your coffee pot.
- Brew as you normally brew your coffee.
- Serve with warm milk and sweeten to taste.
Nutrition
NOTE: All nutritional information is autogenerated and estimated, exactness is not guaranteed.