Matcha Green Tea Latte

Green tea contains powerful antioxidants.  According to research, its benefits include lowering cholesterol, weight loss, fighting cancer and heart disease much more.  It took a while for me to warm up to green tea because when I made it it always tasted bitter so I ended up adding a ton of sugar, thus negating the effectiveness of the brew, I'm sure.  I found out later that the tea should be prepared with hot but not boiling water and it made all the difference.

Matcha tea is reported to have even higher levels of antioxidant than green tea leaves so I decided to give it a try and now I'm hooked.  I've made matcha smoothies and lattes and I can't wait to try it in food recipes.  Here's my recipe for matcha latte:

Matcha Green Tea Latte

created with love by LBTurner

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered Matcha green tea

1 tablespoon powdered creamer

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 tablespoons honey or sweeten to taste

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups hot water

Add the 2 1/2 cups of water to a pot and bring to a gentle boil.  Turn off the flame and set it aside.  Mix together the powdered green tea, creamer and cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl.  With a wire whisk or bamboo whisk (chasen), slowly whisk the water into the mixing bowl.  Add the honey or sweetener and vanilla extract and continue to whisk. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of fresh whipped cream if desired.  Makes approximately 2 1/2 cups.

Substitutions:

Substitute the powdered creamer with soy or whey protein

Substitute the honey with agave nectar, brown sugar or other sweetener

Want more info on the health benefits of green tea?  Check out these websites:

Green Tea Benefits    The World's Healthiest Foods    WebMD

Buy Matcha green tea: DoMatcha Organic Matcha Green Tea, 1.06-Ounce Tin    SerendipiTea Matcha Culinary Grade, Organic Green Tea, 4-Ounce Box