Refined Sugar Free - Kitchen Treaty https://www.kitchentreaty.com/diet/refined-sugar-free/ A food blog with easy & flexible vegetarian recipes Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:03:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.5 Lemon Tahini Dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-tahini-dressing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lemon-tahini-dressing https://www.kitchentreaty.com/lemon-tahini-dressing/#respond Thu, 28 Aug 2025 17:27:35 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=51408 This Lemon Tahini Dressing recipe is pure magic! It’s luxuriously creamy thanks solely to tahini, the toasted sesame seed paste that originated in the Middle East and, thankfully, has become popular in North America too. You’re going to want to drizzle this tahini sauce on everything, from salads to falafel to bowls … the possibilities […]

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This Lemon Tahini Dressing recipe is pure magic! It’s luxuriously creamy thanks solely to tahini, the toasted sesame seed paste that originated in the Middle East and, thankfully, has become popular in North America too.

You’re going to want to drizzle this tahini sauce on everything, from salads to falafel to bowls … the possibilities with this lemon tahini dressing are endless.

Dressing being drizzled by a spoon into a mason jar. The dressing is Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

I discovered the magic of tahini dressing years ago when I created this broccoli apple salad with a tahini dressing instead of a heavier mayo-based dressing. I was hooked!

Since then, I’ll often keep a jar of lemon tahini dressing in the fridge to dress up crisp summer veggies like tomato and cucumber salad or sautéed zucchini. It’s also perfect on roasted vegetables (I love it with my sheet pan tofu & veggie dinner!) And this lemon tahini sauce completely seals the deal for falafel bowls and other buddha bowls.

Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar with a drip going down the side plus honey and lemon in the background

Why You’ll Love Lemon Tahini Dressing

  • Creamy without being heavy – No mayo, heavy whipping cream, or any other heavy, creamy ingredient needed. All you need is tahini to create that magical creamy consistency!
  • Easily vegan – If you’re eating vegan, just swap out the honey for pure maple syrup and you’re there!
  • Quick & easy to make – Just 5 minutes and a handful of ingredients for a creamy tahini dressing you’ll want to use on everything!
Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

  • Tahini – If the oil has separated from the tahini, be sure to give it a good stir to mix it all together before measuring.
  • Lemon juice – You’ll need 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, which usually takes one or two juicy lemons.
  • Garlic – Just one clove, very finely minced or grated, adds so much flavor to your lemon tahini dressing.
  • Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness which balances out the acidity from the lemon. Feel free to use agave syrup or pure maple syrup instead.
  • Salt & pepper – Highlights all of those nutty, bright, sweet, savory flavors!
  • Water – Adjust the quantity as you wish. Use less water for a thicker sauce, or more water for a thinner, pourable dressing.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Vegan Tahini Dressing – Just use pure maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey.
  • Spicy Tahini Dressing – Add a few pinches of cayenne pepper to give your lemon tahini dressing a touch of heat.
Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a jar on a wooden coaster

How to Make Lemon Tahini Dressing

  1. Add all ingredients – EXCEPT THE WATER – to a small bowl.
  2. Whisk together until homogenous.
  3. Add the water, a little at a time, and whisk it in until it’s the exact consistency you like.
  4. Taste the dressing and add more salt and pepper, if you like, until it’s perfect for you.
  5. That’s it!
Ingredients for tahini dressing
Mixing together tahini dressing

Tips for Success

  • Mix your tahini! If it’s separated, your tahini dressing might end up being too oily.
  • Grate your garlic. If you have a Microplane zester (affiliate link), that’s perfect for getting that garlic into tiny, flavorful bits that permeate every bit of lemon tahini dressing.

I hope this Lemon Tahini Dressing becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in ours! It’s so versatile and adds so much flavor to so many veggies and dishes. It’s a keeper!

Top view of Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar with a spoon full of dressing.
Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing in a mason jar
Print

Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing

So versatile and absolutely delicious! Tahini makes the most lusciously creamy, magic dressing that you'll want to drizzle on salads, roasted veggies, bowls, and so much more.
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword lemon tahini dressing, tahini dressing, tahini sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 67kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup tahini mixed well
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1-2 large lemons
  • 1 medium clove garlic finely minced or grated on a microplane zester
  • 2 teaspoons honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup water

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients except the water in a small bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Pour in the 1/4 cup water and whisk together until smooth. Add additional water if you prefer a thinner dressing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes

Yields about 3/4 cup of dressing. I’ve estimated each serving to be around 2-3 tablespoons. Store lemon tahini dressing in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. 

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 67kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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Basil Seed Pudding https://www.kitchentreaty.com/basil-seed-pudding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=basil-seed-pudding https://www.kitchentreaty.com/basil-seed-pudding/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 18:49:52 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=51383 Move over, chia seeds; Basil Seed Pudding is in the house! This Basil Seed Pudding is rich and creamy + fiber-packed, plus full of amazing nutrients just like chia seed pudding. I think you’re going to love it! The Story Behind the Recipe This summer, my kid has been in a seasonal swim league, which […]

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Move over, chia seeds; Basil Seed Pudding is in the house! This Basil Seed Pudding is rich and creamy + fiber-packed, plus full of amazing nutrients just like chia seed pudding. I think you’re going to love it!

A jar full of basil seed pudding with strawberries and slivered almonds

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

This summer, my kid has been in a seasonal swim league, which has meant many extremely early mornings for us moms. One of the moms brought a delicious chia seed pudding in to share, and I was reminded what an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients chia seed pudding is.

But I’d recently learned about (and ordered) a bag of basil seeds, so I decided to go to town on creating an alternative but using basil seeds. It wasn’t long before I was hooked! I first heard about basil seeds via the Liz Moody podcast. I had no idea there was a seed out there so similar to chia seeds, but even healthier in some ways!

This Basil Seed Pudding recipe, my first of what may be many, is a classic mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and creamy coconut milk. It’s excellent with some fruit and nuts on top. My new fave healthy breakfast, for sure!

Mason jars full of basil seed pudding, three in a row, on a wooden background with almonds and berries.

All About Basil Seeds

We know chia seeds are super healthy, but basil seeds are awesome too, and even better in some ways! They operate similarly, by developing a gelatinous outer layer when mixed with water. But basil seeds are said to have twice the fiber, potassium, prebiotics, iron, and calcium as chia seeds. (source; source).

They don’t taste like basil – in fact, just like chia seeds, they really don’t have much of a taste at all.

Why You’ll Love Basil Seed Pudding

  • SO easy to make: Less than 5 minutes hands-on time. Doesn’t get easier!
  • Meal prep perfection: Make it ahead of time and chill for easy, no-fuss, healthy breakfasts. Just top with berries and/or nuts and you’re good to go!
  • Refreshing and delicious: I especially love this Basil Seed Pudding for warmer months, when I crave something cool for breakfast.
  • Nutritious and satiating: One serving is packed full of fiber, protein, and all kinds of micronutrients. Plus this basil seed pudding keeps me full for hours!
Basil Seed Pudding ingredients on a white marble background

Ingredients

  • Basil seeds – Otherwise known as sabja or sweet basil seeds, basil seeds are somewhat hard to find locally, but I’m really hoping that changes soon. I get ZenBasil seeds on Amazon.
  • Water – I find that basil seeds plump up best when they first get some time in water. So I give them an initial quick soak before adding the other ingredients. The good news is, they soak up the liquid fast – way faster than chia seeds do, actually!
  • Coconut milk – I love the thick creaminess and subtle sweetness that coconut milk brings. You can also use your choice of milk – dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk all also work great. Make it your own!
  • Pure maple syrup – I like to use maple syrup for some warm sweetness. Honey or even some granulated sugar will work too.
  • Vanilla – I use pure vanilla extract, or if you’re worried about alcohol contact, vanilla powder is delicious, too.
  • Cinnamon – Just a touch for a bit of cozy flavor.
  • Salt – A pinch or two to bring out the flavors.

Adaptations/Variations

Sugar Free Basil Seed Pudding

  • I sometimes swap in one teaspoon of granulated Stevia for the pure maple syrup for a lower-carb, sugar free basil seed pudding.

Strawberry Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in a cup of chopped or pureed fresh or frozen strawberries with the coconut milk. Top with more chopped berries.

Chocolate Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder with the coconut milk (I like to use almost the whole can of coconut milk with this version). Double or even triple the sweetener until it’s perfect. Top with mini chocolate chips or – my fave – blueberries.

High Protein Basil Seed Pudding

  • Stir in 1 cup cooked quinoa and 1/4 cup hemp seeds to increase the protein and make your Basil Seed Pudding even more hearty. You can also swap out some of the coconut milk for Greek yogurt, if you like.

Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding

  • Make a strong chai tea and soak the basil seeds in 3/4 cup of that instead of plain water. Add a pinch of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.

How to Make Basil Seed Pudding

  1. First, you’ll want to mix the basil seeds and water together in a medium-size bowl.
  2. Let it sit at room temp for about 5 minutes, until the basil seeds have developed a thick, clear, gel layer on the outside.
  3. Whisk in 3/4 cup of the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. If you’d like a thinner basil seed pudding, add some more coconut milk.
  4. You can eat your basil seed pudding right away, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t just swap basil seeds for chia seeds. Basil seed pudding is made a bit differently than chia seed pudding, because basil seeds really seem to like to soak up water before having creamy ingredients added to it.
  • Use lukewarm water for the fastest, most efficient soaking.
A spoon scoops basil seed pudding out of the jar

I hope you love this Basil Seed Pudding as much as we do! It’s fast and easy to make, super healthy, and perfect for meal prep. It doesn’t get any better than this for breakfast prep!

three jars of basil seed pudding with fruit
Print

Basil Seed Pudding Recipe

This creamy vanilla-cinnamon pudding makes the perfect breakfast! Basil seeds are very similar to chia seeds, but even more full of nutrients. This pudding is SO simple to make and perfect for breakfast meal prep.
Course Breakfast
Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword basil seed pudding
Servings 4
Calories 99kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons basil seeds
  • 3/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 3/4 – 1 cup coconut milk can sub milk of choice such as dairy milk, oat milk, almond milk, etc.
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup*
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the basil seeds and lukewarm water. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes until the seeds have soaked up the water. The mix will be thick and gelatinous.
  • Whisk in 3/4 cup coconut milk, pure maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and pinch salt. If you're happy with the thickness, you're done. For a slightly thinner pudding, add the remaining coconut milk.
  • Can eat immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

* Sugar Free Option
Swap in 1 teaspoon of granulated Stevia product

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 0.5IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 2mg

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Balsamic Reduction Syrup Recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/balsamic-reduction/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=balsamic-reduction https://www.kitchentreaty.com/balsamic-reduction/#comments Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:44:49 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=50850 This sweet and tangy condiment can be called Balsamic Reduction, Balsamic Glaze, or Balsamic Syrup – no matter what you call it, it’s an absolute must for every kitchen! Best of all, you only need one ingredient – plain old balsamic vinegar – plus a few minutes to create the condiment of your dreams. Why […]

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This sweet and tangy condiment can be called Balsamic Reduction, Balsamic Glaze, or Balsamic Syrup – no matter what you call it, it’s an absolute must for every kitchen!

Best of all, you only need one ingredient – plain old balsamic vinegar – plus a few minutes to create the condiment of your dreams.

drizzling balsamic glaze on tortellini skewers
a jar of balsamic glaze with a spoon next to it and a striped napkin

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Reduction

  • SO delicious – Reducing balsamic vinegar into a syrup concentrates the sugars, resulting in a sweet, slightly tart syrup that is insanely delicious on so many things (but especially caprese salad or caprese skewers!)
  • So simple to make – It takes less than 15 minutes to simmer balsamic vinegar into glossy magic.
  • Lasts a long time – Whip up a batch and refrigerate your balsamic glaze – it will last for months in there.
balsamic glaze reduction

Ingredients

  • Balsamic vinegar – Yep, just one ingredient for balsamic reduction! It doesn’t need to be super high quality, but make sure it doesn’t have any additives like coloring or flavoring. Traditional balsamic vinegar, made without additives, has been aged for years and therefore tastes the best when reduced.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Some recipes call for brown sugar (about 1 part brown sugar to 4 parts vinegar) or pure maple syrup, which results in a sweeter, more caramelized balsamic reduction. If you want a sweeter result, you might try adding one of those.

How to Make Balsamic Glaze

  1. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and place it over low heat.
  2. Bring the vinegar to a light simmer and cook uncovered for approximately 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
  3. Cook just until the vinegar starts to thicken. Test it by inserting a metal spoon; if it coats the spoon lightly, it’s done.
  4. Allow your balsamic syrup to cool completely. Remember, it will thicken as it cools.
  5. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
checking for thickness when making balsamic glaze

Tips for Success

  • Don’t cover it! You want to vinegar to evaporate to create that thick, glossy syrup.
  • Don’t boil! Keep it at a low simmer, otherwise it’s really easy to burn your balsamic glaze.
  • Remember, your balsamic glaze will thicken more as it cools. I watch for it to be just thick enough to coat a spoon, about the same consistency as a thinner cough syrup. That’s my cue that it’s done.
  • Utilize your kitchen exhaust system, or your house will really smell of vinegar!

Ways to Serve Balsamic Glaze

  • Drizzle it over caprese salad or caprese skewers
  • Add some to grilled or roasted vegetables
  • Pour a bit on your avocado toast
  • Drizzle over fresh strawberries for a fresh and tasty dessert
  • Add to green salads with a bit of olive oil and some coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Glaze chicken, fish, or tofu
  • Serve it on a cheese charcuterie board, either drizzled over soft cheeses or on its own with a spoon for self-serving
a spoon scooping balsamic glaze out of a jar

Balsamic glaze is dark, glossy, and so full of intense flavor. It’s the ultimate condiment!

a spoon scooping balsamic glaze out of a jar
Print

Balsamic Reduction (Balsamic Syrup)

This thick, glossy syrup has the most wonderful concentrated flavor. Sweet, a little tart, and so great on caprese, over meats and tofu, drizzled on grilled or roasted vegetables, and so much more.
Keyword balsamic glaze, balsamic reduction, balsamic syrup
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 56kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1 cup balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  • Pour vinegar into a small saucepan. Place over low heat and bring to a light simmer.
  • Simmer for approximately 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until the mixture just starts to thicken. I test my balsamic reduction by inserting a metal spoon. If it coats the spoon lightly, like cough syrup or pure maple syrup.
  • Allow to cool completely (it will thicken as it cools). Transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge.

Notes

1 cup of balsamic vinegar yields about 1/2 cup of balsamic reduction.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 0.3g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 71mg | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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Homemade Curry Powder Recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/homemade-curry-powder/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=homemade-curry-powder https://www.kitchentreaty.com/homemade-curry-powder/#respond Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=48999 I love making homemade curry powder! It’s so satisfying to mix a variety of spices together to create the vibrant-looking AND vibrant-tasting spice blend that adds wonderful Indian-themed vibes to any meal. Plus, you can customize your DIY curry powder however you like. Prefer more heat? Crank it up! Turmeric lover? Go for it! The […]

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I love making homemade curry powder! It’s so satisfying to mix a variety of spices together to create the vibrant-looking AND vibrant-tasting spice blend that adds wonderful Indian-themed vibes to any meal.

Plus, you can customize your DIY curry powder however you like. Prefer more heat? Crank it up! Turmeric lover? Go for it!

a glass bowl full of homemade curry powder mix with a wooden spoon

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Contrary to popular belief, curry powder didn’t originate in India. It’s actually thought to have first been created by the British in order to emulate their favorite Indian dishes at home.

a glass bowl full of homemade curry powder mix with a wooden spoon

The first recipe for curry powder appeared in an English cookbook written by a cookery writer by the name of Hanna Glasse. (source)

a gold scoop with homemade curry powder in it on a wooden board

Why You’ll Love Homemade Curry Powder

  • Money saver: Instead of forking over the cash for yet another jar of spices, save money by making it yourself! If you don’t already have the spices for this DIY curry powder recipe, consider saving even more money by seeking out a grocery store that sells spices in bulk. If you’ve never bought spices in bulk, you are going to be absolutely floored by the cost savings!
  • Customizable: If you prefer a completely mild curry powder, leave out the cayenne pepper or use very little. Conversely, if you like it spicy, double, triple, or quadruple the cayenne. Make any adjustments you like to make it your own!
ingredients for homemade curry powder on a stoneware plate

What Spices are in Curry Powder?

Here are the ingredients for my version of homemade curry powder:

  • Ground cumin – Adds smoky, earthy, slightly lemony flavor.
  • Ground turmeric – Made from dried ground turmeric root, a relative of ginger. Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties (source). I love it in golden milk!
  • Ground coriander – The seeds of the cilantro plant are called coriander. Ground coriander is simply the ground seeds.
  • Ground ginger – Made from dried ground ginger root.
  • Ground cardamom – The seeds inside of cardamom pods, pulverized. The flavor is slightly reminiscent of cinnamon and citrus.
  • Cayenne pepper – Ground red chili peppers, cayenne is how this curry powder recipe gets its heat. Use less or more to adjust the spice level to your preference.
  • Ground mustard seed – Peppery mustard seeds ground to a powder.

Some curry powder recipes also include:

  • Ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Cloves
  • Fenugreek

If you like any of those, go ahead and add them! Make it yours.

How to Make Homemade Curry Powder

  1. Grab a small bowl and add all of the spices.
  2. Stir it together.
  3. Transfer to a spice jar or small mason jar (I recommend using a funnel to help keep it corralled!) Store in a cool, dark place for 6 months (or longer!)
a bowl full of homemade curry powder mix with a wooden spoon

Tip for Success

  • Use fresh spices: It seems like spices should keep forever, and in a way they do … but their flavor intensity can really decrease over time. So make sure to use fresh spices that are far from their expiration date for the best flavor.
a glass bowl full of diy curry powder

I hope you love knowing how to make homemade curry powder! I love having a big old jar of it in my pantry for curries, dal, soups, and so much more.

Use Your Homemade Curry Powder in These Recipes …

a bowl full of homemade curry powder mix with a wooden spoon
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Homemade Curry Powder Recipe

It's easy to make your own homemade curry powder! This mix of pungent, flavorful spices evokes the flavors of Indian cuisine in curries, soups, and more. Adjust the quantities to make it your own!
Keyword curry powder, curry powder recipe, homemade curry powder
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 minutes
Calories 151kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon dried ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard seed

Instructions

  • Add all of the spices to a small bowl and stir to combine. Store in an airtight jar at room temp in a cool, dark place (like a pantry).

Notes

Nutrition information based on the entire 1/2 cup batch of curry powder. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 798mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 570IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 17mg

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Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice (+ the Best Oranges for Juicing) https://www.kitchentreaty.com/fresh-squeezed-orange-juice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fresh-squeezed-orange-juice https://www.kitchentreaty.com/fresh-squeezed-orange-juice/#respond Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:39:20 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=41481 Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice feels like such a luxury, but it’s SO worth the bit of effort it takes to make it! There’s just nothing like the taste of fresh homemade orange juice. May 4 is National Orange Juice Day, and it will be here before we know it! So what better way to celebrate than […]

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Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice feels like such a luxury, but it’s SO worth the bit of effort it takes to make it!

There’s just nothing like the taste of fresh homemade orange juice.

A glass of refreshing orange juice with naval oranges all around

May 4 is National Orange Juice Day, and it will be here before we know it! So what better way to celebrate than making our own fresh orange juice?! Though honestly, I don’t need a holiday to make this orange juice recipe, and I’m guessing you don’t either!

You may think homemade orange juice as simple as squeezing some oranges (and basically it is), but I have some more info for you here, like the best oranges for juicing, how many oranges you need for a glass of juice, the best way to juice oranges, and more!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Having a … selective … eater in the house, I try to work in nutrition wherever I can. Said eater, who I won’t rat out, won’t go anywhere near store-bought orange juice. Fresh-squeezed, however? That’s a whole other thing.

We all know how amazing freshly squeezed orange juice tastes vs. the OJ that comes in a carton. There’s just something so light and BURSTING with flavor about freshly squeezed orange juice. Plus, you can control the amount of pulp (we strain it all out for the aforementioned unnamed eater).

A close-up of a glass of orange juice

So a couple of years ago, I bought an electric citrus juicer, and haven’t looked back. Our kitchen doesn’t have a lot of storage, so I tend to avoid buying a lot of small appliances. But this one was totally worth the money (it actually was super inexpensive) and the space it takes up.

It makes quick work of getting every last speck of juice out of the oranges and is fun for everyone in the family to use.

So! I thought I’d share what I’ve learned about homemade orange juice. Because – yes – it is as simple as cutting oranges in half and squeezing them. But there are actually a few questions that have come up for me over the years, so I thought I’d share!

Three glasses in a row of fresh squeezed orange juice on a wooden board with a green towel in the background.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Orange Juice

Whether for a special occasion (hello mimosas!) or you’re just looking at getting more vitamins in a delicious way, homemade fresh-squeezed orange juice is so satisfying to make! Plus, it’s just out-of-this-world delicious – not knocking store-bought OJ, which can be great, but it’s just better. Way better.

A top view of two glasses of orange juice with fresh orange slices for garnish. A green towel is in the background.

Benefits of Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Is fresh orange juice good for you? It is! There are many benefits of juicing oranges for homemade orange juice. The top being what you probably already know: Fresh orange juice contains loads of vitamin C! A one cup (8-ounce) serving of fresh squeezed orange juice contains 116 mg of vitamin C, which meets (and exceeds!) the recommended daily allowance for both men and women. (source)

Orange juice is also a great source of magnesium, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. (source)

While fresh-squeezed orange juice contains no added sugars (it’s perfectly sweet without!), a one-cup serving does have about 23 grams of sugar, so that is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your sugar intake for health reasons. (source)

Common oranges for juicing: Blood orange, cara cara, mandarin, naval

Best Oranges for Juicing

I tested four different types of oranges for juicing: Navel, blood, cara cara, and mandarin.

Based on my family’s testing, here are the types of oranges, in order, that are the best oranges to juice:

  1. Navel oranges: In our opinion, navel oranges produce the best tasting juice. It’s sweet, but not overly so, with just enough tart flavor to make it interesting. I also love the classic orange color. It has some pulp, but not as much as others. Navel oranges are easy to juice and don’t have any seeds.
  2. Cara Cara oranges: Cara Cara oranges yielded more juice per pound than any of the other three types of oranges we tested. The taste was good – a little sweeter but overall more watered down than Navel, hence its #2 rating. Oh, but the juice is super pretty – a pinkish orange. Cara Cara is actually a cross between two sub-types of naval oranges. They kind of look like a mini grapefruit when cut open, but taste like an orange.
  3. Blood oranges: Blood oranges are just cool! Blood orange juice is the most gorgeous ruby red. But honestly, otherwise, the juice rates a solid third place for us. It has SO much pulp (not a good thing in our opinion) and the taste was a bit bland compared to the other juices.
  4. Mandarin oranges: Tiny mandarins are not the first thing one thinks of when juicing oranges, but we thought we’d give them a go. Pound for pound, they don’t produce as much juice as the other oranges we tested. They had tons of pulp, but the juice was very sweet, though it had a weird aftertaste. They also fell apart a bit when juiced.
Navel oranges ready for orange juice

Other types of oranges for orange juice:

  1. Valencia oranges: Valencia are commonly considered a great juicing orange, but I haven’t been able to find them at my local grocery stores. I’ll keep looking and update here when I’ve found some!
  2. Clementine oranges: Clementines are a cross between oranges and tangerines. They’re another small orange that produces great juice, but you’ll need a lot of them. I haven’t tested these either.

How Much Juice Per Orange?

The answer to this question really depends on the particular orange. However, our testing showed us that:

3 pounds navel oranges (7-8 large navel oranges) = 16 ounces (2 cups) of juice.

Blood oranges and mandarins are similar pound for pound. Cara cara oranges will give you a bit more juice than that per orange; our testing showed us that cara cara are the juiciest.

How to Make Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

  1. Cut oranges in half horizontally through the middle, leaving the stem and bottom intact.
  2. Use a citrus reamer or juicer to juice each half thoroughly. 
  3. If you want less pulp, strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve.
  4. Drink immediately or chill and enjoy within 3 days.
Oranges sliced in half and ready for fresh squeezed orange juice
Making fresh squeezed orange juice with an electric juicer
Straining the pulp out of fresh squeezed orange juice
A clear glass of orange juice with a basket of oranges in the background

Best Tools for Homemade Orange Juice

There are a wide range of tools for making fresh-squeezed orange juice. You can use anything from a handheld citrus reamer to a super fancy juicer that you keep stocked with oranges (dare to dream!) I’m focusing on tools that can be easily used at home:

1. My preferred tool: An electric citrus juicer

I like to use an inexpensive electric citrus juicer (affiliate link) for my fresh orange juice. It’s only $20 and gets the job done quick! But use whichever tool you like best and makes the most sense for your kitchen.

2. Handheld citrus reamer

This simple wooden citrus reamer (affiliate link) makes quick work of juicing and can store right in your utensil drawer.

3. Other tools

Other orange juice recipe tools include sturdy manual juicers like this one (affiliate link). Or, you can simply blend your oranges in the blender and squeeze the juice out using cheesecloth or a nut milk bag (affiliate link).

A glass of orange juice with an orange wedge on the rim

Tips for Success

  • Start with room-temperature oranges. Cold oranges yield less juice because they’re harder to squeeze/juice. Some recommend microwaving cold/refrigerated oranges for 15-20 seconds before juicing them to warm them back up.
  • Buy more oranges than you think you’ll need. What’s the worst that can happen? You have too many oranges and have to make more homemade orange juice tomorrow morning too? Bummer!
Horizontal image showing a clear glass full of orange juice on a wooden board surrounded by sliced oranges and a green napkin.

How Long Does Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice Last?

You’ll want to enjoy your freshly squeezed orange juice within about 3 days. The juice might settle when refrigerated, so you’ll want to stir it before drinking it.

A clear glass full of orange juice with naval oranges all around
Print

Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

There's simply nothing like freshly squeezed homemade orange juice! It's light, fresh, and super easy, plus you can control the amount of pulp. We tested several oranges (read the entire post for details) and like navel oranges best.
Keyword best oranges for orange juice, blood orange juice, fresh orange juice recipe, fresh squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade orange juice, orange juice, orange juice recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups
Calories 320kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Naval oranges about 7-8 medium oranges

Instructions

  • Make sure the oranges are at room temperature (not fresh out of the fridge). Cut oranges in half horizontally through the middle, leaving the stem and bottom intact. Use a citrus reamer or juicer to juice each half thoroughly.
  • Drink immediately or chill and enjoy within 3 days. The juice might settle when refrigerated so give it a stir before serving.
  • Three pounds of oranges should yield about two cups (16 ounces) of orange juice.

Notes

Storage Info:

Fresh orange juice keeps for around 3 days in the fridge. It may separate while sitting, so give it a stir before serving. 

A couple of cocktail recipes with fresh orange juice:

Mimosas: Pour a champagne glass half full of fresh orange juice. Fill the rest of the way with champagne or sparkling wine (I like Prosecco in mimosas because it’s not too sweet). 
Screwdriver cocktail: Fill a tall glass with ice. Add a shot of vodka. Pour orange juice to the top and stir. Serve with a straw. 

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Potassium: 1232mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 1531IU | Vitamin C: 362mg | Calcium: 272mg | Iron: 1mg

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How to Make a Flax Egg Substitute for Baking https://www.kitchentreaty.com/flax-egg-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flax-egg-recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/flax-egg-recipe/#respond Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:37:50 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=47994 Eggs might be hard to come by these days, but plant-based flax eggs are a great solution! They make a great substitute for eggs in baking recipes, and don’t cost $8 a dozen. I’ve been using them in my baking for years, so I thought it was time I shared exactly how to make a […]

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Eggs might be hard to come by these days, but plant-based flax eggs are a great solution! They make a great substitute for eggs in baking recipes, and don’t cost $8 a dozen.

I’ve been using them in my baking for years, so I thought it was time I shared exactly how to make a flax egg substitute for baking!

A spoon full of flax egg above a clear glass bowl.

Table of Contents

What is a Flax Egg?

First and foremost, what IS a flax egg, anyway? Well, it’s simply ground flaxseed (otherwise known as flaxseed meal), soaked in water, and used as an egg substitute for baking.

They’ve been popular for decades in vegan baking, and they’re a perfect solution during times when eggs are hard to come by.

A clear bowl full of flax eggs with a wooden spoon

Flaxseeds, simply seeds of the flax plant, contain a component called flaxseed gum. When mixed with liquid, it acts as a gelling agent. Which makes it perfect to use as a binder in baking!

Unfortunately, you can’t fry, poach, or scramble a flax egg – it’s simply a baking substitute. (But I do suggest trying a tofu scramble which is a great high-protein alternative to your morning eggs!)

Water and ground flaxseed, the two ingredients needed to make a flax egg

Ingredients

  • Flaxseed meal – Just ground flaxseeds. You should be able to find ground flaxseed near the oats, grains, chia seeds, etc. in most well-stocked grocery stores.
  • Water – Warm water, specifically!

How to Make a Flax Egg

Just mix the flaxseed meal and warm water together in a small bowl and let it sit until thickened and gel-like. This usually takes 15-20 minutes.

A gold spoon full of flax egg spilling out, showing how thick flax eggs are.

Now it’s time to use your wonderful flax egg substitute for baking! Like in this delicious eggless chocolate chip cookie recipe. 🙂

A close-up of a pile Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies on a white plate.

Tips for Success

  • Store your flaxseed meal in the fridge, or better yet, the freezer. It will go rancid after a few weeks, so keep it chilled for longer life.
  • Use warm water! Cold water will work too, but it will take much longer to gel up.

I hope you find flax eggs the perfect egg substitute for baking! I know it’s my favorite hack for vegan baking or just simply baking without eggs when they’re hard to come by.

More Eggless Recipes

A gold spoon full of flax egg spilling out, showing how thick flax eggs are.
Print

Flax Egg Substitute Recipe

It's easy to make this egg substitute for baking! Ground flaxseeds, when mixed with water, thicken up into a perfect egg-like binder. Here's all about how to make them!
Keyword egg substitute for baking, flax egg, how to make a flax egg
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 37kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon flax meal also known as ground flaxseeds
  • 3 tablespoons water

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the flax meal and the water. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Use as a substitute for the egg binder in baking recipes.

Notes

Prep time includes soaking time. Actual hands-on prep is only a couple of minutes. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 37kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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Martha Stewart’s Green Juice Recipe (+ How I Modify It So I Can Actually Drink It) https://www.kitchentreaty.com/martha-stewarts-green-juice/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=martha-stewarts-green-juice https://www.kitchentreaty.com/martha-stewarts-green-juice/#respond Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=47254 Learn the recipe for Martha Stewart’s Green Juice, which she swears by as an “invaluable part of my quest for aging gracefully.” And if anyone is the poster child for aging gracefully, it’s Martha Stewart! This green juice recipe is full of nutrients and Martha swears by a glass of it every morning. I’ll admit, […]

The post Martha Stewart’s Green Juice Recipe (+ How I Modify It So I Can Actually Drink It) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

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Learn the recipe for Martha Stewart’s Green Juice, which she swears by as an “invaluable part of my quest for aging gracefully.” And if anyone is the poster child for aging gracefully, it’s Martha Stewart!

Two glasses of green juice on a wooden board with veggies and fruit in the background.

This green juice recipe is full of nutrients and Martha swears by a glass of it every morning. I’ll admit, this is the first time I’ve shared a recipe I’m not absolutely crazy about, but I’ve made a few tweaks that make it much more drinkable for a green juice newb like myself.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Queen Martha mentioned in both the recent documentary about her and in her 100th cookbook (affiliate link) that her green juice recipe is basically her fountain of youth. She attributes her glowing skin and vibrancy to the green juice she drinks every morning. And as an aging woman myself, I couldn’t NOT give it a try!

My husband and I made a big production of running everything in Martha Stewart’s green juice recipe from her cookbook through the juicer (we’re new to juicing).

And I’ll be honest. We took cautious sips and … it … wasn’t our favorite.

I suspect that for those who have been juicing for awhile, they might be able to drink it no prob. Me, I learned quickly that there are steps to juicing, and as a novice, I need more of an … intro juice.

Luckily, with a bit of adaptation, I created a version of green juice that I can happily drink every morning (my husband, on the other hand, I think will remain scarred for the foreseeable future, so I’m the only one still on the green juice train).

Today, I’m sharing the green juice recipe from Martha Stewart, plus my tweaks to make it more drinkable (in my opinion).

There are a number of versions of Martha’s green juice out on the web as she’s changed it up over the years. Her most recent version, in her newest cookbook, is optimized for max nutrition without a lot of sugars. As someone who has to watch her sugars for health reasons, I respect that!

But I had to add some sweetness to my version, and the ginger had to go completely.

Top view of two glasses of green juice on a wooden background

Martha Stewart’s Green Juice

Martha Stewart’s Green Juice is SO full of nutrients! We’re talking loads of potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and even some calcium and iron. (Here’s more info about the health benefits of green juice.)

It just feels good to start the day with a nutritional powerhouse of a drink.

Ingredients

Martha’s Green Juice:

  • Spinach – Martha suggests one bunch, washed super well. She grows hers in her garden because she’s Martha Stewart. I use the baby spinach found in the prepared section of the grocery store.
  • Celery – Two stalks; Martha prefers hers with the leaves
  • Cucumber – Martha suggests the Kirby variety, but that’s not something I’ve seen, so I just use 1/2 an English cucumber
  • Parsley – One bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • Mint – One small bunch
  • Ginger – A one-inch piece, and the peel can stay on.
  • Orange wedges, peel on

My … Wimpier Adapted Green Juice Recipe:

  • Baby spinach
  • Celery – Two stalks
  • Cucumber – I generally use half an English cucumber. No need to peel.
  • Parsley – I reduce the parsley to a few sprigs instead of the full bunch.
  • Mint – A few sprigs.
  • Pineapple – I like the sweetness a bit of pineapple adds.
  • Orange wedges
  • Granny Smith apple – I like the sweet/sour element the Granny Smith provides

I can’t do the ginger. It’s too strong of a taste. Maybe someday when I’m more of a hardcore juicer (I aspire to juice greatness!)

How to Make Martha Stewart’s Green Juice

Green Juice with a Juicer:

Just run all of the ingredients through the juicer and serve!

Green Juice with a Blender:

You can also use your blender if you don’t have a juicer. Puree all of the ingredients then strain them through a nut milk bag or through a cheesecloth lined sieve. Discard the solids and enjoy the juice.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t be afraid to cut your green juice with water. If the taste is too strong, it’s okay to add water! I prefer water AND ice. It stretches the juice and also makes it more drinkable in my opinion.

I hope this green juice recipe is a winner for you! I’m curious to hear what you think of it – and if, like me, you have to make a few adaptations to really be able to drink it! 😅

More Veg- and Fruit-Forward Green Drink Recipes

Two glasses of green juice on a wooden board with veggies and fruit in the background.
Print

Martha Stewart’s Green Juice

Health in a glass! Martha says her green juice is her key to aging gracefully. I'm listening! This green juice recipe is lower in sugar compared to some out there, and loaded with nutrients. I'm sharing her original recipe from her 100th cookbook + my adaptations to make it a bit (in my opinion) more tasty for green juice newbies such as myself.
Keyword green juice recipe, low sugar green juice, martha stewart green juice, martha stewart’s green juice
Servings 2
Calories 162kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch spinach washed well; or 3-4 cups baby spinach
  • 2 stalks celery Martha prefers hers with the leaves
  • 1 cucumber Martha suggests the Kirby variety, but that's not something I've seen, so I just use 1/2 an English cucumber
  • 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 small bunch fresh mint
  • 1 one-inch piece fresh ginger with the peel on*
  • 2 unpeeled orange wedges

Instructions

Juicer Instructions

  • Run the ingredients through a juicer. Stir and serve.

Blender Instructions

  • Puree all of the ingredients in a blender, adding a splash of water if needed. Pour the juice through a cheesecloth-lined sieve or into a nut milk bag and press as much juice as possible out. Discard the pulp, stir the juice, and serve.

Notes

Because I like to serve this green juice over ice and cut it with water, I usually drink about half of it and save the other half for the next morning. 

My version:

*For my version, I leave out the fresh ginger entirely. The taste is just so strong. I’m sure it can become an acquired taste, but I’m not there yet. I also reduce the parsley and mint and change the cucumber and spinach to more easily accessible varieties. Finally, I’ve added a Granny Smith apple and fresh pineapple for some sweetness. I prefer to serve this Green Juice over ice and like to cut it with a generous splash of water. 
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, core & seeds removed
  • 2-inch slice or 4-5 chunks fresh pineapple
  • 3-4 cups (packed) baby spinach
  • 1/2 English cucumber
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 2-3 sprigs fresh parsley
  • 1-2 sprigs fresh mint
  • 2 unpeeled orange wedges

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 162kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 2903mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 37487IU | Vitamin C: 199mg | Calcium: 510mg | Iron: 14mg

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Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte Recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/oat-milk-latte-recipe/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oat-milk-latte-recipe https://www.kitchentreaty.com/oat-milk-latte-recipe/#comments Sat, 18 Jan 2025 17:05:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=46653 Comforting, warm, and energizing … this Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte is your perfect match! And with just four ingredients and only a few minutes to make, this oat milk latte recipe is SO easy to whip up at home. Later, expensive coffee shop! 👋  I’m absolutely obsessed with oat milk lattes – I just […]

The post Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

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Comforting, warm, and energizing … this Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte is your perfect match! And with just four ingredients and only a few minutes to make, this oat milk latte recipe is SO easy to whip up at home. Later, expensive coffee shop! 👋 

A honey vanilla oat milk latte on a wooden coaster with a peach backdrop and honey in the background.

I’m absolutely obsessed with oat milk lattes – I just love how easy they are to make! I often enjoy oat milk lattes plain – just espresso and oat milk – but sometimes I want to up the ante and add a bit of sweetness and round it out with vanilla. This honey vanilla oat milk lattes are the result, and it is divine!

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

When you live in a drizzly, gray place like Seattle in the winter, you learn how to embrace the cozy! Finding cozy, comforting elements wherever you can really helps a person get through the long, dark winters. That’s probably why coffee shops are a massive thing in the Pacific Northwest!

I love a good coffee shop and a great barista-made oat milk latte, but I also feel like oat milk lattes are one of the easiest and most accessible coffee shop drinks to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte

Oat milk is amazing in lattes, for one. It froths up SO fabulously and tastes rich, creamy, and luxurious.

Even if you normally love dairy, I’m willing to bet that once you try oat milk in lattes, you might not want to go back!

I love straight-up oat milk lattes – with just warmed and frothed oat milk + espresso – but when I’m really craving a treat, I grab the honey and vanilla extract and make a honey vanilla oat milk latte.

There’s just something about the floral sweetness of honey and the warmth of vanilla that really make this coffee drink so special.

Ingredients for honey vanilla oat milk latte

Ingredients

  • Oat milk – I’m on team oat milk these days when it comes to lattes – it’s thick and creamy and froths so well. But you can easily swap in your favorite dairy milk or plant-based alternative.
  • Espresso or strong coffee – Whichever you prefer, but I have some details about what I’ve been using lately for lattes in the “Equipment” section of this post.
  • Honey – Any light honey will do (I’m partial to clover or blackberry honey). If you’re vegan or if you don’t have any honey on hand, pure maple syrup makes an excellent swap-in.
  • Pure vanilla extract

Adaptations/Variations

  • Plain Oat Milk Latte – Just leave out the honey and vanilla for a plain version. I drink these all the time, too!
  • Vegan Oat Milk Latte – If you’re vegan, you’ll want to sub out the honey for pure maple syrup.
  • Cinnamon Honey Oat Milk Latte – Add a dash of cinnamon to the oat milk + a bit more cinnamon sprinkled over the top.

Equipment

While you can use a fancy espresso machine if you have one, it’s totally not needed! You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this oat milk latte.

I’m completely obsessed with this stovetop espresso maker that’s less than $20 and super easy to use. You can also just use your favorite brewing method to whip up some strong coffee.

A white mug full of oat milk latte with coffee beans and honey in the background

For the milk, it can be as simple as heating up the milk and honey on your stove then frothing it, or you can use an electric frothing machine which, for me, is a little wintertime splurge that I love.

This is what the equipment I use to make my lattes (these are all affiliate links; if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small percentage of the sale for referring you, at no additional cost):

Espresso brewer

  • Stovetop espresso maker: This $20 stovetop espresso maker is so wonderful! Just fill the bottom with water, add ground espresso beans to the cup, and set it over medium-low heat on the stove. The espresso bubbles up into the upper chamber, and from there, you can just pour it directly into your latte mug. and you just pour that directly into your mug.

Frother

  • Stainless steel milk frother: I have and love this milk frother, which has been so amazing during the cold months! Just put your milk in, set the temperature, and press the button for heated, frothy milk. Swap out the little frothing disc for no froth or lots of froth.
  • Hand frother: This inexpensive $10 handheld milk frother wand gives you a great froth for just about the price of a coffee shop latte!

How to Make a Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso and add it to your mug.
  2. Heat up your milk and honey, give it a good froth, then stir in the vanilla.
  3. Pour the milk into the espresso or coffee in your mug, spooning the frothy bits over the top.
  4. Drizzle with more honey if you like.
  5. Aaaannnnd get cozy!

Jump to the full recipe

Add piping hot, freshly brewed espresso to a mug.

Warm oat milk and honey, then stir in vanilla. Froth until foamy.

pouring frothy oat milk into a mug full of oat milk latte

Then pour the milk into the mug with the espresso and spoon the extra froth over the top. Drizzle with more honey and get cozy!

I hope this Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte helps brighten up your winter mornings (or makes an excellent pick-me-up for those dragging afternoons!

A white stoneware cup with an oat milk latte with honey drizzled over the foam.

More Cozy Drink Recipes

Print

Honey Vanilla Oat Milk Latte Recipe

A creamy warm oat milk latte with sweet floral notes of honey and warm vanilla. Cozy factor = off the charts!
Keyword dairy free latte, latte made with oat milk, non dairy latte, oat milk latte, vanilla oat milk latte, vegan latte
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 273kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
  • 1 1/2 cups oat milk I prefer full-fat oat milk
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey to taste + more for drizzling on top, if desired
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Brew the espresso or coffee and add it to a 16-ounce or larger mug.
  • Heat the oat milk and 1 tablespoon of the honey on the stovetop, or use a frothing machine to heat it up. Add the vanilla and taste the milk to see if it's at the sweetness level that you like (if not, add more honey).
  • Froth your milk for a nice foamy latte. If you heat the milk on the stove, you can froth the heated milk by using a hand frother or by spinning a wire whisk in the milk.
  • Pour the oat milk into the espresso or coffee about 4/5 of the way, then top the rest with foam. Drizzle honey over the top if desired. Serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 263mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 738IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 3mg

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Fresh Mint Tea Recipe (Hot or Iced) https://www.kitchentreaty.com/mint-tea/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mint-tea https://www.kitchentreaty.com/mint-tea/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=44394 I love this Fresh Mint Tea for when I need a bit of a dietary reset, when my gut is grumpy, or just when I feel like cozying up with a steaming, refreshing mug of hot tea. Or, a refreshing, tall glass of iced mint tea in the summer! Equally wonderful. Fresh hot mint tea […]

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I love this Fresh Mint Tea for when I need a bit of a dietary reset, when my gut is grumpy, or just when I feel like cozying up with a steaming, refreshing mug of hot tea.

Or, a refreshing, tall glass of iced mint tea in the summer! Equally wonderful.

A mug of fresh mint tea on a wooden background with a gold spoon

Fresh hot mint tea in the winter is so comforting, just as much as iced mint tea in the summertime could not be more refreshing if it tried!

Whether you have a bumper crop of mint in your garden or plan to pick up a bunch at the store, I’m going to show you how to transform your fresh mint into a palate-cleansing, cozy, tasty tea with mint leaves that you’ll want to sip all year long.

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Fresh peppermint is one of the first crops I ever successfully grew in my garden. All I had to do was plant a tiny start and it grew … and grew … and grew! If you’ve ever grown mint, you know. That plant throws out runners and spreads like nobody’s business, quickly turning from bumper crop to horrendous weed. 

After that, I only planted fresh mint in a container. 

I’m willing to bet that out-of-control-mint is a rite of passage for every gardener. Was it for you?

Anyway, a benefit to prolific mint is that you have an endless supply for mojitos and mint tea! Score!

I love to gather a big handful of mint and brew up a big mint iced tea to cool off in the summer. And then, as the weather turns chilly, I skip the ice and go straight to hot mint tea. Nothing better!

So I thought it was time I shared with you my recipe for mint tea and iced mint tea!

fresh mint tea with sprigs of fresh mint and herb scissors.

Mint Tea Benefits

The benefits of mint tea are countless! Other than mint tea’s refreshing taste and cozy factor, it has a few specific benefits that you might appreciate.

Me personally, I love it when my gut isn’t feeling the greatest. It’s super soothing. Hot mint tea soothes a grumpy gut and has been known to help decrease bloating.

It also uniquely has both a warming and cooling effect. It’s said to help relieve tension headaches. And it is even considered to have some anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. (source)

ingredients for fresh mint tea

Ingredients

  • Fresh mint leaves – Grab some out of your garden, your neighbor’s garden (with permission!), or you can find it with the other fresh herbs in the produce section of most grocery stores.
  • Water
  • Sweetener (optional) – If you like, you can add a bit of honey or sugar to sweeten your mint tea. Personally, I prefer it without, but I’ve provided options just in case you prefer sweeter.

Adaptations/Variations

  • Mint Green Tea: In the last 3 minutes of brewing, throw in a couple of green tea bags. Remove along with the mint before serving.
  • Ginger Mint Tea: Add a few slices of fresh ginger with the mint. This combo is such a cold-fighting powerhouse!
  • Sweet Mint Tea: Stir in a little honey, sugar, or agave nectar if you prefer a sweeter tea. 

How to Make Mint Tea

First, you’ll wash your mint leaves, then strip them from the stems. You want 1/2 cup of the leaves.

Add the water to a medium saucepan. Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from the heat. Stir in the mint leaves and let the leaves steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the mint flavor will be.

brewing fresh mint for fresh mint tea

Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into your mug, if you’re making hot mint tea, or over ice in a glass for iced mint tea.

Add more fresh mint for garnish and start sipping!

a clear glass mug of fresh mint tea with fresh mint scattered around.

Tips for Success

  • Some people like to gently crush or tear the mint leaves to release the oils. I find that the process of stripping the leaves off of their stems and pressing them into the measuring cup is enough to release the oils. 
  • Save out a few sprigs of mint for garnishing/tossing into the tea before serving. It looks pretty and lends even more minty flavor!
a top view of a mug of hot fresh mint tea

I hope you love this tea with mint leaves! It’s really satisfying to grab a few leaves, simmer them with water, and get this refreshing, soothing drink as a result. Plus, it’s just darn tasty!

More Tea Recipes

A mug of fresh mint tea on a wooden background with a gold spoon
Print

Fresh Mint Tea Recipe (Hot or Iced)

Refreshing mint tea is just a couple of ingredients away! It's super simple to make fresh mint tea; here's how to do it. Enjoy it hot or iced.
Keyword fresh mint tea, mint tea, tea from fresh mint leaves, tea from mint leaves
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 4kcal
Author Kare

Equipment

  • 1 fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves from a good handful, about 1 ounce, lightly packed into the measuring cup; plus more mint for garnish
  • 4 cups water

Instructions

  • Wash mint leaves and strip them from the stems. Press into the 1/2 cup measuring cup (it doesn't have to be exact). Set aside.
  • Add the water to a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Add the mint and stir.
  • Let the mint steep for 5-10 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the fresh mint tea will be.
  • Stir in a little honey, sugar, or agave nectar if you prefer a sweeter tea.
  • Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into your mug (if hot) or over ice in a glass (if iced tea). Add more fresh mint for garnish and serve.

Notes

Stir in a little honey, sugar, or agave nectar if you prefer a sweeter tea.
Some people like to gently crush or tear the mint leaves to release the oils. I find that the process of stripping the leaves off of their stems and pressing them into the measuring cup is enough to release the oils. 
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve leftovers over ice or heat back up on the stove or in the microwave. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 4kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Vitamin A: 239IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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Tahini Seed Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookies https://www.kitchentreaty.com/tahini-seed-breakfast-cookies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tahini-seed-breakfast-cookies https://www.kitchentreaty.com/tahini-seed-breakfast-cookies/#comments Sat, 28 Sep 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.kitchentreaty.com/?p=43397 This tahini cookie is like no cookie I’ve ever eaten or created before! No flour or traditional cookie dough here; rather, we’re talking breakfast cookies that are entirely seeds and chocolate chunks, held together only with tahini and honey, and flavored with vanilla, cardamom, and a pinch of flaky sea salt. These 3-Seed Tahini Chocolate […]

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This tahini cookie is like no cookie I’ve ever eaten or created before! No flour or traditional cookie dough here; rather, we’re talking breakfast cookies that are entirely seeds and chocolate chunks, held together only with tahini and honey, and flavored with vanilla, cardamom, and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

These 3-Seed Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies are extraordinary, and I am SO excited to be sharing this cookie recipe with you today!

A hand holding a tahini seed cookie

Table of Contents

The Story Behind the Recipe

Every August for the past 10 years, our family has headed up to Salt Spring Island in British Columbia for a week of relaxation and fun. It’s the most gorgeous place, tightly packed with tall evergreens along narrow winding roads that open up to blue water vistas.

My kid is there for pretty much solely for a week in the lake at the center of the island, and to catch up with friends who return to the same place every year, too. But for me, one of the best things about Salt Spring is that it’s a straight-up foodie paradise.

One of the reasons for that is that there are farm stands along the sides of the roads everywhere, and in August, these stands are usually overflowing with the locals’ garden abundance.

While some farm stands are what you’d expect – a cart and a roof with maybe some eggs in an ice chest, flowers, a few squash and other vegetables – some are a full-on experience.

Last year, we discovered a huge covered farm stand tucked up a hill on the side of the road. Once we’d parked, climbed up, and picked out homemade cupcakes, we turned around and were greeted by the stunning blue of the bay below us. A long, rustic slab of wood served as a bar facing the view, with stools lined up underneath. We sat down, enjoyed our cupcakes, sipped coffee, and enjoyed the quiet and the scenery.

This past August, I decided to head out by myself late one morning to see what types of squash and other goodies I could find at the local farm stands. After a few stops, I entered the gate of Stowel Lake Farm, crunched up the gravel drive, and parked, then wandered up the flagstone path surrounded by flowers that are always buzzing with butterflies and bees. As usual, this farm stand had gorgeous plants, lots of produce, and a few baked goods.

the farm stand at Stowel Lake Farm
The farm stand at Stowel Lake Farm on Salt Spring Island, B.C.

And it was here that their Tahini Seed Cookies stopped me in my tracks.

There was one left. It was huge, glorious-looking, and mine. Forgetting about everything else, I tucked my four dollars into the honor slot, grabbed the cookie, and carried it back to my car. I quickly decided I was going to wait to find the perfect oat milk latte before I ate it, so I ventured down the road and, as luck would have it, found a coffee stand pretty quickly. They made me the most excellent latte, and I sat down at one of their umbrella-covered tables and dug into the latte and the cookie.

Ohmygosh. This cookie.

It was a vanilla-and-sea-salt-laced cookie PACKED full of seeds, a hint of cardamom and tahini, and a glorious chocolate chunk now and then.

I immediately knew I wanted to recreate these cookies at home, but there is no recipe like that out there – all I had to go on was the list of ingredients on the side of the cookie jar. Stowel Farm’s website mentions their popular cookies, but no recipe.

Soooooo … I set out to recreate this incredible seed cookie that I just had to have in my life year-round. And that’s how these Tahini Seed Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookies came to be!

I have to note that it took me awhile to realize that these tahini cookies are actually what’s considered to be a breakfast cookie. Which makes perfect sense because I have found myself grabbing one or two for breakfast – and felt great about it because of all of those glorious fiber-and-protein-and-omega-packed seeds. They’re excellent for a satiating snack, too!

A tahini seed cookie broken in half with melty chocolate.

Developing This Recipe for Tahini Seed Breakfast Cookies

I knew straight away that this was not going to be a normal cookie recipe. For one, these cookies clearly didn’t have any flour (and were labeled at the farm stand as gluten-free, too). But thankfully, the cookie jar at the farm stand listed the ingredients in the cookies (just not the quantities), so I had somewhere to start.

I stirred together some rolled oats with a bunch of seeds (sunflower seeds, pepitas [pumpkin seeds], and sunflower seeds), along with some dark chocolate chunks, vanilla, salt, and cardamom. Then I added what seemed like a good amount of tahini along with some honey.

The “dough” was not dough-like at all, but I persevered, scooping balls onto my baking sheet, then pressing them gently flat.

I shrugged and baked them, figuring it was going to be an epic fail.

I pulled them out of the oven, and they had actually puffed up a little and held together! From there, I let them cool all of the way on the cookie sheet.

Then I lifted one up, and it miraculously held together! I knew that the tahini and honey would act as a binder, but I was still floored that it actually worked. Better yet, the cookie was delicious!

A top view of a black wire rack lined with tahini seed cookies on a black background.

I went through many iterations of this cookie before I settled on the recipe I’m sharing here today. This, in my opinion, has the perfect amount of vanilla and cardamom, holds together well, and tastes amazing!

The inspiration cookies had coconut, by the way, but when I tried adding coconut, the cookies suddenly had a moist quality that had them falling apart by day two. I didn’t feel like it added much to the flavor, so I continued developing the recipe without coconut. I have a hunch that toasted coconut flakes might work, though, I just haven’t tried it yet.

A stack of tahini seed cookies.

Ingredients

Okay, so what do we have in these little gems?

  • Tahini – You want a runny, creamy tahini that you can stir together well so that it is nice and homogenous when you add it to your cookies.
  • Honey – Any honey will work, use your fave.
  • Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract is what I use. I want to try these breakfast cookies with vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla bean but haven’t yet.
  • Cardamom – Ground cardamom goes perfectly with the sesame taste of tahini and the mellow sweetness of the vanilla.
  • Kosher salt & flaky sea salt – Kosher salt for in the cookies, flaky sea salt like Maldon for sprinkling over the top.
  • Oats – I like to use thick rolled oats which I think stand up to the seeds well and add to the hearty quality of these breakfast cookies.
  • Pepitas – Also known as pumpkin seeds, these green seeds are so good for you and just so good! I use raw, unsalted pepitas.
  • Sunflower seeds – At the time I was testing this recipe, I had the hardest time finding raw sunflower seeds! So I used roasted, salted sunflower seeds. I’m sure raw sunflower seeds will work just as well.
  • Sesame seeds – You’ll want raw sesame seeds. They’re found in the spice section of most grocery stores.
  • Chocolate chunks – I like dark chocolate chunks for these tahini cookies, but you can use whatever chocolate chips or chunks you like.

Adaptations/Variations

  • I plan to test this recipe with other nut butters and seeds/nuts, but haven’t yet. I suspect cashew butter/cashews will be lovely.
  • Make ’em vegan: Honey is not vegan, but you can swap in pure maple syrup for a fully vegan version of these breakfast cookies.

How to Make Tahini Seed Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookies

I think you’re going to LOVE how easy these breakfast cookies are to make.

Preheat your oven, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and grab a medium-sized bowl. Add the tahini, honey, vanilla, cardamom, and kosher salt to the bowl and mix it together until well combined.

Now, pile in all the seeds and the chocolate chunks. Stir until completely combined. The mix will be somewhat loose and will require a bit of muscle to get everything combined.

From there, scoop balls onto your baking sheet. I like to use a two-tablespoon cookie scoop.

Space them about two inches apart, and flatten them gently with your fingers. They’ll be a little fragile, just press the sides back in as you go.

I like to add a couple of extra chocolate chunks to the top of each cookie for presentation, but that’s totally optional.

Tahini seed cookie balls, ready to bake

Then, bake them until the edges are golden. Pull them out of the oven, sprinkle with flaky sea salt if you like, and let them sit until completely cool on the cookie sheet. They’ll adhere together as they cool.

Close-up of a tahini seed cookie with chocolate chunks and flaky sea salt on a piece of parchment paper.

Tips for Success

  • Mix the wet ingredients together first. This helps to make sure all of the flavors of the vanilla, salt, and cardamom are evenly distributed.
  • Let them cool completely on the baking sheet! This is where the magic happens – they bind together the rest of the way while cooling off.
A tahini seed cookie broken in half with melty chocolate on a piece of parchment paper.

How to Store

Store your tahini seed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze Tahini Breakfast Cookies?

Yes! Not only can you freeze these tahini seed cookies, they’re absolutely delicious straight out of the freezer. Just keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month.

A stack of tahini seed cookies on a piece of parchment paper and more healthy chocolate chip cookies in the background.

I hope you love this unique cookie recipe as much as we do! It’s been so fun to discover a new way to make delicious cookies that are so chockfull of good stuff that we feel good about eating them. AND after talking about them, I’m off to my freezer to snatch one up and eat it with my coconut creamer coffee! 🍪✌️

A hand holding a tahini seed cookie
Print

Tahini Seed Chocolate Chunk Breakfast Cookies Recipe

Densely packed with seeds, dotted with chocolate, held together with tahini and honey and flavored with vanilla and cardamom. I LOVE these slightly sweet, full of flavor, seedy-in-the-best-way, healthy cookies!
Keyword breakfast cookies, flourless seed cookies, seed cookies, sunflower seed cookies, tahini cookies
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 14 minutes
Servings 15
Calories 146kcal
Author Kare

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup tahini mixed well
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup raw unsalted pepitas
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds raw will work too
  • 2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chunks or chocolate chips; plus a few more for topping if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top; optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add the tahini, honey, vanilla, cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to a medium bowl. Stir together until completely combined.
  • Add the dry ingredients except for the flaky sea salt, which you'll sprinkle on after they bake. Mix with a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined.
  • Scoop rounds of the cookies onto your baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. I like to use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop, and as I'm scooping, I really try to push the cookie dough together to help it stick together.
  • With your fingers, gently press the edges of the cookie together while pressing down to flatten it. You might have a few errant seeds fall out; this is okay and normal! Just do your best to push it back into the side of the cookie.
  • If desired, top each cookie with two or three more chocolate chunks.
  • Bake for 10-13 minutes, until ever so slightly puffed and the edges of the cookie are turning golden.
  • IMPORTANT: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet until completely hardened and cool, about one hour. They harden and stick together as they cool.
  • Remove the cookies from the parchment and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days.

Notes

Total time does not include one hour cooling time. 

Storage & freezing notes

Store your tahini seed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Not only can you freeze these tahini seed cookies, they’re absolutely delicious straight out of the freezer. Just keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to one month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.2mg | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

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