Espresso Custard
Recently I enjoyed a morning with Nespresso to learn about morning rituals and how to choose the perfect coffee for my morning with the help of Nespresso Coffee Ambassador Mitch Monaghan, and superstar journalist, Paula Joye.
During the morning we had to think about what phrase summed our mornings up from a given list - mine was 'an early start to enjoy the morning'. And I think this is 100% true. My whole life I've been an early riser so I can do more of things I like to do before I have to do the things I have to do. My morning ritual involves getting up on the first alarm, I hate the sound of my alarm and can't bear to hear it more than once a day! Then I'll wander into the kitchen and make a coffee with my cat Jess running between my feet begging for breakfast, so while it pours I feed her. Then I sit down with my coffee for about 15 minutes with a copy of Marie Claire, Vogue, or Cosmo and lust after all the beautiful shoes and dresses <3 after that it's time for me to pick up my feet and get going for the day!
I've also included some tips for fab morning from Dr Suzy Green from The Positivity Institute who was kind enough to share these with us.
Dr Suzy Green’s Tips for a Positive Morning Ritual
1. Make time every morning for your ritual
Whether you have a brief 15 minutes or a golden hour, set aside some time every morning for your ritual. With only a couple of minutes you can create a healthy (green) smoothie/juice, but with more time you can practice yoga, tai chi, or take a walk outside.
2. Embrace your inner early bird
Research shows that early birds get more done, so avoid hitting the snooze button! Even though rising early may be hard at first, it can take up to two months to make or break a habit so stick with
3. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Gratitude is simple, powerful, and scientifically proven to boost your mood. Use a journal to identify five things that you’re grateful for every day- think about the small things like sitting in the sun for 10 minutes or enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend.
4. Set your intention
Decide on a daily focus – perhaps you want to accomplish something specific or develop a personal quality. Write down your intention and place it in your wallet or on your desk so you’re constantly reminded of it.
5. Give yourself a morning heart-starter
Complete your positive morning ritual by enjoying your favourite Nespresso Grand Cru coffee. Most of us already enjoy a morning brew, but taking five minutes to treat ourselves sets us up for the perfect day.
And I've also included this delicious recipe for espresso custard because even though I look forward to getting up early for my coffee and magazines, I love looking forward to coming home as well and these little coffee treats are perfect to welcome me in the door.
Espresso Custard
Ingredients
500ml milk
2 eggs 30ml espresso coffee
1/4 - 1/3 cup maple syrup (depending on how sweet you like your coffee flavour)
1 tbs tapioca/arrowroot flour
Method
Heat milk in a saucepan with maple syrup and coffee and bring to almost boiling point, then remove from the heat
Beat the eggs and tapioca flour in a mixing bowl until combined
Pour the hot milk over the eggs and whisk quickly and very well
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over a gentle heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it thickens and coats the back of the spoon
Remove from the heat quickly and pour back into the mixing bowl
Whisk well to cool a little and smooth it out
If you see any lumps then strain through a sieve
Pour custard into little cups and place into the fridge until cold
Sprinkle with cocoa powder and shaved chocolate and enjoy!
This recipe was adapted from The Healthy Chef's custard recipe.
