A perfectly creamy coconut milk concoction. No sweetener added. Kissed with the flavors of vanilla and almond. Makes for a cup of well-balanced coffee, that won't make you miss half-and-half. Perfectly paleo and vegan, too.
One week into the Kresser 30-Day Paleo Reset and (once you get past Day 3) it's not so bad, living without cheese. And sugar. And cake. And flour. And cheese. And cheese.
But it is wicked hard, living without creamed coffee.
So, I gone darned and decided to do something about that there.
Sorry about that sentence.
I spent the first few days pouring coconut milk directly into my coffee. But it gives a weird flavor tinge at the edges, and doesn't taste nearly as satisfying as a cup o' cream.
But pull a few basics out of the pantry, mix it all up, and suddenly, coconut milk creamer is the actual tastiest thing ever.
Not one of those sad swaps you make when you're doing something crazy like a 30-day paleo reset.
But one of those things you'd actually order at the 'Bux. Because: yummy.
After a bit of experimenting, I realized that adding almond extract to coconut cream creates an aromatic blend. Added without sweeteners, it takes that strange flavored edge from the coffee+cream combo, and goes a long way toward creating a cup that is as fun to smell as it is to sip.
No smell. INHALE.
A little vanilla also lends a lovely lining of flavor. Then the real secret: a pinch of salt. Which seem super counterintuitive. Because SALT AND COFFEE?
(Although: side note. SALT AND COFFEE sounds like my ideal if-I-was-ever-on-a-deserted-island-and-had-to-live-on-only-two-things option)
But tasted alone, coconut oil is rather blaaand. So a smattering of salt (Maldon salt flakes, to be exact) kicks up the hello once added to coffee.
Perhaps the finest thing about this cream is it isn't sweet. So, once added to a cup, you get that same glorious bitter coffee flavor that is so nice in the morning. Without any of that kick-in-the-head sweetness that seems a coffeehouse drink requirement these a days.
This here DIY creamer: It's simple. But it's splendid.
Just like a cup of coffee. Ya know?
#matchmadeinheaven
Perfect Paleo Coconut Milk Creamer
- 1 can coconut milk (full fat)
- 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- pinch sea salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender until frothy. Pour generously into coffee. Or swap into favorite recipes for cream.