You can enjoy a healthy version of the classic New Orleans beverage, Cafe au lait, without having to visit the French Quarter.
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, often served with beignets.
To make this recipe you will need:
- ground coffee
- ground chicory root
- water
- coffee maker
- coconut milk
- coconut sugar (optional)
I typically add new content every week. Sign Up Here to get Cosmopolitan Cornbread in your Inbox, and Never Miss a Thing
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 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 in you like!
Did you Make this Recipe? I’d love for you to give me a 5 star rating in the recipe card below. If you share it on Instagram, please tag me! You can also post it to my Facebook Page.
Homemade New Orleans Style Cafe au lait
Ingredients
- 1 Tb ground coffee
- 1 teaspoon dry chickory, ground
- 1 c water
- 1/2 c coconut milk , warm (other milk of choice)
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.
- Enjoy!
Equipment Used
- coffee maker
Notes
Nutrition
If nutritional values are provided for this recipe, they are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands of ingredients you use. The values do not include optional ingredients or when ingredients are added to taste or for serving. If nutritional values are very important to you, I suggest using your favorite nutritional calculating tool with the brands you use.
I love hearing from you! Comments, thoughts and questions are always welcome. Manners are requisite. Your email address is never published. Don't forget to rate recipes!