While working on this collection of recipes, Annie reached out and said, “Golden Milk, you have to include it in the collection.” 

She discovered the rich, creamy beverage when struggling with a painful spine injury that required surgery. During the time leading up to and post-surgery, she focused on eating an anti-inflammatory diet to help manage the chronic pain.  One suggestion was to eat turmeric because of its healing compounds that help to regulate inflammatory signals. 

No mother ever wants to see their child in pain, but like many things, there are lessons to be learned in any situation. Annie managed the pain (according to the surgeon) with such strength that she should have been recruited to serve in the Israeli Army. My friend, Nunmin, generously invited me to stay (8 weeks) at her home during the recovery period so I could be close to Annie in L.A. ( She was living in a one-bedroom duplex at the time, and I am too old for couch surfing). 

It was during this time that I learned that beverages don’t need to have a ton of sugar or alcohol to soothe. Preparing and drinking Golden Milk, as an afternoon treat, created a memory that will last a lifetime;  My friend’s big-heartedness, my daughter’s fortitude, and how food is often our language of love.

Recipe from Lisa Bryan

Ingredients 

• 2 C Unsweetened almond milk 
• 1 t Ground turmeric
• ¼ t Ground cinnamon
• ¼ t Ground ginger
• pinch black pepper1 T Honey

Directions

• Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.