Matcha Madness

What is Matcha? Matcha is finely ground green tea. The Japanese tea ceremony is based solely on the preparation, serving and drinking of this lovely powder. It's also used as a dye or to flavor various foods like cakes, pasta and the amazing wagashi. It does have an acquired flavor. Quite bitter actually. But if prepared just right, that can be avoided and thoroughly enjoyed. Besides the fact that it is a unique flavor, it's crazy-good healthy for you. Since you're ingesting the whole leaf, and not just the brewed water like usual green tea, you're getting way more benefits. In fact, one cup of matcha is the equivalent of 10 cups of brewed leaves.Here are a few benefits of matcha:

Anti-oxidant. 10 times more than blueberries.
Amino Acid L-Theanine which promotes relaxation and awareness.
Energy Booster
Calorie Burner. Burns fat and boosts metabolism without raises heart rate or blood pressure.
Natural Detox

So...really good for you. Now, it doesn't have to be too complex to make it in tea form, but I drink so much tea of other kinds already, I like a little variety. So I make matcha popsicle.

My recipe is simple enough. And you can adjust the ingredients and amounts to you liking. You need:

• A Cream base
• Matcha
• Something to sweeten 

Here is what I use: Coconut Cream and Agave Syrup or Organic Cane sugar and coconut milk to loosen is necessary. 

It's easy enough. Through all three in a blender, and mix. Add more liquid if it's too dense, and more sugar if not sweet enough. But remember...the point is that matcha isn't overly sweet. I will add an extra ingredient which is my little secret: CINNAMON. Seriously, don't ask me how, but tsp of cinnamon will actually calm down the bitterness. 

The final texture should be like a thick soup. Not too liquid or you will get an icy popsicle instead of a creamy one. You will noticed when poring it into your molds that it has a satiny look to it. From there on...freeze and then enjoy!

If you ever have a small amount leftover in the blender, (which I always hope for) I will add more coconut milk and make myself a milkshake to enjoy right then and there. Of course, you don't have to make popsicle to enjoy it...just blend some matcha with your choice of milk and sugar. Or if you have a hankering for something richer, use good quality vanilla ice cream, a splash of milk and throw in some matcha. Amazing!

My Matcha Popsicle Recipe

• 1 Can Coconut Cream
• 3 tbsp Matcha Powder
• Splash Coconut Milk
• 1/3 cup Organic Cane Sugar