So, I've been making this Hazelnut Chai Nightcap at bedtime, for about a week straight now. I thought it was time that I stopped being so selfish and share it with you. It's not really a secret that I'm a horrid sleeper. As are my dad and my older brother. That eye mask you see in the photo below is mine. I wear it every night. I also sleep with earplugs every night. No, it's not because it's noisy outside our house. It's Alaska after all...we really don't have neighbors.
I wear ear plugs because...well, how should I say this...I find patterns in the quiet of the night. Like the spinning of the ceiling fan and how it's just a bit loose and so it makes a subtle clink, clink, clink every time it goes around. Or Bob and his measured breathing. And there's nothing about the sound of rain that helps me sleep. These noises get me thinking. I begin comparing the sounds to other sounds. Sounds I've heard from people I've met or places I've been. Memories and thoughts past, present, and future abound. Then I can't sleep. My mind gives me the middle finger, grumbles, and fusses that it's not yet tired. There's nothing rhythmic about Todd's snoring though. I know how crazy this sounds.
Yet, I've worn earplugs since I was in high school. Along with my entire family. This is odd due to the fact that I grew up on a very quiet road, on the side of a mountain, on the outskirts of a town with a population of 5,000. Oh, and we were surrounded by 80 acres of personal, forest-filled land. Oh, and six months of the year it's dark from ten thirty to five. Yes. Only I wear the eye mask in our family, but why do we all wear earplugs? The real answer is that I really have no freaking clue.
So, that long-winded story was all to point out that I sometimes often have trouble sleeping. I have melatonin tablets, I have over the counter sleep aids, I have eye masks and earplugs, I even have an Ambien. I've drank Tart Cherry juice before bed and I run for an hour, at least five days a week.
Now that the nights are getting cold, I've been curling up with this little nightcap to aid in a warm and peaceful slumber. Hazelnut Kahlua combined with Oregon Chai Dreamscape Tea and warm, sweet coconut milk is the perfect recipe for a cozy night in. With this, I don't even need most of those other sleep aids.
Hazelnut Chai Nightcap
Inspired by my sweet tooth
Serves 1
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 chai tea bag (I use Oregon Chai Dreamscape tea)
- 1/2-1 Tbsp. Hazelnut Kahlua
- -- Note-- I really prefer Silk's coconut milk and the Oregon Chai Tea bags cannot be beat. Get the Dreamscape one for caffeine free!
Microwave the coconut milk in a large mug for about 2 minutes.
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Add in the Kahula. You can double the amount if you're feeling naughty.
Add the tea bag and allow to steep for as long as you'd like. If you're like me, that means until you've drank every last drop. I like my tea like I like my men...strong, hot and vegan! Oh, I am so corny. I couldn't resist the vulgarity though. Todd is mortified, I am sure of it.
Serve piping hot and in bed. Book required. Eye mask and earplugs optional. 
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