Even in California, I am greeted by the quintessential sights and sounds of Fall as I step outside. Crisp, cool air nips at my cheeks and an orchestra of crunching leaves announce my every footstep. Fall is my absolute favorite season and nothing warms my soul more than cozying up with a warm matcha.
Here are 3 ways you can cozy up with matcha this Fall and make the most of this wonderful season.
1. Add the Flavors of Fall to your Matcha
Try experimenting with Fall flavors like maple, pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg to compliment your matcha this season. Pumpkin Spiced Matcha anyone? These flavors are sure to pair beautifully with matcha’s subtle umami flavor, giving you not only a boost of flavor, but a sure way to celebrate Fall in every cup. Looking for a recipe? Try my go to Fall Matcha Latte! Tag me on Instagram @matchapaperco if you end up trying this recipe!
Christine’s Go To Fall Matcha Latte
Ingredients
• 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha
• 1/4 cup filtered hot water at 180°F
• 1 cup + 2 Tbsp of oat milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
• 1/2 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• Pinch of cinnamon
Directions
• Sift matcha into a bowl/chawan
• Pour in the filtered hot water and whisk vigorously in a W or M or Z pattern until a fine foam appears, set aside.
• Heat milk, vanilla powder, maple syrup and cinnamon in an electric milk frother*.
• Combine milk mixture and matcha, stir and enjoy!
Notes:
*If you do not have an electric milk frother that can heat your milk, a microwave works well. First whisk the ingredients well to combine, then in a microwave safe bowl, heat the milk mixture in 30 second increments until you reach your desired temperature, ideally 160-170°F.
2. Make Matcha Baked Goods
If you’re like me, the matcha flavor obsession goes beyond the drink. One of my favorite ways to cozy up with matcha in the Fall is through baking. Not only do you get a lovely green color when baking with matcha, you benefit from a boost of antioxidants and get that delicious matcha flavor to level up any baked good. Need inspiration? Here are some of my all time favorite food bloggers where I go to for matcha inspired treats.
• Sift & Simmer
• Teak & Thyme
• Eat Cho Food
3. Create a Matcha Morning Ritual
Creating a daily matcha ritual can be a grounding and cozy way to start your mornings, especially during the busy holiday season. Making matcha is itself a meditative practice that allows you to be fully present. Finding moments of stillness is so important when schedules are hectic, which is why I value my own matcha morning ritual.
Christine's Matcha Morning Ritual:
Gathering Supplies
I grab my favorite chawan, bamboo whisk, measuring spoons, fine mesh sifter, kettle, ceremonial grade matcha and filtered water.
Set an Intention
As I heat the water in the kettle, I take a moment to focus on my goals or intentions for the day ahead. Affirmations are also a great way to set an intention. Here is an example of an intention I’ve used:
“I embrace each moment fully and do everything with care and focus.”
Preparing the Matcha
Now I witness the process. I intentionally slow down and observe each step of the ritual. Watching as I sift the matcha into my chawan and pour the heated water. I see the beautiful color and texture changes as I whisk vigorously until a nice foam forms.
Enjoying with Presence
I take the first relaxing sip, noticing all the flavors and sensations and I feel gratitude for the moment of calm.
Creating simple practices like this one to create stillness have made all the difference for me in my own life. Developing your own matcha morning ritual, however simple, may offer feelings of coziness and mindfulness during this hectic season.
I hope these ideas inspire you to incorporate matcha into your Fall routines this season. Taking time for moments of self-care, like enjoying a homemade matcha latte or baked matcha treat, to developing your own matcha morning routine, can do wonders for relieving stress and allowing you to fully embrace all the coziness that Fall has to offer. Give one or more a try - I'd love to hear how a daily dose of matcha leaves you feeling this season.
~Christine