Good Day Readers!
As we bid adieu to heavier winter dishes, it’s time to invite lighter, vibrant ingredients into our lives. We’re sharing not one, but two fantastic recipes to inspire a fun twist on breakfast or brunch. We’ll be making Blueberry Matcha Lattes and Iced Oatmeal Bars. These fresh treats not only embrace the spirit of summer but also provide a healthy twist to refresh your diet.
With blueberries bursting with antioxidants, matcha offering a gentle energy boost, and oats bringing numerous health benefits, these recipes are both delicious and nutritious.
First, let’s take a moment to explore the wonders of matcha.
Derived from shade-grown green tea leaves, matcha is a vibrant green powder that offers numerous health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, it helps boost metabolism, promote calmness, and support brain health. Its earthy flavor profile is the perfect match for the sweetness of blueberries in this refreshing latte.
The Magic of Blueberries
Blueberries, often referred to as “nature’s candy,” are a beloved summer fruit. Not only do they provide a burst of sweet-tart flavor, but they also offer an abundance of health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, blueberries help fight inflammation, support heart health, and boost brain function. They also add a vibrant purple hue to our lattes, making them visually appealing. :)
Making Iced Blueberry Matcha Lattes
Iced Blueberry Matcha Lattes
Serves: 2 Preparation Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons matcha powder
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Fresh blueberries, for garnish
Instructions:
Preparing the Blueberry Matcha Infusion:
- In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries and ¼ cup of water.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Allow the blueberries to cook for 5–7 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the blueberry mixture cool for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cooked blueberry mixture to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until you have a smooth puree.
- If desired, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, leaving behind a smooth liquid.
- Set the blueberry infusion aside.
Preparing the Matcha Base
- In a separate bowl, add the matcha powder.
Slowly pour in ¼ cup of hot water while whisking vigorously with a matcha whisk or a small whisk until the matcha is fully dissolved and frothy. * A Bamboo Matcha Whisk works best.
Mixing the Matcha and Blueberry Infusion
- In a large glass or pitcher, combine the matcha base and the blueberry infusion.
- Stir well until the flavors are fully incorporated.
- Add honey or maple syrup to sweeten the mixture, adjusting the amount according to your taste preferences.
Preparing Lattes
- Fill two tall glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the blueberry matcha mixture over the ice, filling each glass about three-quarters full.
- Slowly pour 1 cup of almond milk (or any milk of your choice) into each glass, filling them to the top.
- Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Garnishing and Serving
- Drop a few fresh blueberries into each glass as a vibrant garnish.
- Serve the Iced Blueberry Matcha Lattes immediately, allowing the flavors to meld together as you enjoy each refreshing sip.
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can top your lattes with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of matcha powder. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup, and experiment with different milk alternatives or additional flavorings like vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to create your perfect iced latte.
Making Iced Oatmeal Bars
Yields: 12 bars Preparation Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup coconut oil (or butter), melted
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup dried blueberries (or any other dried fruit)
- Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Pour the melted coconut oil (or butter) into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.
- Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined, forming a sticky dough-like consistency.
- Gently fold in the dried blueberries (or any other dried fruit of your choice) into the oat mixture. *optional
- Ensure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dough
- Transfer the oat mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Using your hands or a spatula, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, smoothing the surface.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- The bars should be firm to the touch but still slightly soft in the center.
- While the bars are baking, prepare the icing by combining the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl.
- Whisk together until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Adjust the lemon juice quantity as needed for desired consistency.
Icing the Bars
- Once the oatmeal bars are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the prepared icing over the slightly warm bars, spreading it evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into 12 individual bars.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper or carefully transfer them to a serving plate.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days or refrigerated for longer freshness.
To us, brunch has never been so refreshing. With this sweet summery brunch, you’re not only treating your taste buds but also giving your body a dose of healthful ingredients. From the antioxidant-rich blueberries to the energy-boosting matcha and fiber-packed oats, these recipes will help you kickstart your day with a burst of summer vitality.
Do you have any of your own brunch ideas or suggestions to add to these recipes? Comment Below, we would love to know.
Happy Brunch!
-Gilded Flavors