Hidden away in the Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat offers a range of tailored wellness programs in stunning natural surroundings. The cuisine at Gwinganna plays a major role in the rejuvenation process. Simply prepared yet wholesome, the meals include seafood and vegetarian dishes and the majority of produce used comes from the on-site organic garden and orchard.
We asked retreat nutritionist Carolina Rossi to share her recipe for Chai golden milk and to share a little more about the Gwinganna food philosophy.
Chai golden milk
Ingredients
Turmeric paste
2 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
2 cardamom pods, seeds removed, ground
pinch of ground cloves
1/4 cup filtered water
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Cashew milk
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
600ml filtered water
600ml rice milk
1 cup coconut cream
raw honey, to taste
Method
Turmeric paste
Place spices in a pan on the stove with water to form a watery paste. Cook over low heat for a few minutes until fragrant and water has absorbed and paste is thick. Remove from heat and mix in coconut oil and pepper. This paste will be the base for the drink.
Cashew milk
Blend drained cashews and water in a blender to make cashew milk. Place milk into a large saucepan, add rice milk and coconut cream. Add turmeric paste in small amounts until it reaches a flavour you like. Sweeten with a little honey and serve warm. Leftover paste can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Makes approximately one and a half litres.
Q&A with Carolina Rossi
How would you describe the Gwinganna food philosophy?
The food at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat focuses on the S.L.O.W food principle – seasonal, local, organic wholefoods prepared simply to maximise nutritional value and showcase the wonderful produce our chefs use every day. Menus are designed to balance blood sugar levels, enhance detoxification and body composition, reduce inflammation and improve digestion. By choosing organic when you shop you can help reduce the load on the environment and increase the health benefits of your food. At Gwinganna, our approach is to provide you with knowledge so that you will understand how to nourish your body holistically and sustainably using principles that will stand the test of time.
What factors do you take into consideration when planning a new dish?
When planning a new dish I first take into consideration the season. Then I look at the availability, quality and the nutritional benefits of the produce available.
Do you have any tips for making healthy meals at home?
Keep it basic so that it doesn’t become a huge task. Use quality ingredients and choose organic where possible. Enjoy the process.
This delicious warm drink can help cleanse the liver, is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties while ginger and turmeric can help boost the immune system. One of the many benefits of ginger is in the prevention of colds and flu. It acts as an antihistamine and decongestant that helps to ease colds symptoms. It is also a natural antiviral and antibacterial, which helps fights against illness. It’s ideal for the cooler months, however you can make a delicious nutritious smoothie by blending this paste with any non-dairy milk and banana.