Friends, I have something to confess. I’m not proud of my actions, but I can assure you that I’ve since remedied my behaviour and it won’t (likely) happen again. But first, let me spill the beans.
Last year, I spent close to $300 on Iced Matcha Lattes from you-know-where.
Forgive me! I was weak. And when meeting friends, running errands, playing chauffeur or any other activity which allowed me to have one hand free, I’d pop into the nearest franchise and fork over about $6.00 for a grande green drink.
Ludicrous, I know.
The worst part? I should have known better. There’s no secret to this sweet, earthy concoction! Iced Matcha Latte literally translates to ice + green tea powder + milk. Three ingredients! (Two if you don’t consider ice an ingredient.) Since realizing how simple it is to make at home, I whip up a quick batch and take my matcha with me. Now all I have to do is figure out what to buy with all the money I’ve saved! Here’s how you can make it at home for about a dollar a glass.
1. Start with matcha. You can find matcha (green tea powder) very easily online, allowing you to shop around for the best price. I purchase matcha in the $10-12 price range for 50g, but go ahead and spend more if you’re keen on a higher quality. I’ve sampled several grades of several different brands, and truthfully, I’m cool with basic stone-ground matcha. But you do you.
2. Use Almond Breeze Vanilla. It’s perfect for so many reasons! First, the almond beverage’s nutty flavour pairs exceptionally well with the earthiness of matcha. In fact, I believe the flavour profile is even better than cow’s milk for this drink. Second, because Almond Breeze Vanilla is lightly sweetened, there’s no need to add additional sugar or honey (unless you want to). Finally, the consistency – smooth and creamy – is perfect for an iced latte! …
Of my many staple showstoppers, one does stand out: Banana Walnut Bread Pudding. As long as I have ripe bananas on hand – and truthfully, with two young boys, bananas are a fixture in our fruit bowl – I can always make this much-loved brunch food. My secret ingredient? 
Because the rice is precooked, you simply need to assemble the ingredients to let the flavours marry. …
Making sugar-coated almonds is a breeze (no pun intended). In an ungreased baking pan, roast 2 cups sliced almonds at 375°F for 10 minutes, turning pan and stirring halfway through baking time. Then, bring 1/2 cup sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a large pan; add almonds and stir. Sugar will crystallize – don’t panic! – keep stirring and it will start to caramelize.