While out sick this week I came across this recipe for a feel better beverage. It has the taste and warmth similar to a latte and didn't require changing out of my pajamas. A win - win situation if you ask me. I will warn you, I found this recipe to be a bit labor intensive but delicious nonetheless.

- Serves two-

Place the coffee beans in a skillet. Crack the beans with the bottom of another skillet, keeping in mind that the pieces need to be large enough to strain out. Add the milk to the now cracked beans. Heat the mixture to a simmer over medium heat for about 7 minutes. Then quickly remove from the heat and let the beans steep for 15 minutes. Strain the coffee mixture and transfer to the blender. Discard the crushed coffee beans. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and honey to the steeped milk and blend on high speed until the spices are coarsely ground, about 30 seconds. (To save time, you could probably skip the blender step and just use ground spices, but I haven't tried it.) Strain the liquid back into the saucepan and discard the ground spices. Re-warm the spiced coffee over medium heat until the liquid is hot and steaming but be careful not to scald it. Stir in rum if desired. Pour into mugs and enjoy!