Happy new year! Let’s start 2026 off with something a little restorative. Golden Milk, or haldī dūdh, is a delicious hot drink of milk, turmeric, and other warming spices.

I first had this at a cozy little Nepalese restaurant in Madison, when I was visiting for the Wisconsin Book Festival last year. (side note: I went to look up the restaurant to link their site, and discovered they just closed after 40 years! That’s heartbreaking.)

Haldī dūdh is thought to have a number of health benefits, and while I can’t speak to any of them, I do find it to be a deliciously comforting and soothing drink. I’ve seen recipes that include other spices like cardamom and cloves, or even a bit of melted ghee, so there are lots of ways to customize this one!

Tips! I usually do a scant ½ teaspoon of turmeric; ¼ teaspoon isn’t enough, but a little turmeric goes a long way. It also won’t completely dissolve into the milk. Even with a strainer, you’ll have a little bit of sediment in the bottom of your mug, so just don’t chug that last sip.

What I’m into lately:

I have been playing a lot of Blue Prince lately and enjoying it quite a bit. I love puzzles and mysteries, and Blue Prince has puzzles within mysteries within puzzles within mysteries. I have made it to Room 46 a few times now, and there’s still so, so, so much more to uncover! My current goal is to finish draining the reservoir to get at the treasures hiding down there.

What Toki’s into lately:

It’s cold out there! ‘Tis the season to make cozy nests under blankets!