Missing that prefect coffee meticulously prepared by your favorite barista? We can relate! The good news is, with the right equipment and some practice, you can recreate your favorite coffee drinks at home. All you need is good coffee, the right tools, and a few pro tips.
A café Americano, consisting of espresso with added boiling water, is a staple in most coffee houses. Some say it acquired prominence during WWII. American soldiers in Italy found the espresso offered quite different than that of the brewed coffee they were accustomed to drinking at home. By adding hot water to their Italian espresso, the drink became much more palatable. The amount of water added varies by location. In the United States, the ratio is typically one part espresso to one part water, although some prefer one to two. The addition of water to espresso results in a beverage with similar strength to that of brewed coffee, but retaining the distinct flavor of espresso. To find your preferred ratio a bit of experimentation may be needed. Here I prepare an Americano using the one to one ratio. My version is decidedly sweet due to the addition of caramel cream topping. Enjoy!
Do you enjoy a latte with a tempting luscious velvet coating of milk? Does your taste run towards a cappuccino topped with stiff, glossy, frothy foam? Either way, there is nothing like a beautifully finished coffee drink! The process of frothing your milk allows the formation of microbubbles, which alter the surface of the milk itself. This structural change allows for more complete engagement of the taste buds, leading to a greater sensory experience when enjoying your beverage.
What happens when you combine the sweetness of chocolate with the richness and depth of coffee? What if you next add in the sugary sweetness, almond tinged flavor of the maraschino cherry? You will have created a flavor explosion worthy of any great love affair, that's what! In celebration of Valentine's Day, we have prepared just such a treat. Enjoy!
Ginger is a fantastic flavor boost for coffee. Widely recognized for its health benefits, especially as it pertains to stomach issues, ginger also adds a wonderfully sweet and earthy flavor to your cup. Today I have combined ginger with two other health-boosting ingredients - honey and cinnamon. The result is a palate-pleasing, immune-boosting and decidedly healthy twist on your favorite morning libation. Enjoy!
The health and wellness benefits of coffee are often touted. Here they are given a boost with the addition of cinnamon and coconut milk. Cinnamon, in addition to having that wonderful aroma and flavor that blends so naturally with coffee, is also loaded with antioxidants and is said to have anti-inflammatory properties. Also, it has been linked to both a reduction in heart disease and cancer. Coconut milk has been shown to boost your immune system, help with weight loss, and increase heart health. It also adds a natural sweetness and creaminess to your coffee without adding any extra cholesterol. By combining these ingredients, we have upped the ante on your morning libation. This is one powerful, health-boosting, frothy delight of a latte. Enjoy!
"...While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads..." --Clement Clarke Moore A combination of dried fruits, nuts, and spice a sugar plum is in fact not a plum at all! Originally, they were a type of comfit -- a seed or nut coated with hard candy. Many recipes have evolved over the years combining fruits,... Continue Reading →
Mint and coffee go wonderfully together. While many associate this much-loved candy cane flavor with the holidays, I believe it is a wonderful complimentary combination at any time of the year! We have put together a summary of our three favorite ways to enjoy mint with your coffee: Using freshly grown mint, peppermint extract, or peppermint schnapps. Whichever way you choose to combine mint and coffee it is sure to keep you warm and happy throughout the holidays and all winter long!
A wonderful festive brew that is just perfect for the holiday season. This peppermint bark latte perfectly combines the flavors of mint and chocolate into one delicious, not to be missed, candy cane topped holiday treat! Enjoy!
I embrace everything about the autumn -- crisp falling leaves, tart apples coated in caramel sauce, and cinnamon-dusted treats. I have combined my favorite autumn tastes into a beautiful fall-flavored latte. Best of all it is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Enjoy!
Coffee with the Queen 
You must be logged in to post a comment.