Well if we can't have Starbucks and our local coffeeshop favorites, I don't know about you, but going without is just not really an option. Ben and I have kind of become obsessed with perfecting our coffee game over the quarantine, so read on to learn all about our essential tools and recipes that bring the coffee shop to your kitchen! At-Home Coffee Essentials1. Nespresso Machine: Ben and I consider this one of the most essential items in our kitchen no joke. Before I was pregnant, we started every single morning with a double shot of espresso. Now, I tend to save mine for the afternoon. Ben takes his espresso straight up with a tiny bit of cream or over ice with heavy cream and a little simple syrup. I typically whip up an iced or steamed latte with a double shot of espresso, a pump or two of syrup, more on that in a sec, and steamed or foamy milk. 2. Nespresso Milk Frother: The link here, is to the Nespresso bundle, with both the milk frother and espresso machine and I really do think both are essential. The one thing that sets a coffee shop drink apart from an at-home drink is the way the milk is prepared. This milk frother is MAGIC. You can froth up the heaviest creams for iced drinks or steam non-dairy milks like oat milk or almond milk for lattes with the push of one button. We've had ours for two years and it has held up beautifully. It's a godsend for the quarantine life, I'll tell ya. 3. Moka Pot: If you want to try out brewing espresso at home but don't want to commit to the machine yet, you've got to grab this VERY inexpensive moka pot to brew espresso on the stovetop. Ben loves this little device and also uses it to occasionally brew a very strong cup of coffee for himself when he doesn't want a whole pot. 4. French Press: Another great way to dip your toe into making coffeeshop quality drinks without the big price tag, a french press is a great way to brew up a cold brew concentrate perfect for summer or a strong and unbelievably-better-than-drip bit of coffee for two. 5. Sweeteners and Syrups: Whether you make your own, more on that in a minute, or purchase them, syrups are perfect way to add variety to your coffee experience. Whether a teaspoon of caramel syrup in your latte or a shot of Bailey's in your evening espresso (Ben's favorite), you can't miss a touch of sweetener. Go-to Recipes1. Sweet Vanilla Cold Foam Cold Brew: Pour a glass of your favorite cold brew over ice. (you can make your own in a french press at home or buy it from the grocery) Use your milk frother to froth together 1/4 cup of heavy cream, a bit of vanilla extract, and a bit of maple syrup. Pour your cold foam over the cold brew and enjoy! If you like it a little sweeter, feel free to add a teaspoon or two of caramel or vanilla syrup.
2. Whipped Coffee: If you haven't seen this on the internet yet, you might be living under a rock haha! But honestly, it really is pretty delicious! Start by pouring a glass of cold milk over ice. Then add 2 tbs of instant coffee, 2 tbs of sugar, and 2 tbs of boiling water to your mixer and mix until you have stiff peaks. Use a cookie scoop to dollap your whipped coffee over the milk, top with a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy! 3. Whipped Chocolate or Strawberry Milk: This whipped milk is the PERFECT afternoon treat for your kids, or dessert for you! Start with a glass of milk poured over ice. Then add 2 tbs strawberry or chocolate Nesquik and 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream to your mixer. Mix until you have stiff peaks and serve over ice cold milk. Fan favorite over here at my parents' this week. 4. London Fog: This is a recent discovery for me that has quickly become my go to bedtime drink. You'll need vanilla syrup for this, which you can easily whip up by combining 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved, or just use a store bought one. For the drink, you'll bring water to a boil, add two earl grey tea bags to a mug, and let the tea bags steep about 2-5 minutes. Meanwhile, steam a cup of milk and a tablespoon of vanilla syrup together. When the tea is finished steaming, pour in the steamed vanilla milk and enjoy! 5. Lavender Vanilla Latte: Speaking of new favorites, I have been cooking and baking with lavender like it's my job over the quarantine and I have to the say that this is one of the best lattes I've ever had, in or out of a coffeeshop. To make it, start with making a lavender simple syrup by simmering one cup of sugar with one cup of water and two tablespoons of dried lavender buds (you can buy my favorite here from Amazon). Simmer until the sugar is dissolved and then strain into a mason jar to keep in the fridge. When you're ready to make your latte, measure one teaspoon of vanilla syrup and one teaspoon of lavender syrup into your mugs and pull two shots of espresso. Mix the hot espresso and syrups together until well combined and top with steamed milk or cream. This can easily be made into an iced drink by pulling the espresso into a glass filled with ice and topping with cold foamed milk or cream. I hope this recipes give you some inspiration to bring the coffee shop to you this week. Have fun being your own barista and if you have an at-home coffee essential I didn't list, share in the comments!
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Welcome! I'm a wife, mama-to-be, foster mom, fourth year music teacher, and Jesus follower, and am chronically curious about just about everything. Join me as I explore the calling God has for my family's story.
"I am the Vine, you are the Branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
March 2024
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