Tag: Espresso

Homemade, Lower Calorie Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Love it or hate it, it is that pumpkin spice time of year. One of the most popular items on that one-flavor menu is the pumpkin spice latte. And you do not need to own an espresso maker to enjoy making one for yourself.

After the initial purchase of supplies, making the latte yourself will be cheaper and you don’t have to change out of your pajamas (OK, maybe you wouldn’t anyway) or leave the house to get one.

This recipe is for two servings.

Ingredients

1 cup strongly brewed coffee or espresso (start by adding +1/3 coffee if not brewing espresso)

1 cup coconut milk (dairy eaters feel free to use real milk)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract (vanilla flavor will work in a pinch)

1 tbsp pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice (made by hand: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp allspice, and 1/8 tsp ginger)

1 pinch sea salt (regular salt is fine too)

maple syrup (or other sweetener to taste)

whipped cream topping (we hesitate to call this optional!)

Instructions

Split the coffee into two large mugs. Add (coconut) milk, vanilla, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice salt all into a small saucepan. Place pan on medium heat. Whisk to combine ingredients.

When temperature is to your taste, remove from heat and blend until smooth if you wish. Be careful blending hot liquids, steam can make the blender lid pop! (Blending not required if whisked well). Divide the mixture between the two mugs. Sweetener to taste. Top with whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of pie spice.

 

Moka Pot

Moka PotI’ve seen them before but know nothing about them. I’ve even seen my grandmother use them to make espresso for grandpa with one. They are usually stovetop or electric coffee makers. It works by passing pressurized steam through ground coffee. It was invented by Bialetti. Water is placed in the bottom and heated up. It makes steam and forces it up through a strainer into the grounds and back down into the water.

Made of aluminum it isn’t dishwasher safe. It is a classic design since it’s been around since 1933. It won’t make coffee as well as a high-end espresso maker but if you want a stronger coffee, you can just use a Moka Pot. This pot will make the espresso stronger than you are used to having.

Here’s mud in your eye!

The Victor Crew

How do you like your coffee?

Espresso
Espresso is made by forcing steam through dark-roast aromatic coffee beans at high pressure, usually using an espresso machine. It should have thick golden brown foam layer called crema on top. It should be taken either as is or with a small spoon of sugar.

Following are some of the other ways/drinks that are made from espresso:

  • Doppio (double) – Double espresso.
  • Ristretto (shrunk or short) – More concentrated espresso (same coffee, less water.)
  • Lungo (long) – Espresso made with more water.
  • Caffe Americano – Similar to lungo, this is a single shot of expresso added to a cup of hot water. (The name originated as an insult to Americans who diluted their espresso.) It has since been perfected to become a rich creamy coffee.
  • Macchiato (stained) – Espresso staine with steamed milk.
  • Corretto (corrected) – Espresso with a touch of grappa, cognac, sambuca.
  • Con Panna – Espresso topped with whipped cream.
  • Caffe Freddo (iced espresso) – Chilled sweetened espresso sometimes on ice.
  • Caffe Latte – Caffe Latte is a single shot of expresso to three parts steamed milk.
  • Latte Macchiato (stained milk) – Steamed milk with a shot of espresso served in a tall glass.
  • Cappuccino – A cappuccino is made of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and froth milk. It can be sprinkled with grated chocolate or cocoa. Using skim milk makes it a skinny cappuccino.
    • Cappuccino Scuro (dry or dark) – prepared with less milk
    • Cappuccino Chiaro (wet or light) – prepared with more milk
    • Cappuccino Freddo (iced cappuccino) – served over ice
  • Skinny – made with skim milk
  • Tall (double or grande) – a larger portion
  • Cafe Mocha (Mochachino) – This is a cappuccino or caffe latte with chocolate syrup or power mixed in.

Thanks for the lesson Jody!

Jody Tries A New Banana Bread

Her’s a new banana bread recipe I found – try it next time you want something sweet with your coffee…..

Chocolate Chip-Espresso Banana Bread

1 1/2 cups mashed very ripe bananas (3 to 4 bananas)

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 eggs

1/1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon instant espresso powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (6 oz)

Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans with canola oil cooking spray. In medium bowl, stir together bananas, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, the brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla and eggs. In another medium bowl, stir together flour, espresso powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to banana mixture, stirring to combine. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into loaf pans. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon granulated sugar on top. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until brown and firm to the touch. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and place top sides up on cooling rack. Cool completely befor slicing.

For even more chocolaty flavor , drizzle with melted chocolate across top before serving.

Jody Victor