Toast With This!: Spiced Iced Coffee

 

Now that Summer has officially arrived, I'm opting for cooler drinks for my sipping pleasure.  Most recently, I've taken to ordering the iced versions of my favorite coffee and Chai tea latte drinks at local coffee shops.  In fact, this became a daily ritual on my recent beach vacation.  

Back home and settled in (and with the Summer heat in full blast), I want to continue my indulgence without a planned outing to the coffee shop.  I want delicious iced coffee from my kitchen.  So, I consulted my reliable spice stash and came up with a variant of the Chai flavors I love (including cinnamon, cloves and star anise), for infusing simple syrup.  The spiced simple syrup serves as the oh-so-good sweetener to my cold, smooth, balanced (and acidity-free tasting) coffee concentrate.  Together, with a splash of cream or milk for those who do, they create a refreshing and frankly irresistible iced coffee drink that will fill my Summer (and beyond) with many rounds of decadent sipping.  

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime indulgence, it's definitely toast worthy, and once you make it, I'm certain you'll agree.

Happy Eating (and Sipping)!

Spiced Iced Coffee 
In this recipe, I replaced my previous method of chilling brewed coffee and opted to steep the coffee grinds in water to create a robust coffee concentrate.  It was worth the extra time, and I'll never go back. 

Spiced Simple Syrup
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
4 whole cloves

Method:
Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan.  Once the sugar has dissolved, add cinnamon, star anise and cloves.  Remove from the heat and steep for at least an hour (or longer, for a stronger flavor).  Strain syrup and store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.  

Coffee Concentrate
Ingredients:
8 oz. ground coffee
4 qts. cold water
Cheese cloth (optional, but recommended)

Add coffee to a large container and pour in water.  Stir together and steep overnight at room temperature.  Drain coffee through a mesh strainer lined with cheese cloth or paper towels.  Refrigerate coffee and allow to chill.
To prepare your iced coffee drink, fill a glass with ice, pour in the desired amount of chilled coffee and add in milk or cream, if using.  Sweeten to taste with the simple syrup and enjoy!  
{Cook's Note: Coffee concentrate and simple syrup can be stored for up to 3 weeks refrigerated in air-tight containers.}


 


 
 

Toast With This!: Dalgona Coffee

As weekends go, this past one was a satisfying mixture of productivity and chill.  Mind you it didn't come without some internal coaching to remind myself that it's okay to just. chill. at times.  The type-A, achiever part of my makeup needs reminders on this sort, occasionally-- remembering that it's self-love in motion when we can be gentle and extend grace--to ourselves! 

So somewhere in between a few house chores, indulging in walks outdoors, a training course, Netflix, catching up with family, online worship, cooking, and so on, I decided to finally give a nod to the trending whipped coffee that I've been seeing on social media.  Known as Dalgona Coffee, with origins hailing from India, Pakistan and beyond, this simple, but stunning, drink is worth the hype.  My rendition included the addition of allspice and cinnamon for a warm, subtle Chai finish.  And considering my picky ways when it comes to coffee drinks, I'm glad to report that it's a keeper. :) 

Easy enough to bring together (we're talking sheer minutes) and beautifully delicious enough to feel like the special treat you didn't know you wanted, it was a fun Sunday afternoon indulgence that I think you should add to your stay-at-home, quarantine ticking and tocking.  Besides giving certain popular coffee shops that will rename nameless a run for their (over-priced) money for similar drinks, this makes for a perfect breakfast, afternoon or dessert indulgence.

So the next time you're looking to enjoy a cheers or two, toast with this!

Happy Sipping!

Dalgona Coffee
Ingredients:
Two tablespoons instant coffee
Two tablespoons sugar
Two tablespoons hot water
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Milk of choice
Ice

Method:
Add coffee, sugar, spices and water to a mixing bowl.  Whisk ingredients together by hand or electric mixer until the coffee becomes frothy with a whipped texture.  Pour milk over ice and ladle in whipped coffee to top.  Enjoy!

  

Ice Cubed Coffee + Milk

Bringing a bit of whimsy to my food and drink is one of the elements that makes the kitchen an exciting place to be in my world.  Playfulness and creativity up the ante of what's possible and keep me on my epicurean toes.

Sometimes, it's as simple as bringing a new spin or take to an old favorite.  And because I have a thing for beautiful, fancy ice cubes--and the season for iced drinks is squarely upon us--my latest twist is what iced coffee dreams are made of.  A "deconstructed" approach of sorts is how I see luscious coffee cubes + milk + simple syrup (because I like my coffee sweet).

As simple to make as freezing prepared coffee in ice trays, pouring milk on top and sweetening (or not) to taste.  I admit that this twist gets me giddy because the yield is a pretty little drink.  And I love pretty little things--especially in my eats and sips. 

So as the temperatures continue to rise, and remaining cool becomes a higher priority, add this fun, whimsical ice cubed coffee to your sipping repertoire. 

Cheers to more fun in the kitchen...and Happy Sipping!

Dessert Course: Affogato

When you're looking for an easy, yet elegant, dessert, the Italian delight, affogato, tops the list.  Coffee and cream elevated, affogato is the perfect finish for rounding out a gourmet meal or amping up simpler cuisine.  Requiring little more thought than having your favorite ice cream and coffee brew on hand, it comes together easily to satisfy a crowd or a party of one.

The rich, hearty espresso (traditional for affogato, although regular coffee will work), paired with the luscious cream, could almost be likened to a decadent after-dinner coffee.  And because you're working with only two main ingredients, be sure to make them the best coffee and ice cream you can muster.

Simple and easy, yet indulgent and special, affogato is always a good idea for a fabulous dessert course.

Happy Eating!

Affogato

Ingredients:
Freshly brewed espresso 
Ice cream of choice

Method:
Scoop individual servings of ice cream in dessert bowls or cups.  Pour espresso over the ice cream.  Serve and enjoy!   

{Tasting Summer}: 5 Top Summer Food Festivals

Summer, travel and food go together as few things do.  And when you’re talking taking in the myriad food festivals that abound during the Summer season, there never was a more perfect trifecta.  I can attest that there is rarely a more authentic way to take in a destination—whether you have one day, or one week, to spare—than through its local food culture. 

To get you going and plotting your next delicious foray, these top seasonal food festivals from around the country will leave you satiated in more ways than one. 

The Atlanta Food &Wine Festival – when you’re seeking down-home, yet sophisticated, tastes of the South in food and drink, there’s no better place to be.  This perennial favorite brings together the best chefs and food purveyors from across the South for an unforgettable three-day indulgence that will remind you of all the right reasons that life below the Mason-Dixon line is grand. 

(May 31- June 3, 2018; atlfoodandwinefestival.com.)

Austin Ice Cream Festival – If you scream for ice cream, then imagine a one-day food festival dedicated to ice cream and more ice cream!  Test your ice cream eating skills with fun competitions, while feasting on confections from local creameries for the ultimate sweet indulgence. (June 23, 2018; austinicecreamfestival.com.)

Seattle Street Food Festival – Coffee isn’t the only thing Seattle does well.  Try a food festival boasting food trucks, pop-up picnics and more from local emerging chefs! (July 7-8, 2018; seattlestfoodfest.com.)

Taste of Chicago – Arriving on the heels of the 4^th of July, the Taste of Chicago offers one more delectable reason to celebrate.  Food lovers convene on this long-standing Midwest favorite, hosted lakefront in Grant Park, and adorned by a magical skyline, to indulge in the best of classic Chicago eats (deep-dish pizza, anyone?) along with nightly live entertainment to keep the good vibes flowing. (July 11-15, 2018; tasteofchicago.us.)

Maine Lobster Festival -- Imagine five days devoted to everything lobster! That's what's in store when you head to the annual Maine Lobster Festival. With fun and feasting in high gear, the acclaimed festival centers on celebrating local seafood.   

(August 1-5, 2018; mainelobsterfestival.com.)

Wherever your foodie adventures lead this Summer, you’re sure to find... 

Happy Eating!

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

This past weekend I had the pleasure of taking in brunch at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, the oldest public market in Atlanta and beloved by locals and foodies from near and far, alike.  Laden with a rich history, it's the perfect dine-n-shop destination for the finest in produce, seafood, meats, baked goods, and specialty items (think gourmet popcorn!), along with some of the best indulgent eats, which include an ice cream stand that was the catalyst behind my latest visit.

High Road Craft hosted its recently launched Saturdae Brunch and served up mouth-watering sips and eats, including decadent cafe mocha, freshly pressed juice, fried apple pie, and a berry delicious waffle creation, paired with its signature, soo-soo good frozen cream, for an over-the-top sweet satiation.

The menu offerings

Tossing caution (and calories) to the wind, my companions and I relished every bite we took, along with the friendly and attentive service we received from the High Road team.  If you're looking to make your Saturdays a tad bit sweeter and more scrumptious, then email Saturdae@highroadcraft.com for reservations or just drop by while you're in the market. Brunch seating is between 10 a.m. and noon.

Can you tell I was enjoying it? :)

And if you're looking for more savory eats, not to fret.  With offerings of everything from gourmet burgers and franks to Jamaican cuisine to Mexican fare to a coffee bar and much more, you're guaranteed to find something that suits your tastes and leaves you eagerly awaiting your next visit.

What could be better than feasting on delicious food, followed by shopping the freshest, choicest selections of produce, meats, seafood and bakery items? 

A fun art mural of the market's treasures

So as soon as you can, run--don't walk--to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market for an exceptional experience in good food and Southern hospitality.

Happy Eating!

Garlic Herb Salt

Infusion is, without question, one of my most favorite ways of imparting extra umph and scrumptious goodness to the foods and drinks I love.  From coffee, to compound butter, to vinaigrettes, and beyond, it's found its way into my repertoire on more than a few occasions.  No coincidences there.

Over the weekend, I was inspired to combine some of my favorite herbs (thyme, rosemary and parsley) with several cloves of fresh garlic to create a beautiful and exceptionally delicious garlic herb salt.  And, if you're remotely like me, then you might be tempted to salivate slightly at just the thought of all the ways this treasure will transform your dishes and enhance your cooking regimen. 

The hand-chopped technique, along with the overnight air-drying, yielded the perfect coarse, crumbly texture.  All stored away, with a little reserved for gifting, it's a welcomed gourmet addition to my pantry--and it should be in yours, too.

Happy Eating!

Garlic Herb Salt
Recipe courtesy of Saveur

Ingredients:
6 cloves garlic
½ cup kosher salt
1 cup mixed fresh herbs

Method:
Crush garlic and coarsely chop with half of salt to form a chunky paste. Slowly add herbs and remaining salt and continue to chop into a fine paste. Spread on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let sit uncovered overnight or up to 24 hours until dry and crumbly.  Store in an airtight glass jar up to 1 month.
 

Market Bounty

My day is off to a relaxed, yet productive, pace.  With quiet time, breakfast, a load of laundry (and even a bit 'o pinning -:) ) under my belt so far, my "to do" list for the day is in full swing.  And in the not too distant future, I'll be heading out to run a few errands--including a much needed trip to the farmers market to stock up on fresh produce, some poultry, meat and seafood cuts, cheeses and a few select staples like turbinado sugar, kosher salt and Ethiopian roast coffee.

The bounty of my local farmers market makes me relish the abundant goodness of fresh, quality and delicious food.  While I'll likely have to navigate strategically among the crowd to avoid shopping cart crashes, I love the pulse and energy that I typically encounter--everyone buzzing around for their choice finds--and it energizes me to get through what for some might be considered a most mundane, if not shunned, task.

Great meals are made of great ingredients--and I'm always assured of that when I partake of market bounty.  

Happy Eating!

Tell me: How do you like to shop?  What's your favorite food market?

Hazelnut and Cranberry Biscotti

The holiday season and baking go hand-in-hand.  I started baking (and catering) quite a bit during this time of year several years ago, and it has never gone out of style.  It's a wonderful time of year, indeed, for creating and sharing delicious, festive bites like Biscotti.  

Biscotti means "twice-baked" in Italian and the technique of baking them twice yields the crunchy, delectable cookie we all know and love.  Toasted hazelnuts, dried cranberries and orange zest combine to form a truly scrumptious cookie that's perfect for breakfast (dunking in coffee and tea, preferred -:)), snacking, or as a light dessert course.  

However you decide to indulge, you're sure to enjoy this sweet creation and loads of...Happy Eating! 

Hazelnut and Cranberry Biscotti
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted, skinned and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Method:
Preheat oven to 350 F. 

Place hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes.  If still in the skin, remove the skin, chop and set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, cream the butter until fluffy and pale yellow.  Add the sugar and continue beating to combine.  Add the eggs one at a time, beating well on low speed after each addition.  Beat in the vanilla on low speed until blended.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and mix on low speed.  Mix or stir in the hazelnuts, cranberries, and orange zest until evenly distributed.  The batter should be very soft.

Turn the batter out onto a generously floured work surface and divide in half.  With well-floured hands, transfer one-half onto a parchment lined baking sheet and shape into a log about 12 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick.  Place on one side of the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining batter, leaving at least 4 inches between the logs.  (They'll spread as they bake.)

Bake the logs until the edges are golden, about 25-30 minutes.  Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the logs cool for 10 minutes.  Using a serrated knife, cut the logs, still on the pan, on the diagonal into slices 1/2 wide.  Carefully turn the slices on their sides and return them to the oven.  (If you run out of room, use an additional baking sheet.)

Bake until the edges are golden, about 10 minutes longer.  Let cool completely on the pans on wire racks.  Store in an airtight container.
Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma 

{Eat.Drink.Shop.}: London's Borough Market

I was truly blessed to begin the new year indulging in one of my favorite passions: travel.  Returning to two of my best-loved destinations, Paris (my absolute favorite!) and London, for a winter vacation getaway was nothing short of thrilling, invigorating, and pure, unadulterated joy.  If you follow me on Instagram, you may recall me sharing a few photo highlights from my journey.  And because there's never enough time to share everything when you're in the moment, I will continue to share my most special moments and memories in the days ahead.  

To kick things off, today's post is dedicated to London's superbly fabulous Borough Market.  To say it's my kind of place is an understatement of grand proportions.  As soon as I arrived, I smiled broadly and deeply and took in as much of this treasure as I could before heading off to my appointment across town for Afternoon Tea (but we'll save that for another post.)  

My first encounter at the market was a full-on cooking demonstration with a menu of roast duck with baked heritage carrots and whole roast celeriac--not too shabby.  Had it not been for the lunch of gourmet fish and chips I had just consumed before arriving, I would have been all over that duck. :)  Thankfully, I was able to snag a copy of the recipes for my own keeping and relishing, and I have every intention of recreating those delicacies in my kitchen.

The market combined the best of outdoor gourmet food purveyors (think endless varieties of freshly baked breads, cheeses, chocolate truffles, ciders--I warmed myself with a scrumptious apple cider--fresh fruits, and so much more) with quaint eateries serving up the best in seafood, coffee, chocolate, and so on, to a specialty kitchen shop, bakery school, fresh flower market and more!  There was literally something for everyone and every taste.  And bringing it all together were the fabulous views of astounding architecture, both old and modern, that surrounded me, to inspire even heightened wanderlust.  

I could truly envision myself spending untold hours taking in this foodie mecca if London were my home--or at least if I had more time to spare while visiting.  But, alas, that's what repeat visits are for, no?  

A perfect view of the London Shard: purported as the tallest building in Western Europe

I don't imagine any future jaunts to London will be complete without a visit to Borough Market.  Without a doubt, it represented the epitome of...

Happy Eating & Happy Travels!

Postcard From San Francisco: 6 Top Ways To Spend 24 Hours or Less

 

If you’re looking to make the most of a visit to San Francisco, I’ve got you covered.  During my latest jaunt to 'The City by the Bay', I took in six highlights that will make your visit unforgettable for all the right reasons.  And did I mention that you can do it all in a day or less?!

Here’s my itinerary for some of the best loved sights, attractions, and food, in the city—replete with memories to last a lifetime:

1. Ghirardelli Square - chocolate lover or not, this San Francisco staple is worth a whiz.  Serving beautiful views, quaint shops, and, of course, Ghirardelli goodness (think delectable candies, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, and more), it’s a scrumptious slice of the San Francisco pie.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf -  from my first visit to San Francisco many years ago, to my most recent visit, a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do.  Beyond the water and boat views, there is the matter of restaurants serving up seafood, the famous sourdough bread, clam chowder and more!  I went for a classic lunch of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin, but the options are seemingly endless, for whatever whets your appetite.  Final tip: come hungry and prepare to linger a while.

3. A short bay cruise to take in views of the San Francisco cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz is a surefire delight and bang for your buck.  One hour and $20 later, you’ll have great photos, a bit of history under your belt, and lasting postcard memories in-hand.

4. Hop on a cable car to Union Square.  A repeat indulgence of mine when I visit, cable cars are quintessential San Francisco and a charming way to make your way to key attractions in the city.  Conveniently located at the Wharf and other city points, you can hop on a one-way or round trip car.  For all day travel, you can also opt for a visitor passport.  I enjoyed a one-way ride to Union Square for $8, proving it’s also a more affordable way to go than local taxis and ride shares.

5. Strolling and shopping in trendy Union Square.  If you’re looking to do some shopping while visiting, there’s no better place to get it in than in Union Square.  Spanning several blocks, enjoy the outdoors while walking from shop to shop and taking in more of the San Francisco landscape.

6. The Ferry Building.  A destination within a destination, the Ferry Building is expansive and, as the name implies, is home to San Francisco’s ferry, along with coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with water views and ferry rides awaiting, to boot.  I wrapped my evening in San Francisco with an al fresco dinner at the Hog Island Oyster Company (recommended as a must-try by Eater San Francisco), that was the perfect seal to a great day of casual delights.

Whether you visit for several hours, a day, or beyond, you’ll enjoy these San Francisco staples that continue to delight visitors again and again with lasting postcard memories.

Happy Travels!

A Taste of the Best: Puerto Vallarta's Café des Artistes

Almost immediately after stepping into the warm, tropical air that greeted me in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I began to hear word-of-mouth praise about the delicious wonder that is Café des Artistes.  Beyond the praise, there was an insistence from locals to fellow foodies back home that this was the restaurant that I simply could not miss before departing.  Thankfully, as my brilliantly curated itinerary would have it, on my very last night within the captivating sea and sand borders, I was set to have what would be an unforgettable dining experience at this highly regarded hallmark.  I would have my taste of the best.

  

While the cuisine is always my primary focus, ambiance and décor play major supporting roles in creating stimulating, can’t-get-enough dining experiences that I relish—and long to repeat.  And Café des Artistes’ breathtaking fusion of bold art, elegant interior design (think interiors within interiors), and, oh yes, exquisitely beautiful and scrumptious fare, was the slice of heaven that all the preceding hype had promised.  I was in awe and loving every minute of it.

Room With a View: One of the breathtaking interior spaces

The experience was made all the sweeter by the head of house, owner and creative mastermind, himself, Executive Chef, Thierry Blouet.  A few nights earlier, I had enjoyed the pleasure of meeting Chef Blouet as we were introduced during a magical evening on the beach during the annual Festival Gourmet International kick-off.  When we met again several evenings later, he graciously met my party and gave us a personal tour of his beautiful restaurant in all its glory, including a stop by the busy kitchen to witness the chefs in action.

Once seated in our private dining room, amidst the laughter and chatter, the evening unfolded with course after course of exquisite dishes that gave life to the phrase “food as art.”  Care was given to every detail and personal request—right up to my bespoke Cucumber Mocktail and custom brewed decaf coffee (a must if I had any hope of sleeping that night.  A caffeinated mix-up would have proved nightmarish.)  It was the perfect nightcap to an evening that had more than lived up to its reputation as something truly special. 

Yes, this was Puerto Vallarta.  And this, indeed, was Café des Artistes.