Saturday, April 29, 2006

Another Starbucks Copycat Recipe: Java Chip Frappuccino

Big thanks to Connie for this one. :) All you Frap lovers rejoice! This one takes an already sinfully good frappuccino and adds chocolate times 2. It's a lovely day here in Coffeeville...

Starbucks Java Chip Frappuccino®

4 tablespoons chocolate syrup
4 tablespoons chocolate chips
4 cups double-strength freshly brewed dark roast coffee

Chopped or crushed iceWhipped cream (optional)Chocolate syrup (for drizzle, optional)Fill blender half full with chopped or crushed ice. Add all ingredients (except whipped cream) and blend until thick and still icy.Pour into 4 tall glasses, top with whipping cream and drizzle chocolate over the whipped cream.Serves: 4

P.S. Stacie -- you'll have to let me know if you like this variation as much as the original!

Friday, April 28, 2006

Starbucks Copycat Recipe: Frappuccino

Summertime is around the corner and temperatures are beginning to rise. And that means the temps on our coffees are going down, WAY down. ;) Enjoy this copycat Starbucks Frappuccino recipe for when you're craving one, but either don't want to shell out the money OR can't be bothered walking the twelve steps to the closest location.


Frappuccino
2 tbsp instant espresso powder
1/2 cup hot tap water
2 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk *

Dissolve espresso powder in hot water. Allow to cool to room temperature. (The quickest way is to mix the ingredients in a small metal bowl and swirl.) Combine espresso mixture, sweetened condensed milk and ice in blender. Blend on high for one minute, until no visible chunks of ice are left. Serve with a spoon and a straw.
Makes 2 tall or 4 short drinks

* Note: Yes, you can use lower fat or even fat free sweetened condensed milk in this recipe to make it more calorie conscious.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Coffee Desserts: Kahlua Mudslide Brownies

Kahlua Mudslide Brownies are delicious, fudgy brownies with Kahlua and Irish cream in the brnowies AND a scrumptious Kahlua liqueur glaze. Whoa...this sounds rather incredible. :)

2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 cup butter
4 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate, chopped
3 eggs
1 1/2 cup sugar
4 tbsp. Kahlua
2 tsp. Irish cream liqueur
1 tbsp. vodka
3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
Whole coffee beans for garnish Kahlua glaze
1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
3 tbsp. Kahlua

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl. Melt butter and chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat; set aside. Beat eggs and sugar in large bowl until light. Beat in flour mixture, chocolate mixture, Kahlua, Irish cream and vodka. Fold in walnuts. Pour into greased 13x9 inch pan.
Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Spread with Kahlua glaze. Garnish with whole coffee beans. Cut into squares.

For Kahlua glaze ... Beat together sugar and Kahlua in small bowl until smooth.

TONS of delicious Recipes Here

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

On the Side Recipe: Pineapple Date Bars

Pineapple Date Bars

20 oz crushed pineapple
2 cups chopped dates
3 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 tsp salt
1 & 1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup oil

Combine pineapple and dates in a saucepan. Cook on medium
heat until thickened. Stir frequently. In a large bowl,
mix oats, wheat germ, coconut, walnuts, and salt. Stir in
juice and oil. Press half of the oat mixture in a greased
9x13-inch pan. Spread the pine-apple mixture on top, and
then sprinkle on the rest of the oat mixture. Press down
lightly. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until
lightly browned. Cool. Cut into squares.
Makes 32.

For tons of recipes visit Kitchen Crafts 'n' More

Monday, April 24, 2006

The Best Coffee Ice Cream Recipe

I for one, on this gorgeous Monday, am feeling grateful that Kate Zilahy has an obssession with 1)ice cream and 2)coffee. :) Because her Coffee Ice Cream Recipe sounds utterly heavenly to me!

I might even try this recipe with some crumbled Oreos tossed into the mix. Doesn't THAT sound sinful? :)) Or, if you're a true coffee fanatic (and I know you are) then maybe top a bowlful of this ice cream with a couple of chocolate covered espresso beans.

How to Make Your Own Senseo Coffee Pods

A great post if you're out of Senseo coffee pods OR if you don't want to pay so much for them. One suggestion is to use two regular coffee filters, layering them on top and below the coffee grounds. :) More suggestions here: Make Your Own Senseo Coffee Pods/Pads

P.S. If you try one of these ideas, please come back and post a comment to let us all know how it worked for you.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

A Lovely, Rich Slice of Whipped Cream Poundcake

Absolutely LOADED with fat and calories. :) And a truly decadent treat to enjoy with your favorite Java creation. Just posted this Whipped Cream Pound Cake Recipe on my KCnM blog. Enjoy, coffee lovers! (P.S. I think a bit of this topped with some apricot or raspberry jam and another blob of whipped cream would be heaven...)

Wish you were in London drinking COFFEE?

Of course, we generally think of a good ol' cuppa tea when we think of London, but today on London Daily Photo Blog Ham shares an Oh So Parisian London cafe photo. :) I'm obssessed with one day going to London, so I had to share this with all of you! Thanks to Ham too, for such a cool blog filled with beautiful pics. (I'll be back to visit OFTEN.)

Friday, April 21, 2006

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

If you're looking for a sinful treat to go with your hot cup of coffee this afternoon, try this recipe posted over on KeeWee's Corner for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies. If you're a peanut butter fanatic like myself, you'll love these - and she provides a beautiful finished photo of the brownies too.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Coffee Bean Truffles Recipe

Pairing coffee beans with rich chocolate is a match made in heaven! Sure, these take a little work, but the decadent results are well worth the effort. (Okay, if you must send me some when you're done I guess that's okay. ;) )

12 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup softened butter
1/4 cup rum
2 egg yolks
1/2 cup heavy cream
40 whole coffee beans
1/2 cup finely ground coffee beans
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Directions:

Melt chocolate in top of double boiler. Remove from heat. Beat in butter, 2 tablespoons at a time. Add egg yolks, rum and heavy cream, beat until smooth.

Cover and chill until hardened. Take 1 teaspoon chocolate mixture at a time and roll into 1-inch ball. Push 1 coffee bean into center, using a toothpick.

Fill in hole with chocolate. Sift together ground coffee beans and cocoa powder onto plate. Roll each covered coffee bean in cocoa mixture. Chill.

This recipe for Coffee Bean Truffles serves/makes 40.

All the Coffee Beans You'll Ever Want!

A New Way to Clean Your Coffee Maker

My favorite way to clean the coffee maker is with vinegar, but I just found out about this groovy alternative you might want to try:

Drop an EFFER-DENT denture cleaning tablet in a 10 cup
coffee maker and add hot water it instead of cold. Brew
as usual then rinse.


For more fun cleaning tips for laid back souls, visit the Happy Slob's Guide to Housecleaning

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Indian Spiced Coffee Recipe

1¼ cups water
4 pods cardamom, slit
1 stick cinnamon, broken in half
pinch nutmeg
1 clove
2 cups strong, freshly brewed Mysore coffee
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar or honey

Boil water in a medium-size pot. Stir in the spices, cover, and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.Stir in the pre-brewed coffee.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat milk until almost boiling.Strain the coffee through a fine mesh strainer covered with cheesecloth into the milk.
Add sweetener, stir, and serve in mugs.

Coffee Quote of the Day: by Gertrude Stein

"Coffee is real good when you drink it it gives you time to think. It's a lot more than just a drink; it's something happening. Not as in hip, but like an event, a place to be, but not like a location, but like somewhere within yourself. It gives you time, but not actual hours or minutes, but a chance to be, like be yourself, and have a second cup. " Gertrude Stein

Bunn MCP My Cafe Professional Coffee Single Serve Maker

If you take your coffee SERIOUSLY, then you need a Bunn. No, not a bun (which goes beautifully WITH coffee) but a Bunn!



People who buy a Bunn insist that the quality is FAR superior to cheapo coffee pod coffee makers. :) Check out the link to read all 55 high reviews for this machine on Amazon.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Breakfast Coffee Cake

Breakfast Coffee Cake
This simple coffeecake has the best flavor. Serve it warm, cut into
wedges, to delight your family. (Big thanks to Hannah for sending this family favorite in! I think it would be great served with a big mug of hot coffee. :)

INGREDIENTS:
· 1/4 cup water
· 1 package dry yeast
· 1-1/2 cups milk
· 1/4 cup shortening
· 1/4 cup sugar
· 3/4 teaspoon salt
· 1 egg
· 3/4 teaspoon lemon extract
· 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
· 3 cups flour
· 1/3 cup sugar
· 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
· 3 tablespoons butter, melted
PREPARATION:
Dissolve yeast in water in a small bowl. In small saucepan, place 1/4
cup milk and add shortening, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt. Heat over
medium heat until shortening melts. Remove from heat and pour into
large mixer bowl. Add rest of cold milk to mixer bowl and mix well.
Then add yeast mixture and mix well. In small bowl, beat egg until
foamy and add lemon extract and nutmeg. Add to milk mixture in bowl.
Gradually add enough flour until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out
onto floured surface and knead in enough remaining flour until dough
is satiny and smooth. Place dough in greased bowl, turning to grease
top. Cover and let stand until double in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch down dough and shape each half into an 8" round. Place each
into a greased 8" round cake pan.
Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes. Using fingers
or the point of a rounded knife, dimple the surface of the dough
about 25 times. In small bowl combine 1/3 cup sugar and cinnamon and
mix well. Brush melted butter over both coffeecakes and sprinkle with
cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F for 23-28 minutes or until
coffeecakes are golden brown. Remove from pans and cool on wire
racks. Serve warm.

Thursday, April 13, 2006

What is YOUR favorite Starbucks coffee?

I want to hear from you! :) What is YOUR favorite Starbucks coffee to buy? When you head over to the corner Starbucks, what do you usually order?


Starbucks Coffee Recipes and More Enjoy these favorites at home too! :)

Vermont Coffee - Alcoholic Coffee Recipe

Yum, yum and yum again. This sounds like a lovely coffee treat to try, rich with light cream, maple syrup and a shot of dark rum. I can imagine enjoying this while sitting in my log cabin in the Rocky Mountains. (Well, if I HAD a log cabin. lol)


1 oz light cream
1 oz maple syrup
2 oz dark rum
6 oz hot coffee
PREPARATION:

Combine in a mug, and enjoy. Serves 1.

Brewed Coffee without a Coffeemaker

How cool is this one, coffee lovers? An easy way to make brewed coffee without a coffeemaker OR filters! Ideal for when you're out camping and you want a decent cup of our favorite brew...


Mix one cup of coffee with one of cold water, beat together and add six cups of boiling water.
Boil three minutes, stir and add one-fourth cup of very cold water to settle.

Lots of Recipes at Kitchen Crafts 'n' More Also, be sure to join our free newsletter, packed with more recipes, and helpful household hints submitted by our 11,000+ readers.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Double Chocolate Mocha Pie

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE MOCHA PIE
Coffee lovers, this fabulous treat was sent in by Treva. A delicious chocolatey pie with coffee whipped cream to top it all off. YUM! Try using this whipped cream with the hint of coffee on some of your decadent coffee drinks this summer too. You could also use instant espresso powder instead of the coffee powder.

1 package (6 ounces) instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
2 2/3 cup chocolate milk
1 (8-inch) prepared graham cracker or other flavor crumb crust
Coffee Whipped Cream (recipe follows)

In large mixer bowl, beat pudding mix and chocolate milk until blended. Pour into crust. Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Serve with dollops of Coffee Whipped Cream. Garnish as desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

Coffee Whipped Cream:In small mixer bowl, combine 1 cup chilled whipping cream, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon instant coffee and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat just until cream hold definite shapes; do not over beat.Makes about 2 cups.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Make some Coffee Cookies

Coffee Cookies
by Mari Laura Skjelvik (from www.IneedCoffee.com)

Ingredients
5 1/2 oz butter
5 oz sugar
2oz chopped hazelnuts
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup coffee or espresso
1 square bar or 2 oz of plain dark chocolate
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees farenheit.
Mix suger and butter until smooth in a food processor. Add additional dry ingedients and mix thoroughly. Add the egg, flour, vanilla extract and baking soda.Then add the coffee, nuts, and chocolate.
Drop or put the dough with a spoon onto baking paper or greesed cooking sheet. Be sure to leave enough room on the cookie sheet, as they tend to spread out .
Cool on a cooling rack

Coffee News: Peet's Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Peet's Coffee & Tea, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEET), a specialty coffee roaster and marketer, today announced the launch of its 40th Anniversary Celebration in its 113 company-owned stores and nationwide home delivery service... Peet's Coffee 40th Anniversary Article

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Fat Free Honey Cake

Fat Free Honey Cake

Enjoy a moist slice of this honey cake with a big cup of steaming coffee on the side...plus it has a cup of strong brewed coffee right inside the batter too. :) Is it coffee break yet?


Fat Free Honey Cake
Makes 2 loaves (2 loaf cakes)

1 3/4 cups honey
1 cup strong coffee
1/2 cup currants, or raisins
3 tablespoons brandy (optional but a great flavor to add - needed for punch)
1/4 cup applesauce
1 1/4 cups brown sugar, packed
1 cup egg substitute
3 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 tablespoon grated orange zest

In a saucepan, combine the honey and coffee, bring to a boil and cool. Soak currants in brandy. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer, blend the applesauce, brown sugar and egg substitute. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
Stir the dry ingredients alternately with the coffee into the egg mixture. Fold in the currants and orange zest. Spray Pam in two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans (or use non-stick pans). Pour the batter in and bake for 1 hour; the top will be sticky, but a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.



Tags: fat free cake, fat free recipes, coffee recipes, honey cake recipe, spice cake, easy fat free spice cake

Senseo Single Serving Coffee Machine (& Pods)

Morning coffee lovers! This morning some of you might be turning on a different kind of coffee machine - a single serving coffee machine such as Senseo. These coffee machines use individual coffee pods instead of traditional filters, to brew a delicious cup. It makes gourmet coffee making a simple, painless process.





This little baby is FAST too - brews a cup in 30 seconds flat! Leave a comment if you have a Senseo, or any other type of single serving coffee maker...


Tags: Senseo, coffee machine, coffee maker, coffee making, coffee pods

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Coffee Tip of the Day: Using Leftover Coffee

I love this one! When you brew your next pot of coffee, and have some leftovers that you can't use right away - pour into a regular ice cube tray and freeze. Next time you make some luscious iced coffee drink, you can use THOSE as the perfect way to cool down the drink without mellowing out the great coffee flavor that you love!

Or...I thought you could use these coffee cubes in a chocolate milkshake to turn it into a mocha shake! Just top with some whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa and you have a lovely treat.

Tags: coffee tips, use leftover coffee, how to use old coffee, coffee blog, coffee recipes, coffee drink recipes, mocha shake

Useful Household Hints with Paper Coffee Filters

You can use regular paper coffee filters for some pretty nifty cleaning jobs around the home! I just posted a list over on my Happy Slob's Housecleaning blog at:
http://happyslob.blogspot.com - check it out and put those extra coffee filters to good use. (My fave tip? Using coffee filters to clean mirrors and glass without any lint left behind!)

Tags: unusual cleaning tips, paper filters to clean, using coffee filters, household uses for paper filters

Monday, April 03, 2006

Cappuccino Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce

CAPPUCCINO BREAD PUDDING
A decadent old-time dessert gets a delicious bolt of espresso flavoring!

For custard
1/2 cup brewed espresso or strong coffee
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
6 large whole eggs
4 large egg yolks
3 cups half-and-half
3 cups 1-inch cubes day-old egg bread or French bread.
1/3 cup sliced almonds if desired
For caramel sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Accompaniment: whipped cream flavored with cinnamon

Make custard:
In a small saucepan combine espresso or coffee and 2
tablespoons sugar and boil until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Cool
syrup. In a large bowl whisk together whole eggs, egg yolks,
remaining 1/2 cup sugar, half-and-half and syrup.

Preheat oven to 325°F.

Spread bread cubes in a 9-inch square baking dish and sprinkle
with almonds if using. Pour custard over bread, making sure all
bread cubes are covered, and let stand 30 minutes.
Put baking dish in a larger pan and add enough water to pan to
reach halfway up sides of dish. Bake bread pudding in middle of
oven 55 minutes, or until golden brown and center is set.

Make caramel sauce:
In a small heavy saucepan combine sugar and water and bring to
a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil syrup, without
stirring but swirling pan occasionally, until deep golden caramel.
Remove pan from heat and add cream slowly (mixture will
bubble up). Cook sauce over low heat, stirring, until smooth and
caramel is dissolved. Add butter and stir until melted.
Serve bread pudding with warm caramel sauce and cinnamon
whipped cream.
Serves 6 to 8

Tags: bread pudding, bread pudding with caramel sauce, cappuccino recipes, cappuccino bread pudding, coffee desserts, gourmet desserts

How to Make the PERFECT Espresso

Learn How to Make an Espresso
The basics of making gourmet coffee creations at home is to know how to make a fantastic espresso. Here's an article that takes you through the process, step-by-step:
How to Make an Espresso at Home

Coffee Can Ice Cream

Coffee Can Ice Cream
Surprise - you can use one of your old coffee cans to whip up a batch of - you guessed it - fresh, delicious ice cream! Cool, huh?

1 cup milk
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla (Learn how to make your own vanilla: Homemade Vanilla )

You need 1 large and 1 small coffee can ( both empty) with lids. Put the ingredients in the small can and mix; put on lid, making sure it is sealed securely. Put the small can inside the large can. Fill the empty space at the sides of the large can with ice cubes-crush if need be. Pour some table salt over the ice. (Add more ice and salt as needed.) Put lid on large can. Now the fun part-roll the can back and forth between two people. Remove the lids every so often. Scrape the frozen ice cream off the sides of the little can and add more ice and/or salt to the larger can. It generally takes about 15 or 20 minutes to freeze-sometimes longer.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Iced Amaretto Coffee

How perfect would THIS be on a hot summer's day?


Iced Amaretto Coffee

1 cup fresh Amaretto coffee
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
ice cubes
a pinch of ground cinnamon.

Mix the coffee, sugar, milk, vanilla and almond extract. Put the ice cubes in the glasses. Pour the coffee mixture over the ice. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.

Clean Out That Coffeemaker for a Great Tasting Cup

Clean Out that Coffeemaker for a GREAT Tasting Cup
By Christina Spence

Coffee addicts, take heed! That precious appliance on your countertop – gasp! – needs to be cleaned out once in a while. Have you been noticing a stale, funny taste in your coffee lately? It’s very likely that your poor coffeemaker is just screaming for a good cleaning. The good news is: it’s dead simple to clean. All you’ll need is some good old-fashioned white vinegar and tap water.

Vinegar is a powerful acid, and works to replace many of the harmful chemicals you might be cleaning with right now. And when you use it to clean out your coffeemaker, it really scrubs it out from the inside, getting rid of buildup that makes your coffee taste less than gourmet.

To clean the coffeemaker:

1. Pour vinegar into the holding tank where you’d normally pour in the water. Fill at least half full with vinegar.
2. Don’t add any coffee. Ick…can you imagine the brew that would create?
3. Run your coffee machine as usual, letting the vinegar do the work of scrubbing it out and descaling the works from the inside out. Empty out the used vinegar.
4. Run at least two or three cycles with just plain water, to truly get rid of all lingering vinegar taste.
5. There is no step five – see, I told you it was simple!

Cleaning your coffeemaker like this at least once a month, or more often if you’re a caffeine junky, will keep your coffee tasting fresh and utterly delicious. Give it a try and you’ll be shocked by how easy it is!

============

More fabulous and fun cleaning tips for HAPPY SLOBS who hate cleaning!
http://www.happyslob.com

Java Recycling: 7 Ways to Use Old Coffee and Coffee Grounds

Java Recycling: 7 Tips for Reusing Old Coffee & Coffee Grounds
By Christina Spence

Coffee lovers can’t start their day without a delicious cup of their favorite coffee blend. Yet, they’re often left wondering what to do with those seemingly useless old coffee grounds or leftover cups of cold coffee. Here are some fantastic ways to reuse and recycle old coffee:

Gardening – Old coffee grounds are excellent to add to your composting pile. Not only do they increase the acidity of your soil, but they also act as a natural fertilizer. (Be careful not too add too many coffee grounds or else you may create a composting material that is too acidic.)
Indoor plants – Add some old grounds or a last cup of black coffee (your plant won’t love cream & sugar as much as you do) to your houseplants. Most of them will love this boost of acidity!

Java Hair Rinse – I know, I know, you’re likely rolling your eyes at this tip, but it’s a proven fact – coffee makes a great hair rinse! If you have dark hair, use leftover coffee as a final hair rinse to add super shine. And, a delicious scent as a great bonus.

Crazy Skin Pack – use a handful of old grounds, mixed together with a bit of water (or cream for added moisturizing) and create a messy paste of this in a small bowl. Pat this goopy mixture onto clean skin, being careful to avoid nose, mouth and eyes. Let sit for about 15 minutes and rinse off. You Java Beauty Queen, you…

Odor Neutralizer – This is one tip I discovered entirely by accident. Old coffee grounds at the bottom of, let’s say, a garbage bag help to neutralize odors! (I did this one time and realized it worked.) A little plate of leftover grounds left out in areas of particular stinkiness (cat litter box, anyone?) can help to naturally get rid of offensive smells.

Ant control – Pouring old coffee grounds around areas in your garden that are prone to ants will help get rid of them! Ants apparently hate coffee (they’re the only creatures that do) and won’t cross a line of coffee grounds.

Remove Furniture Scratches – Very strong coffee can be a handy dye to use on furniture scratches. Dip a cotton swab into old, strong coffee and use on dark wood furniture to hide scratches.

Christina is a freelance writer who LOVES coffee! Get her favorite FREE gourmet coffee recipes (including some Starbuck clone recipes) at: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/coffeerecipes.html

Lots of Goodies for Coffee Lovers

Welcome to the Coffee Creations blog! I decided that I might as well take advantage of my love for coffee, by making a fun, useful blog for all other coffeeaholics out there.

This blog will feature coffee reviews, recipes, ideas, new coffee related products, and so much more. :) If it has to do with COFFEE you'll find it right here!