Coffee and I have been pals ever since my college days. On bleary-eyed morning walks to campus, long afternoons at the local café, and studious late nights at the library, coffee was always there for me. These days, my entire family wakes up to coffee each morning (the four-year old drinks decaf, of course), its warm comfort rousing us into our day.
Apparently we’re not the only ones with a coffee obsession. It’s no secret that Americans are totally addicted to the stuff. And, according to recent statistics, bean drinkers are getting younger and younger. But now that nutritionists and health scientists are embracing coffee in all its antioxidant splendor, I’m happy to be part of the jacked-up crowd.
Here are a few of my favorite coffee concoctions (I’m of the belief that a good brew begs to be accessorized). Investing in a milk frother, some flavored syrups, and an espresso maker will turn you into a veritable barrista. And, naturally, the type of milk, octane, and sweetener are your call.
Maybe that explains our national infatuation. For a few precious moments, you get to have it exactly your way. That’s enough to give me a little buzz.
Dirty Chai Latte
Serves 1
1 Chai tea bag
2 ounces (1/4 cup) hot espresso or strong coffee
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Monin Gingerbread Syrup or Vanilla Syrup or 1 tablespoon French Vanilla Powder
4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsweetened soy milk, steamed and frothed
Ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, for garnish
In a tall latte cup, brew the tea bag in 1/2 cup of very hot water until dark. Add the espresso and syrup and stir. Remove the tea bag. Pour the steamed milk over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Coconut Snowflake
Serves 1
4 ounces (1/2 cup) hot espresso or strong coffee
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Monin White Chocolate Syrup or 1 tablespoon White Chocolate Powder
1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsweetened coconut milk, steamed and frothed
Sweetened cocoa powder, for garnish
In a tall latte cup, pour in the espresso, syrup and coconut extract and stir. Pour the steamed milk over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Almond Joy Latte
Serves 1
4 ounces (1/2 cup) hot espresso or strong coffee
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Monin Almond Syrup or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract plus 1 tablespoon honey (for a nice nightcap, try adding an ounce (1/8 cup) of amaretto liqueur)
1 ounce square of your favorite chocolate bar
4 ounces (1/2 cup) unsweetened almond milk, steamed and frothed
Chocolate syrup or sweetened cocoa powder, for garnish
In a large mug, pour in the espresso, syrup and chocolate bar and stir until the chocolate melts. Pour the steamed milk on top and garnish with a swirl of chocolate syrup.
If you are a coffee lover, you will enjoy these scrumptious coffee-spiked desserts:
Cappuccino- Cheesecake and Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Black Beans.
Take advantage of the fruitful month and tell us what you’re making with fruit! Sweet or savory, share your recipe here for a chance to win our best kitchen swag!
Photo credit: Jessica Jones and Jessica Jones Design
Try these handy charts we found on the CUESA (Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture) 
, is perfect for bringing along with you anywhere. It is safe to leave in the car and in hot weather. The new top is easy to sip and won’t cause spillage.
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