About seven years ago, some dear friends gave us something that totally enriched our lives. For as long as I can remember, Ron has always enjoyed a good cup of coffee. I myself, while I loved the smell of it, refused to let it pass my lips. Hot chocolate, tea, smoothie, juice, good cold milk, yes, but not that bitter stout stuff called coffee.
Our friends, Wes and Carla, often had us over for lunch or dinner. Carla and I enjoyed a mutual love of cooking and could talk food for hours. She later developed a business called Delicious by the Dozen. http://www.deliciousbythedozen.com/ Wes, was an associate pastor of our church, and he and Ron could discuss deep spiritual matters for hours…so as couples, we got along fantastic!
When they asked us if we wanted their espresso machine, as they no longer used it, Ron enthusiastically took them up on the offer. We took it home and Ron devoured the manual, whipping up latte after latte. My curiosity got the best of me and I started trying small sips of his drinks. Finally, I braved a cup of my own, adding sugar and vanilla to sweeten the pot. I went from “not bad” to “make me one sweetie” and now I am hopelessly in love with coffee and coffee drinks.
This sweet machine has been so good to us. Not only do we reap benefits, but when friends and family come to our home, we treat them as well. We bravely experiment with all flavors of coffee drinks. Our all time favorite is the eggnog latte during the Christmas season. (why do stores quit carrying eggnog in January??) Since I have been off dairy, I am making soy lattes with these wonderful Bolthouse drinks. www.bolthouse.com Each of these protein drinks packs 10gm of protein per 8 oz. serving.
I mix half Bolthouse protein drink and half almond milk. I steam it to 160 degrees, add a shot of freshly ground espresso, and 1/4 t. vanilla. If I use the mocha, I sprinkle cocoa powder on top the foam.
Never, never gulp a latte. They are meant to be sipped and savored while visiting with friends, enjoying the sunrise, writing in your journal or reading your Bible. When I think of lattes…I think of A Latte Love!
This flashback was taken last summer in the tiny town of Linz, Europe. This is what we were told was iced coffee. In American terms, it was a chocolate coffee milkshake topped with whipped cream. Aahhh…
Great story about your love of lattes! Cute photo, too, from your trip to Linz. Love your Verse of the Day widget…it’s a good way to get The Word in front of people!
I really enjoyed reading about your relationship with coffee. My husband and I used to own an espresso bar and I love coffee. If you would like to try a really great iced coffee (not the European version!) I have a recipe on my blog from a few weeks back. It is cold brewed and doesnt have any bitterness that iced coffee can get! I agree that lattes should always be shared with friends.
I found your recipe and am excited to try it! This morning after our run, an iced coffee would have been a better fit that our typical hot cup! Thanks friend!
I too, started out drinking small drinks with sweetner and milk, and have graduated to coffee with a little sweetner and milk. I do love bolthouse farms too. My husband likes the mocha, and I like the hazelnut.