Fabulous Fall Coffees as Seen on Great Day Houston

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Nothing goes better with cooler temperatures than a hot cup of Joe! It’s finally starting to feel like fall…woo-hoo! Check out these sensational coffee recipes we’re featuring on Great Day Houston this week:

 1. Pumpkin Pie Latte

Enjoy this espresso drink! With just the right amount of spice, it tastes just like the popular gourmet version.

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 cup hot brewed Easy Espresso

In a small saucepan, combine the milk, pumpkin and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla and pie spice. Transfer to a blender; cover and process for 15 seconds or until foamy.

Pour into two mugs; add espresso. Garnish with whipped cream and spices if desired. Yield: 2 servings.

 2. Butterscotch Latte

Dessert in a mug — that’s for sure. Try this easy recipe that makes use of a beloved confection…butterscotch!

 

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1-2 teaspoons Hazelnut Syrup
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot brewed Easy Espresso

In a small saucepan, combine the milk and sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until steaming. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Transfer to a blender; cover and process for 15 seconds or until foamy.

Pour into two mugs; add espresso. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Drizzle hazelnut syrup on whipped cream and sprinkle butterscotch chips on top. Yield: 2 servings.

3. Chocolate Vietnamese Coffee

I first fell in love with these coffees at Huynh restaurant near downtown Houston. What a fabulous morning wake-up treat or a finale for any meal!

 

• 1/2 c very strongly brewed Vietnamese coffee or espresso
• 1-2 T Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1t cocoa powder or 1 dark chocolate disc (Central Market sells them in bulk)

Brew coffee and add cocoa powder. Add sweetened condensed milk and either drink hot in a small coffee cup or pour over ice into a glass. It’s delish either way.

3. Caramel Apple Brûlée Latte

• 1 1/2 c milk
• 1/2 t apple pie spice
• 2 t vanilla extract
• 1 T sugar
• 1/2 c brewed strong coffee
• 1/2 t caramel sauce

Mix together coffee, milk, spice, vanilla and sugar in a saucepan on med heat. When thoroughly heated (not boiling), pour into a coffee mug and top with caramel sauce.

Plus…

 

Pumpkin Chai Latte:

Here’s a local coffee recipe from Minuti Coffee in Houston. Measurements are for 10-12 oz drink. If you would like to make it a filthy pumpkin chai latte just add 2 shots of Minuti espresso!

 

• 8 oz. of steamed milk
• 3 pumps of pumpkin specie
• 2 oz. of Chai

For topping:

• Whipped cream, for garnish
• Caramel, for garnish
• Cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish

Have you ever bought the “make at home” version of your favorite coffeehouse brew, only to find it doesn’t taste the same? No, it’s not a rip off. It might have to do with the way you’re preparing that latte or regular cup of java. If you’re not a coffee connoisseur, no problem! These simple tips will get you brewing your cup just like the pros:

1. Have expensive taste.

If you skimp on the best beans possible, without breaking the bank, it’s going to leave a bad taste in your mouth…literally. Buy what you can afford and make sure you’re buying the freshest, premium beans of whichever brand you choose. That goes for ground coffee as well. Pick the freshest “ground on” date possible. Freshness is key.

2. Keep it cool.

Make sure your beans or ground blend are stored in a cool, dry place. The temperature of the pantry or countertop play a big part in how long your beans or ground blend will last. The warmer the temperature is, the faster the flavor will fade. Treat your coffee like a guest in your home. You wouldn’t want your guest to work up a sweat if your home was at an unpleasant temperature, would you? Exactly! So, don’t store your coffee in the garage or near warm appliances. Treat it with love!

3. Water works.

Give your water the works. Make sure it’s purified and not straight from the tap. The temperature and quality of the water you use is very important. After all, it’s the main ingredient in coffee, so you wouldn’t want to cut corners with it. Make sure it’s as hot as you can get it and as pure as you can make it.

4. Are you proportionate?

Ever heard of “The Golden Rule” of coffee? It’s the exact ratio to live by when preparing your coffee. Use 55g of ground coffee to 1 liter of water. That equals out to 1 tbsp (or 7g) for every 3 oz. of water.

5. The Fixin’s

Make sure your sugar, milk, soy milk, lemon, flavored syrups and creamer are all fresh. Just like the water, if you’re preparing a latte or any other fancy coffee drink, make sure it’s hot and from a brand you enjoy consuming on its own. Same with the other add ins. Be good to your coffee. In return, you’ll have an even sweeter reward.

With these tips in mind, you can create your own coffee house creation at home. Have fun and experiment. Try adding in seasonal flavors or asking a barista at your coffee spot what goes into your favorite specialty drink. Then, recreate it at home!

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