All praises go to these glazed coffee companions. Maybe you’re not a big on the java, but you’d be hard pressed to turn down one of these. My morning cup of Joe is exponentially better with a slice of soft-baked coffee cake. Just the right combination of sugary/sweet for a nice pick-me-up first thing!
We have a few fixings you can try at home like this Overnight Coffee Cake [above] I brought back from Salvestrin Winery in Napa. The beauty of this recipe is you can make it the night BEFORE you bake it…
And don’t forget: National Coffee Day is Tuesday, September 29! We have some interesting suggestions from Picnik Austin on the finer points of making a good cup of coffee. More below.
In need of something gluten-free? You’re clear to consume this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake [above]. Find this delectable recipe featured in Decadent Gluten-Free Vegan Baking – a cookbook by Cara Reed.
Here’s another good one. Streusel-topped sour cream Coffee Cake Muffins from Deborah Mintcheff of the Les Dames d’ Escoffier (NY Chapter). Their feather-light texture is dotted with melted chocolate and fragrant with cinnamon-sugar…YUM!
Build a Better Cup of Coffee.
Here’s a list of ways to build a better cup of coffee, based on Picnik’s Dirty Chai…
1. Cut the sugar – or try unrefined natural sweeteners. Maple syrup is amazing in coffee! It features zinc, manganese and loads of minerals for good health. Plus it has an incredible depth of flavor that compliments coffee beautifully.
2. Instead of excessive sweeteners, use butter. Yes, butter! Grass-fed, unsalted butter has a totally different nutritional profile than conventional butter. It’s loaded with anti-inflammatory omega-3s, CLA, and vitamin K2. When blended into coffee, it transforms your drink into the creamiest and most decadent latte you’ve ever had.
3. Add MCT oil. This one is a total coffee game-changer.
MCT oil is essentially a supplement-strength coconut oil. This naturally-derived supplement has been studied for its reported weight loss and cognitive function benefits – it’s said to even have helped patients with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and epilepsy! You might get increased mental focus and productivity, weight loss, and an incredible boost in healthy, natural energy.
4. Add medicinal herbs and spices. Here’s where you can get creative! One of our favorite spices to include is cinnamon. It has a natural, subtle sweetness, so it helps replace some of the sugar in your coffee. Start with traditional Chai spices, then add other fun herbs from there.
5. Now that you have a fat-burning, brain-fueling, flavorful and nutrient-dense cup of coffee, add optional protein powder to make it a full meal replacement. It’s awesome for improving digestion, boosting bone and joint health, reducing wrinkles and cellulite, and improving the quality of the gut lining as well as the skin, hair and nails.
Now you’re fully equipped to build a better cup of coffee at home! For more delicious recipes and fun food and wine pairing ideas, subscribe to my newsletter.
Sandi says
Good ideas on how to make sweets healthier, Tanji! I already add whey protein to my oatmeal but didn’t know about MCT! I’m going to look for some ????
Margo says
Where do you buy mct? Do you just mix that and butter in or is blending required? Thanks!