frothy milk without fancy equipment

Good morning! This post comes with a story. Normally I hate that, so scroll to the bottom to skip it.

There's a reason why I care so much about foaming milk without fancy equipment.

It starts with my preference for strong black coffee. My stomach became irritated with it, so I tried adding unsweetened almond milk to buffer the jet fuel. It helps. A LOT.

My stomach has felt better, but I don't exactly like the way it tastes. I still prefer that bitter, un-adultered cup of coffee. Do you know what it's like to wake up in the morning and NOT look forward to your coffee? It sucks.

I recently visited a friend who likes lattes in the morning. She uses a milk steamer and it got me thinking... I like lattes, and I could get on board with being fancy every day. I almost bought myself a milk steamer, but we already have 2 coffeemakers and I don't want another gadget cluttering the kitchen counter.

Luckily, all I needed was a glass jar.
(I happen to have a glass jar problem and have plenty laying around. I think this one is an old pizza sauce jar- I like it because it has markings on the side for easy measuring.)

Here are the steps to get frothy almond milk:

1. Add almond milk to the jar. Sometimes I add turmeric or cinnamon.

2. Microwave it for 1 minute (with the lid OFF)

3. Feed the cat while it's heating

4. Place the lid on the jar

5. Shake for a few seconds

6. Pour into a cup of dark, strong coffee

Now, I look forward to my cup of coffee again.

Real Pumpkin Spice Coffee

The other day I was at work when I decided I needed a little treat. So I headed down to Starbucks and ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte. I was so excited to head back to my desk and enjoy my fancy coffee.

Except, it was not delicious.
It was chemically-tasting and way too sweet, with a horrible lingering aftertaste. I hardly drank it.

I don't remember the Pumpkin Spice Lattes being so gross. Of course, when I stopped to think about it, all it is is a few squirts of flavored syrup added to a latte. Doesn't exactly scream gourmet, right?

I set out to satisfy my craving. I started with the simplest idea of a classic pumpkin flavor that works- pumpkin pie.

So I made a pumpkin pie filling, without the eggs, and spooned it into small ramekins. Topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, they were frozen for future deliciousness.

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk (NOT sweetened condensed!)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. ginger
1/4 t. cloves

Mix all ingredients together and spoon into ramekins (or, even better, ice cube trays). Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon. Freeze.

To enjoy a cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee, just thaw a chunk in a coffee cup and stir in fresh brewed coffee. Not a latte, but much, much tastier.

Iced Coffee

I know, another drink post.
It's really good though!

Iced coffee is super easy to make. It's a heck of a lot cheaper than getting one at a coffee shop, and it tastes just as good.

Start with a glass of ice and your favorite creamer or milk, soymilk, rice milk, whatever. I like to use the flavored ones.



Brew a pot of coffee 1 1/2 to 2 times normal strength.

Pour it over ice, add cream and sugar to taste, and stir.



See? Easy! And I didn't pay three bucks for it.