Honey Latte

Years ago that place with the green and white cup offered their best drink ever - a honey latte.  It was delicious but seasonal and sadly they haven't brought it back.  Recently they offered the carmelized honey latte, which was great, but just not quite as great.

The stovetop espresso maker is what makes this recipe so easy.  Just brew the espresso, add the milk, and you're all set.  No big fancy models needed.

Honey Latte
Ingredients:

• Brewed espresso
• Milk
• 1 T honey per mug (or to taste)

Directions:

• Brew espresso according to the maker's directions.
• While espresso is brewing pour milk into mason jar.  Shake until milk has doubled in size.  Heat in microwave for 45 seconds.  (Be sure to remove the lid :)!)
• Add honey to bottom of each mug, pour a small amount of espresso in mug and stir until honey is dissolved.  Add remaining espresso and top with heated milk.  Be sure to top with foam.
• Enjoy!

Notes:

• The drinks are designed to be made to taste.  Some like stronger coffee than others.  Hubby and I have found we like them with about a 3 to 1 espresso to milk ratio.

DIY: Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Well.  It's official.  Summer is over.  Today is the first teacher report day for the 2017-2018 school year.  While I do still work full time (and then some) during the summer running the tennis program, my hours are somewhat flexible and I'm able to do some work from home.  Needless to say, I'm going to need a little extra zip of caffine today.  The homemade Chai Tea Latte is the perfect little treat for a day like today -- think espresso latte with chai tea yumminess.

I use my stovetop espresso maker (which I really love!) and the same method as the homemade vanilla and pumpkin lattes.

Dirty Chai Tea Latte

Ingredients:

• 1 bag chai tea
• 1/3 cup water, boiling
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2-3 shots espresso
• 1 t vanilla
• sugar, to taste
• cinnamon

Directions:

• Bring water to a boil and add chai tea bag.  Allow to steep for a couple minutes.
• Brew espresso.
• While espresso is brewing pour milk and vanilla into a jar.  Seal tightly and shake until milk doubles in volume.  Heat in microwave for 1 minute, or until hot.
• Spoon sugar into large coffee mug.  Pour espresso and chai tea into mug.  Stir to dissolve sugar.  Top with heated milk, foam, and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Enjoy!

Happy Sipping!

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Salted Caramel Mocha

If I'm being completely honest, this time of year my true love is the pumpkin spice latte....but, this salted caramel mocha is a pretty close second.  The best part about it - you can make it yourself at home.  No need to spend $5 a pop, when that could buy you the ingredients to make as many as you would like.  I use the same method as I do for my other homemade lattes with a stove-top espresso maker.  Such a special treat, without having to change out of your pajamas.

Salted Caramel Mocha 
Ingredients:

• espresso
• milk
• caramel syrup
• hot chocolate mix (we like the dark mix in this little hive)
• 1 T turbinado sugar
• 1 T sea salt
• whip cream, if desired

 Directions

• Mix sugar and sea salt and set aside. (I store in a mason jar.)
• Make espresso (or you can use really strong coffee, but I promise it's better with espresso).
• While espresso is brewing pour milk into mason jar.  Cover and shake until milk has doubled in size.  Remove lid and heat in microwave for one minute.
• In bottom of coffee mug add caramel sauce and hot chocolate mix.  We prefer 2 T of caramel and 1 T of hot chocolate mix, but use according to your personal taste.
• Pour hot espresso into mug.  Stir to combine and dissolve the caramel sauce and hot chocolate mix.  
• Add heated milk, top with froth.
• Garnish with whip cream and sugar and salt mixture.
• Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

DIY Eggnog Latte

The eggnog latte is my very favorite beverage that comes in that little red cup...you know the one....everything about it tastes like Christmas.  This morning I was determined to make our own here at the hive, and what do you know, it was delish! Totally hit the spot. 

Homemade Pumpkin Latte

It might be cliché, but I love drinking pumpkin lattes in fall.  (I love anything pumpkin, truth be told.)  I do not, however, like spending $4+ at a certain coffee shop with those green and white cups.  This year I was determined to make my own PSL so that I could enjoy it when ever and as often as I like. 

Homemade Vanilla Latte

This morning I awoke with the full intention of completing the planting in the garden before heading off to school.  However, it was wet.....really wet.  That plan bit the dust.   I instead decided to start the week with my new favorite treat, a homemade vanilla latte.