Comforting Coffee Recipes

By Julie Senger

 

It’s finally that glorious time of year when the average temperatures in north Georgia drop to between 52-74 degrees (Weather.US.com), and cool breezes begin to sweep through the trees to stir their array of beautiful autumn colors. Whether you prefer to cozy up to the warm fireplace in your home or gather with friends and family around a crackling outdoor firepit, it’s always nice to have a cuppa Joe to sip while reading a book, watching TV, or chatting with cronies and loved ones.

Here are some yummy coffee recipes for you to try, all of which can be made with regular or decaf coffee, depending upon your personal preference.

 

Chai Coffee

For those who like to spice things up a bit.

1 cup coffee grounds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamom
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together.
• Add the mixture to a coffee filter and brew.
• Makes one full pot.

 

Crockpot Vanilla Latte

For those who need to serve a small crowd.

4 cups milk of your choice
2 cups very strong brewed coffee
½ cup vanilla coffee syrup
Whipped cream for garnish (optional)

• Add milk, coffee, and syrup to a crockpot that holds at least 2 quarts.
• Cook on high until the mixture is heated through but not boiling.
• Put the crockpot on the warm or low setting to keep the latte at a nice temperature for 2-3 hours and stir occasionally to make sure it doesn’t scald.
• Use a ladle to pour coffee into individual mugs and top with whipped cream.
• Makes six cups.

 

Dalgona Whipped Coffee

For those who prefer their coffee creamy, light, and airy.

2 tablespoons instant coffee grounds
Sugar or sugar substitute to taste
2 tablespoons hot water
12-16 ounces of milk of your choice

• Combine the instant coffee and sugar in a bowl.
• Add the hot water to the mixture and use a hand mixer to whip the coffee until it has doubled in size.
• Pour your milk of choice into a glass and top with the whipped coffee (milk can be cold or warm). You can also use a straw or spoon to stir the whipped coffee into the milk.
• Makes two small cups or one large serving.

 

Frozen Coffee Slushie

For those unseasonably warm fall days we’re prone to have in Georgia.

2 cups brewed coffee, chilled
¼ cup half and half
Sugar or sugar substitute to taste
Whipped cream for garnish

• Pour 1 ½ cups of chilled coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze. Store the other ½ cup of coffee in the refrigerator.
• Put half of the frozen coffee cubes in a blender with the half and half, sugar, and the refrigerated coffee. Blend well.
• Add the remaining coffee cubes to the blender and mix until fully combined.
• Pour the slushies into cute mason jar mugs and garnish with whipped cream.
• Makes two servings.

 

Nutella Coffee

For those who enjoy nutty, chocolatey deliciousness in their coffee.

3 cups brewed coffee
1 cup half and half, cream, or milk of your choice
½ cup sugar or sugar substitute
¼ cup Nutella
Whipped cream and chocolate syrup for garnish

• Add the coffee, half and half, sugar, and Nutella to a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until the Nutella melts, all ingredients are well combined, and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
• Divide the mixture into four mugs and top each with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.
• Makes four cups.

 

Pumpkin Spice Latte

For those who would like to save money at Starbuck’s this season.

1 cup milk of your choice
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon sugar or sugar substitute
¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, plus extra for garnish
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup hot espresso or very strong brewed coffee
Whipped cream for garnish

• Add the milk, pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and vanilla in a microwave safe bowl, and cover it with plastic wrap, but be sure to make a small hole in the plastic for venting.
• Microwave the mixture on high until the milk is hot (about 1-2 minutes).
• Whisk the mixture until it is foamy (about 30 seconds).
• Pour the espresso/coffee into a large mug, add the milk mixture, and top with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.
• Makes one serving.

 

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Homemade Coffee Creamer

Instead of buying flavored creamers with preservatives and other things you may not be able to pronounce, make your own by combining 1 cup of your preferred type of milk with 1 cup of heavy cream. You can then experiment by adding dashes of spices, extracts, and flavored syrups of your choice. Here are a few suggestions: 

• Almond, Peppermint, or Vanilla Extract
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Pumpkin Spice
• Cocoa Powder
• Honey
• Maple Syrup