Caramel Latte (Macchiato)

I love my espressos and lattes, but I am the only one that drinks anything with the word "coffee" in it. Everyone loves the smell, but the taste is a complete turn-off. I have to admit that I am not one of those everyday I have multiple cups of coffee people, so to invest in a real machine and grinder is just not something I can bring myself to do.

I have the humblest of equipment, but I do not forfeit a wonderful tasting cup of Jo because of my old friends Mr. Coffee and Kitchen Aid! Instead, I have come up with a process that gives me a product I am satisfied with. In my opinion, I like just as well as the major shops (and maybe even better).

Here is my ancient espresso maker. Notice the Asian tea cup that serves as an interim for the now missing little pot that came with.

Old Pal coffee grinder. I try to grind enough for one day, but sometimes I get extra. It will last for an additional day or two. I can get the fine grind I want by getting a coarse chop in about 15 seconds, then I pick up the grinder and gently shake back and forth for another minute or so.

While on the topic of grounds, I should mention that it is very important to get the right consistency. If you quit while still coarse, you will get a weak bitter flavored coffee. Imagine turning on a garden hose over gravel. The water would drain way too fast. Same with the coffee.

I wouldn't be concerned about too fine of a consistency with anything but the best of grinders. There is

only so far one of these like mine can go.

place the grounds in the basket and press down with a tamper or your finger. I like mine to be pressed down, but not too firmly. This way the water can drain through nice and dark.

One step that is VERY important:   Make sure to pour a bit of milk into the freshly brewed coffee. This keeps away from the bitter flavor that lurks in so many a cup.

Now for the steamed milk and foam. Place the stem in the milk before turning on the steam. I don't move the cup around or lift the stem out of the milk.This is not the usual pattern, but it works best for that dense foam to produce. I turn the steamer knob slowly on. It is on low (I judge by the sound, no auto here). Remember to keep the stem touching the bottom of the cup.

I love to make a caramel sauce, but working full time and then housekeeping, does not always leave enough time for a homemade batch. There are shops that sell a great substitute for a reasonable price and it keeps well.

Pour in as much caramel as you like and Voila!

 

*I just purchase the house brand beans @ my favorite grocery market, but I do not grind at the store.

Fall Leaf

This leaf can't decide if it wants to turn yellow or stay green ;-)

Sun Drenched Flower

Vacation Tote, etc

I have added a couple more things to my shop. I am having fun making things out of my head and actually building them. This Vacation Tote is really pretty. I am thinking of keeping it ;-).

I recently stopped at a yard sale full of a bunch of nothing. The selection was really a "lets see if we can sell our junk" type, but there was one box that held treasures to include this vintage blue Thermos. When I asked about the items, the woman told me her aunt was just too old to live alone any longer and that this box was holding some of her "stuff". I was so excited to pick through it and find a few things that were really neat. I found an old book, a cupcake tin (which I had been looking for) and a few other things.

 The best part is I only spent pennies for most of it.

Miami

   

Trump Miami Resort in Sunny Isles

This is a beautiful resort and offers a myriad of activities. Right now, they are running all sorts of specials including a night free with a four night stay. Florida residents get a large discount and AAA/AARP have great discounts took. I recommend the Bay View Room with two queen beds and a kitchenette. The view of Biscayne Bay and the city scape are stunning and the rates are best on this unit type.
Not only is it a wonderful place for adults to relax, but Trump Miami also offers Planet Kids!
Check it all out here.

I had a lot of fun making these cute little animals on Friday. They make such a cute gift for baby or even a great decorative piece in a children's room.

Fall Quilt

I made this cute quilt just in time for Fall. You can take a look at it here.

Winter Travel Deals

East West Resorts - Big Sky is currently offering some amazing deals for the winter season!
Check out their website for more information. They offer professionally decorated Cowboy Cabins and luxurious penthouses in the Moonlight Lodge. One of the coolest options is to get a ticket for both sides of Lone Mountain.

If you decide to call, ask for Shelley ;-).


STAY AND SKI FREE PACKAGE
Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night FREE and ski 2 days at Moonlight Basin, get the 3rd day of skiing FREE!!!
What’s better than free lodging and free skiing?! East West Resorts and Moonlight Basin are offering you both this ski season.


The total package includes 4 nights of lodging in one of our fabulous ski-in / out accommodations and 3 fun filled days of skiing at Moonlight Basin for as low as $75 per person per night (based on quad occupancy) when you stay anytime between Dec 11 & 24, 2010 or March 26 & April 11, 2011. Get the same deal when the snow is abundant and you have the mountain to yourself, Jan 2 – Feb 12, 2011 for as low as $89 per person per night (based on quad occupancy).

Apples

Craig pointed this tree out to me the other day, so I grabbed my camera and walked back to this vacant lot with a long forgotten apple tree. To think that I can purchase apples for up to $2.00 a lb when these beauties are rotting away!

They made for fun photos though.

Soccer Clinic With a Pro

The boys were able to participate in a soccer clinic with this pro player. They had a bundle of fun.

Hot Chai

The other day I had a bright idea. Make my own chai from scratch!!

Cup of milk
Tea bag
Little sugar
Pinch of cinnamon
1/8 tsp Nutmeg

It is so simple to make and I can add or delete ingredients to fit my mood for any given day.