Goodbye!

So the end of semester is finally here! I can't believe it is coming to an end, where did it go?

This is the last blog post I will be doing, at least for now. I have enjoyed writing about coffee and I hope you enjoyed it too!

I wish I had more time to go to different coffee shops around Rochester, but I got a little busy.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

Until next time!

Holiday Coffee Drinks to Make in the Crockpot

Hey everyone! The semester is coming to an end so I am writing one of the last blog posts (at least for now!)

 Here are some crockpot coffee recipes to keep you warm in December!

 Peppermint Mocha- from a Pinch of Yum

Ingredients

• 10 cups of strongly brewed coffee
• 2 packets of dark chocolate cocoa mix
• 1/2 cup peppermint mocha creamer
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and stir.
2. Place slow cooker on low and stir occasionally 
3. Garnish with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.

Gingerbread Latte- from the Cookie Rookie

Ingredients

• 8 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• pinch cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 3.5 cups strongly brewed coffee or espresso
• Garnish- whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, caramel sauce, gingerbread cookies

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker
2. Cook on low for 3 hours or until heated through. Monitor to make sure it doesn't boil.
3. Turn slow cooker to warm setting and cook for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir again right before serving and taste.
5. Dip rims of cups in caramel sauce and then in graham cracker crumbs to create the look above. Top with fresh whipped cream and caramel syrup of desired. Then add gingerbread cookies for fun!

Check out my Pinterest Board!

If any of you are into Pinterest, you should really follow my coffee Pinterest board! This board consists of recipes, pretty pictures of lattes, and really anything coffee related!
Pin my pins if you are in the coffee, just as much as I am! Share your Pinterest board if you have a coffee board!

Guest Blogger-Christine Schmitt

Guest blogger, Christine Schmitt is a 3rd year Human Science major at Georgetown University in DC. She is originally from Rochester, NY.

After leaving Rochester to go to school in DC, I realized I was leaving behind Java’s at the Market and Canaltown Coffee Roasters, and was sure that no coffee would compare to theirs.  I still firmly believe there isn’t any coffee that compares to a Java’s Aztec Mocha or Canaltown’s Rochester’s Blend. But of course, that hasn’t stopped me from trying to find the best coffee in DC to hold me over until my next Saturday morning at the Public Market.  But if you’re willing to wait in absurd lines for a cup of coffee, the search across DC may be worth it.

Baked and Wired is just a few short blocks from our school. To be fair, I did initially go there because I wanted one of their famous cupcakes (specifically the Chocolate Cupcake of Doom) and not a coffee, but hidden behind their seemingly endless display of cupcakes, cookies,and biscotti is a little espresso bar which offers the perfect beverages go along with their sweets.  Their espresso is from an eclectic mix of roasters around the country including Stumptown (Portland), Intelligentsia (Chicago), PT’s (Topeka) and Elixr (Philadelphia).

After receiving your latte, complete with latte art, from the barista, you’re only a block away form the scenic Georgetown Waterfront.  Bring your latte and cupcake along for a walk down the river to the monuments, Kennedy Center, or the historic Watergate hotel. Or, bring your cozy drink with you in wintertime while skating at the Waterfront Park under the lights.

While I have found some great coffee in DC, nothing will stop me from trekking through the snow on that first Saturday morning I’m home for Christmas to grab a cup of coffee from Java’s.

Baked and Wired Instagram Pic

Fig. 1: Baked and Wired, a student’s perfect study break - you get in some exercise while walking around DC and get to pick up a sweet treat and a coffee.

Biscotti to go with Coffee!

Hey everyone! I am doing a little catch up so today I am also sharing biscotti to go with coffee!

The weather is getting colder and Christmas break is coming up, which means I will just want to be inside drinking coffee of course! Today I am going to share some biscotti recipes to go with your coffee because what could be better than biscotti and coffee?

Biscotti Toscani

This recipe features biscotti with hints of orange and almond and covered with chocolate!

Sounds like the perfect biscotti to go with a vanilla latte!











Gingerbread Biscotti

This recipe features gingerbread biscotti! Just in time for the holiday season!

This would go perfectly with some sort of cinnamon latte!











Cranberry and Orange Biscotti

This recipe features a biscotti with hints of orange and cranberry! A classic fall combination!

This would go well with Maple Latte!

Fuego Coffee Roasters

Yesterday, I went to Fuego Coffee Roasters because I had never been there before and I always wanted to try. It is located on Euclid, close to Java's on Gibbs and near the Liberty Pole.

I got a mocha with cinnamon and it was delicious! Of course I appreciate the latte art!

I would definitely go there again and I hope to be there again soon!

Coffee Roasts

Light Roasts

Physical Characteristics: light brown in color, with light body and no oil on surface

Taste: toasted grain, pronounced acidity

Most caffeine out of any other roasts

It has not been roasted beyond the first crack

Common names: Light City, Half City, Cinnamon Roast, New England Roast


Medium Roasts




















Physical Characteristics: medium brown in color, more body than light roasts, no oil on surface

Taste: more balanced flavor, aroma and acidity

Less caffeine than light roasts.

It is roasted between the end of the first and just before the beginning of the second crack.

Common names: Regular roast, American Roast, City Roast, Breakfast Roast


Dark Roasts



















Physical Characteristics: dark brown in color (almost black), oil on surface

Taste: bitter or smoky flavor

Less caffeine than medium and light roasts

Roasted after the end of the second crack.

Common names: French Roast, Italian Roast, Espresso Roast, Continental Roast, New Orleans Roast and Spanish Roast


http://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-Roasts-Guide

November Playlist!

Check out my November Playlist below! Enjoy! :)

 

When We Were On Fire- James Bay



Waves-Mr. Probz

i hate you, i love you-gnash & Olivia O'Brien



Sunrise-Norah Jones



Can't Help Falling in Love-Ingrid Michaelsen



You and I-Ingrid Michelson



Bright-Echosmith



Slow Dancing in a Burning Room-John Mayer



Somewhere Only We Know-Lily Allen

Little House-Amanda Seyfried

Coffee Recipes

Coffee Latte Chia Pudding-from Yummy

Ingredients

• 200 milliners coffee
• 200 milliliters milk
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 8 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoons vanilla powder

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients
2. Let chill for 4 hours or overnight
3. Serve with whipped cream and grated chocolate

Coffee Toffee Bars-from Folgers

Ingredients

• 1/2 butter melted
• 1 cup quick rolled oats
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 14 oz can of Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 teaspoons Instant Coffee Crystals
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (6 oz package) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 13 x 9 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray
2. Combine 1/2 cup melted butter, oats, brown sugar, flour, nuts, and baking soda in a large bowl. Press firmly onto bottom of prepared pan.
3. Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until surface is bubbly. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium saucepan, over medium heat. Add sweetened condensed milk, coffee and vanilla. Cook and stir until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Pour over crust.
4. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven. Immediately spring chocolate chips on top. Let stand 1 minute. Spread chocolate while warm. Cook thoroughly. Refrigerate 30 minutes if chocolate is still soft. Cut into bars. 

FairPour

Lavender Cardamom Latte

Yesterday, I went to FairPour, located in the village of Fairport, where Towpath Cafe used to be. They serve Glen Edith coffee and pretty much seemed like Glen Edith.

It was very good! It is clean and updated. I also like it better than Glen Edith because the parking was easier and it was less than 10 minutes from my house. I would highly recommend it to anyone and I can't wait to go again!

The Story of Coffee

Today, I watched a short documentary from PBS called "Coffee From Bean to Cup." This video is from Feast TV showing coffee goes from the mountains to your cup.

The host, Cat Neville, heads to El Salvador to see how coffee is grown. The coffee is grown in the volcanic mountains.

The owner of the coffee farm discussed how the economic prosperity of the coffee farm has helped employees. The employees used to take the bus and now they can afford to get motorcycles.

Each day during harvest season, the farmers go up the mountain. There they will pick only the best cherries. Then the trucks carry the cherries down to the mill. The higher up the mountain, the higher quality the coffee is.

The coffee is processed and dried. Then it is bagged up and sent to where the roaster wants it. The roaster tastes the coffee every week to see how they are going to roast it.

Warm Weather = Icy Treats

As you can see, outside has been super warm! Many people love hot weather for tank tops and shorts, but really the best part is enjoying ice cream. Ice cream is good all year long, but it is especially good when it is hot. I absolutely love coffee ice cream. What could be better than the two best things, ice cream and coffee?

Today, I am going to share a coffee ice cream recipe I found. If you try it, please let me know below!

Thanks!

Recipe from Food.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of strongly brewed coffee, chilled

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk the cream and the sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is frothy. 
2. Add the milk, vanilla and coffee. 
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
4. Add the ice cream into the ice cream maker according to manufacturer's directions

Coffee Ice Cream Pics

Autumn Jazz Coffee Shop Music

Here is some relaxing jazz music for your Sunday. This would be the perfect video for a lazy afternoon or even an afternoon filled with homework.

Grab a cup of coffee and take a break from the long week! You really will need it to get through another long week.

Coffee Around The World

I found this really cool video about coffee from around the world by Buzzfeed. I am going to explain the coffee drinks below!


Mazagran- from Portugal



A Portuguese coffee drink made with lemons and sugar!

Eiskaffee- from Germany



A German coffee drink made with ice cream and whipped cream!

Ca Phe Sua Da- from Vietnam



A Vietnamese coffee drink made with French dip filter. That coffee is mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice.

Café Au Lait- from France



A French coffee drink made with hot coffee and steamed milk.

Frappé- from Greece



A Greek coffee drink made with Nescafe, sugar, cold water, ice and evaporated milk!

YuanYang- from Hong Kong



A coffee drink from Hong Kong made with black tea, coffee, sugar and half and half.

Marocchino- from Italy



An Italian coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk and cocoa powder.

Kaisermelange- from Austria



An Austrian Coffee Drink made from egg yolk, honey and strong coffee.

Irish Coffee- from Ireland



An Irish coffee drink made from coffee, Irish whiskey and sugar.



Which coffee would you like to try?!?!

#BaristaStruggles

Talking on the phone while placing their order


Asking for a drink iced after already placing the order

Feeling disgusting afterwards because you are caked in syrups and coffee


Making frozen drinks like frappucinos


Customer: "I really need this coffee this morning," as you think to yourself that you haven't had coffee this morning.


When someone orders a special drink and you mess it up so you have to make it again.


When customers dump half of their coffee in the garbage can so the bag leaks.


Your hands get so dry from the all the dishes you do


When a customer takes another customer's drink so you have to make another drink.


When you have to repeat yourself so many times because the espresso machines are so loud

October Playlist

Hey everyone! So today, I am going to give you my October playlist! It is kinda a throwback playlist. Most of the songs I picked were a little older, but still amazing songs. Listen and let me know what you think!

Spotify Playlist




Collide-Acoustic Version by Howie Day




I'll Be- Edwin McCain




Who Says- John Mayer




Let it Go- James Bay




Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop- Landon Pigg




Superficial Love- Ruth B




Put Your Records On- Corinne Bailey




Budapest- George Ezra



Little Lion Man- Mumford & Sons



Give Me Love- Ed Sheehan 




I actually saw this live and it was so amazing!

Coffee Dessert Recipes

Hello everyone!

Today, I am going to share coffee dessert recipes! I did not make any of these recipes, but they look like they would be interesting to make!

White-Chocolate Cappuccino Cookies- from Taste of Home


Ingredients

• 2 envelopes mocha cappuccino mix
• 1 tablespoon hot water
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour 
• .5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 8 ounces of white candy coating, melted
• Baking cocoa, optional

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve cappuccino mix in hot water. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in cappuccino mixture and egg yolk. In another bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. 
2. Divide dough in half. Shape each into a disk; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until firm enough to roll. 
3. Preheat oven to 375°. On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with a floured 2-1/2-in. cup-shaped cookie cutter. Place 1 in. apart on an uncreased baking sheets. 
4. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. 
5. Pipe melted candy coating over cookies as desired, or dip each cookie halfway into melted candy coating; allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper-lined baking sheets. If desired, dust with cocoa. 
6. Freeze option: Transfer wrapped disks to a resealable plastic freezer bag; freeze. To use, thaw dough in refrigerator until soft enough to roll. Prepare, bake and decorate as directed. 

Yield: about 4 dozen. 

Coffee Cheesecake Ice Cream Pie- from espresso and cream

Ingredients

• 1 pre-packaged graham cracker crust
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 pint coffee-flavored ice cream
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted (optional)

Instructions

1. With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk and beat until creamy. Add in the ice cream and beat until smooth. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust and freeze in the freezer for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until completely firm and frozen.
2. Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate, if desired.

Double Chocolate Mocha Mousse- from Women's Day

Ingredients

• 4 oz. semisweet chocolate 
• 2 oz. bittersweet chocolate
• 2 large egg yolks
• 2.5 tsp. instant espresso powder
• 5 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups heavy cream

Directions

1. Place the semisweet and bittersweet chocolates in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt according to package directions. Let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, espresso powder, 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture lightly coats the back of the spatula (do not let the mixture simmer or boil), 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Scrape the egg mixture into cooled chocolate and whisk cooled, about 25 minutes.
4. Using an electric mixture, beat together the remaining cup cream and tablespoon sugar in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form. In two additions, fold the whipped cream into chocolate mixture. Divide among serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
5. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate before serving, if desired. 

Latte Art

Today, I picked a few of my favorite latte art images! Latte art has become very popular over the last few years. Customers love getting lattes that have pretty designs. 

Latte art has become more popular since the 1980s and 1990s when David Schomer, owner of Schomer's Espresso Vivace in Seattle, came up with the rosette design. 

Latte art is made from free pouring and etching. I have never been able to do this, but I think it cool to share some pretty designs. If you would like more designs, look at this Pinterest board!

The Importance of Fair Trade

Hey everyone!

Today I am going to talk about Fair Trade and the importance of it. In order to understand the importance of Fair Trade, you first have to know what exactly Fair Trade is. According to Fair Trade USA, Fair Trade is 

"products were made with respect to people and planet. Our rigorous social, environmental and economic standards work to promote safe, healthy working conditions, protect the environment, enable transparency, and empower communities to build strong, thriving businesses. When you choose products with the Fair Trade label, your day-to-day purchases can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives."

I also thought that this video showed the impact of buying Fair Trade products.

 

Starbucks is a well-known coffee brand that uses Fair Trade coffee. I thought the video below showed how Starbucks implements Fair Trade into their business.

How to Make a Latte

For two years, I have worked at a coffee shop on campus making lattes for students and faculty. At first, it was tough to learn all the drinks, but after awhile it was a lot of fun! Recently, I had to leave due to another job opportunity, but I still love to make coffee.

Today, I am going to teach you how to make a latte on your home espresso machine! Really simple, just a few easy steps!

1. Put your grounds into your little espresso container (don't know what it is called)

2. Compress the grounds with tamper.

3. Lock the espresso container into place and press the button to get the espresso. 

4. Fill up your steamer about half way or so with milk. 

5. Steam the milk until the steamer is hot where you can almost barely touch it. 

6. Take a spoon and pull back the foam, while letting the steamed milk come out.

7. Leave a little dollop of foam on top.

There you go, now you have a great latte!

Did you know Tim Hortons Roasts in Rochester?

Probably not too many know Tim Hortons roasts their coffee beans in Rochester! Why Rochester you may ask? They say it was because of Tim Hortons growth in the US market and the proximity to Canada.

Tim Hortons does not release too much information about the plant. It is roasted by the wholesaler, Maidstone Coffee, located in Henrietta. They also have another roasting facility in Hamilton, Ontario for their Canadian stores. Between the two roasting facilities, Tim Hortons produces 75% of their coffee requirements.

Just a fun fact for your Saturday!

Review: Java's

Flat White Latte Art- Java's on Gibbs Street

Java's is one of my favorite places to get coffee! I have been going there for about 4 years. It is a great place because it reminds me of all the memories with my friends. In high school, my friends and I went to Java's to hangout and catchup. We always go back when they come home every break.

I love how RIT has Java's! When I first came to RIT, I didn't realize that it was on campus and I was so confused when I saw everyone with Java's signature cups. It made my semester when I found out that I could get it on campus. At the time, my favorite drink was a shot in the dark made with Pittsford Dairy chocolate milk, which is always delicious!

After I went to Java's more often, I tried many other drinks. I tried the Chaplin, which is two shots of espresso with vanilla and milk over ice, so good! Now it is my go to drink on a nice summer day. 

Honestly, if you have never been to Java's you really should! The atmosphere is relaxing and the coffee is always good. If you go to the one on Gibbs Street, you feel inspired by the Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Theater, which is always a great feeling! 

Chaplin before class-Java's at RIT

Espresso Truffles!

Hey everyone I am back again! Today I made espresso truffles! This is a two-part recipe- I had to make espresso powder to put in the espresso truffles!

Espresso Powder-recipe from Bright Eyed Baker

1. Preheat the oven to 175°.
2. Take used grounds and spread them out on an unlined pan. (I also didn't spray the pan).
3. Put them in the oven until cooked a little bit, I set mine for an hour.
4. Then take the cooked grounds and grind them into a fine powder.
5. Finally, make sure to put them in an airtight container for later!

 Espresso Truffles-recipe from Real Simple

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/2 pound of semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 pound of bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder

 Directions

1.  In a saucepan, warm up the milk with the espresso powder, until just boiling. Stir occasionally. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until there are no clumps and add the vanilla. 
2. Transfer the mixture into a shallow bowl with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 4 hours. 
3. Once the four hours is over, take a melon baller or something to scoop the mixture into balls.(I used a tablespoon and rolled it quickly in my hands, a melon baller would have been helpful!)
4. Scoop the balls onto a cookie sheet, either lined with parchment paper or silicon sheets.
5. Put back in the fridge for 15 minutes. 
6. Then, roll the balls in cocoa powder and refrigerate until serving!

I hope you enjoyed my espresso truffle recipe! Until next time!

-Sarah 

September 2016 Playlist

 Hey everyone! Welcome to my first blog post! This blog is for my Social Media Marketing class. I plan on posting visits to different Rochester coffee shops, recipes with coffee and playlists!

Here is my first playlist to help you get in the coffee shop mood! I chose some of my favorite songs that I would like to listen to when I am drinking coffee or just doing homework!

Stay tuned for more posts! :)