Chocolate Espresso Bars

 Mmmm. Can't get enough of the bean? I am fortunate enough to have picked up an espresso bar made by Gearharts Fine Chocolates of Charlottesville, VA. They are part of a line of Venezuelan dark chocolate bars. This particular chocolate tastes a lot like the chocolate chunks in the Espresso Brownie found in Barnes and Nobles confections. The taste is bittersweet without crunching into any beans. My new nighttime chocolate bar with my tea? I think so.

Easy Pumpkin Spice Latte

  Looking for a post food coma drink on Thanksgiving? After all, it is probably one of the last few days that you can order pumpkin spice anything. However, this recipe I found on allrecipes.com that will let you enjoy the flavor year round. Do you know what's even better about the recipe? All you need is a blender!

Blonde Christmas Blend

  If you can't tell, I have been hanging out at Starbucks a lot lately. Something about gift cards burning a hole in my pocket maybe. At any rate, I had to try the new Blonde Christmas Blend when I spotted it. Starbucks describes the flavor as having "warm spices and notes." You know what it has? A somewhat nutty flavor. I can taste the addition of Sumatra which adds to the slightly bolder flavor than the regular Blonde normally has. Enjoy the flavor while it lasts for the next month!

More Starbucks Secret Drinks

  I just came across a site that has the most complete list with pictures! I could not have written a better blog post myself. Instead, I am going to suggest you head over to Tay's account on myfatpocket.com. Read through some of the drinks carefully, as some are only available during certain times of the year due to availability of ingredients! Enjoy!

Recent flavor discoveries

  My readers know that I jump back and forth between local coffeehouses in the search for new flavors. Here are two more that I am introducing to you this week.
CUPS : Nutella flavor has been on the menu for awhile and everytime I come back. I can't fall out of love with it! Nutella is a hazelnut chocolate spread that is addictive and used as a substitute for peanut butter. Give it a shot!
Mill Mountain : Apple Pie  flavor is just as addictive as pumpkin anything. If you need a flavor switch from pumpkin EVERYTHING, this is your cup! The apple is not as overwhelming as one would expect and is blended with vanilla and cinnamon.
  While these are local businesses to me, don't be afraid to try your own local coffeehouse flavors. It's ok to ask for a thimble of it just so you can taste it. Why not be adventurous?

Confessions of a Caffeine Addict III

  Simple reason why I hit the coffeehouses often, besides the elixir of the gods, is that most of the ones I visit give off this air of productivity. Social productivity. I find that I am just productive enough to make the trip worthwhile because it gives me time away to think and you get to watch people. I love watching people. Most of you love watching people. Don't be shy. You can sit there and pretend to read the paper all you want just as I am pretending that I am working tirelessly on my blogs or homework. There is no shame in it. 

  And then there is the occasional random conversation. I love these most of all. Always small talk but for a moment, it is a connection to another human that has a similar passion for coffee, atmosphere, and the company of strangers. 

  Yes, I know, stop romanticizing coffeehouses. *sigh* You never know, the love of my life may be hiding behind a good pumpkin mocha. 

  By the way, there is a new artist up at CUPS Coffee and Tea on Grandin in Roanoke! It is a wonderful mixed media artist with the last name Fuller. Love how bright and cheerful it is!

Cheers!

Iced Green Tea Chai: Mill Mountain Coffee

 I have a new afternoon treat, it's called an Iced Green Tea Chai Latte. It tastes like the bottom of a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. You remember when you were a kid and there was that sludge of sugar and cinnamon with the leftover milk? It tastes like that. I found a website that teaches you how to make your own chai and the latte. It might be worth making a small batch at home and saving some money!

Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee.

  I don't drink Dunkin' Donuts coffee as I used to when I lived in New England. First, there is the issue of the Robusto bean. Robusto beans deliver a lot of caffeine but with very little flavor.  For some people, Robusto can go through you digestive tract like a Japanese Bullet Train and leave an uneasy feeling. 

  The way that Dunkin' Donuts in this small corner of Southwest Virginia has always been unimpressive. The problem is that they don't even use the lingo such as "light and sweet" for cream and sugar or just a plain "dark" meaning black. You actually have to tell them how much sugar and cream. The terms that are used in Dunkins' home state convey to the associate what kind of palate they have and seem to be able to make it perfect every time. The associates down here don't have that same training. Or I might be spoiled. 

  At any rate, I only buy their coffee once a year to see if anyone has made improvements and sadly not. 

  

Coffee Tables

  I showcase a lot of mugs and sometimes coffee accessories. I figured it was about time to investigate the origins of the coffee table. But I could not do a better job than this website does and neither do I have the time available to do the in-depth research that has already been accomplished. Instead, why not a bunch of cool pics of extreme coffee tables? Enjoy! 

For the musician in your life. (slipperybrick.com)

For your favorite gamer (forevergeek.com)

For your favorite naturlaist (houzz.com)

Pallet coffee table for the DIY family (houzz.com)

And for the designers! (mengaonline.blogspot.com)

Caffeine Sleeve Pattern from Coyote Craft

    Omergherd! Isn't this adorable! The pattern is available for free download from Coyote Craft! Sweet!

Living with Decaf Coffee

  Sometimes life is rough and you can't quite always have what you want. This is one of those weeks. I have been living on my mom's leftover decaf coffee. I'm sorry, decaf does not taste anything like caffeinated coffee. Maybe I just have super taste buds but there is a noticeable difference! When I have been lucky enough to scrape some change together, such as this past Monday, a nice steaming cup of liquid flavored lava has been delightful. Drinking decaf coffee has deepened my appreciation for the virgin roasted bean and I am telling you, it is something I have learned to not take for granted anymore!

This weapon of choice has no kick at all!

Nerdy Chemistry Mugs

  You know me and my coffee! I also collect coffee mugs! I will have to take pics of my favorites at some point in the near future. For now, I am working in a Chemistry Lab over the summer modeling molecules in the atmosphere. Here are some of my favorite Chemistry mugs! And yes, they are on my want list!

From cafepress.com!

From etsy.com!

Another from cafepress.com!

thehealthydoc.blogspot.com!

The Starbucks Secret Menu... Revealed!

  If you haven't watched the news today then you missed out on how to order these goodies! But no fear! It is right here! I really want to try the Neopolitan Frappucino! Enjoy!

Is there an app for that?

  Yes, I wish we already had some of the Star Trek Gadgets, such as a replicator. Wouldn't it be great to tote around your phone that makes coffee on demand? Oh how I wish, I wish, I wish! 

Then there is this mug... just in case gravity decides to shut down on your space ship. Happy geekiness!

  

Local SWVA News: Coffee and Politics

  

  My friend, Scott Crawford, is known for his Art Talks at Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea. Lately, he has something new up his sleeve, discussing the original documents America was founded upon and the influence of letters, essays, and opinions on the shaping of the current state of society today.
  The event this time is at Starbucks on Colonial Avenue, right across from Towers. You can sign up for the Facebook event here.
  The concept of discussing coffee and politics is not new and has seen a revival since 2006. While many of us know that discussing politics can raise eyebrows and an occasional temper flare-up, this is the type of talk that is meant for educational purposes and mind expansion. Leave the emotions at home, come with an open mind, and be ready to discuss!

  This is a short description of what the event entails this coming Monday at 7 AM: 

      This informal group will discuss current political problems/issues/challenges by exploring the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers. We will read one or two Federalist and/or Anti-Federalist Papers before each meeting, and we will then discuss those writings and how they might provide insight into current political topics. 

For this meeting, we will discuss the antifederalist Brutus' Essay #1, found here -http://www.constitution.org/afp/brutus01.htm, as well as Madison's Federalist #10 which reacts to Brutus and is found here - http://www.constitution.org/fed/federa10.htm."

Coffee Combinations

  Sundays are one of my favorite days. I am able to allow myself to relax a little more, gather my thoughts, and prepare for the oncoming barrage of the following week. This morning, I was just having my normal cup of joe while listening to Cool Jazz. I don't know what it is about Jazz, coffee, and Sunday mornings but they seem to belong together. This combination I use while relaxing. 

  Another combination I like to use is coffee, studying, and classical music. The infographic below explains why. Admittedly, I stole this image from Coffee Cup News. To my audience, are there any combinations I might be missing? What are you using coffee for? 

CUPS on Campus!

  Ok, so I have been bugging the owner of CUPS on Grandin in Roanoke, Michelle, to set up shop in Salem, VA, for... well... since she opened the original location! And I finally got my wish! But I would never have expected her to land right on the doorstep of my college! Or more appropriately, the doorstep of Roanoke College's Fintel Library! Michelle has had her roaster, Spoon, create a dark blend called "Rooney Roast" and a special "Maroon Mocha" that mixes raspberry flavoring into the your standard mocha. CUPS on Campus has only been open for a week and half and it is always hopping! Now my home away from home truly feels like home! Come on by the library! You might even see me there more often!

Dunkin Donuts: Mocha Mint

  If you have the chance to snag it, before it goes away, grab the Mocha Mint flavor from Dunkin Donuts. My nephew gave it to me for Christmas. First, how does a five year old know me so well? Second, I was concerned about an overpowering mint taste. No way, I can barely taste it. Right now, it is my new morning coffee because it is very smooth.