Picture the scene: Your guests have happily finished off the holiday feast you prepared and it's time to serve the desserts, so you break out the coffee maker and serve it straight up or with cream and sugar. Can you say "boring"?
Why not offer some hot, coffeehouse style drinks instead to further wow your guests? Check out the recipes below for some sweet, liquid inspiration. (Better yet, put one of your guests to work as the barista — you've probably put enough work into this feast already.)
Tip: Check out this article from The Kitchn on how to froth and steam milk (the froth being the foamy stuff and the steamed milk being the warm milk underneath it) in the microwave if you don't have one of those fancy frothers at home.
Gingerbread Latte
2 fluid ounces espresso coffee (or use instant espresso)
2 tablespoons gingerbread flavored syrup
1/2 cup milk, steamed
1/8 cup frothed milk
1 pinch pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder
In a coffee mug, combine espresso coffee with flavored syrup. Pour in steamed milk and frothed milk and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and vanilla powder.
Thanksgiving Nightcap
1 shot coffee liqueur
1 shot Irish cream
1 1/2 shot hazelnut liqueur
4 cups hot coffee
Cream, as needed
Mix coffee and liqueur in a pot. Serve with cream.
Homemade Creamy Hot Chocolate
(Makes 6 servings.)
2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (12 ounce) package milk or dark chocolate chips
Whipped cream, for garnish
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips in a pot.
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, as desired.
And don't forget to add this easy pumpkin spice latte recipe to your menu (no espresso machine required)!
Recipes and images courtesy KRUPS USA.
This article appears in Nov 24-30, 2011.