Matcha comfort

I just recently bought a sample package of the Vital Proteins Collagen Matcha powder, because I had received this beautiful matcha gift set and had to give it a try. I researched matcha tea to see the benefits and the best way to make it.

Beautiful set! The bowl is big and comforting (I share a photo of me holding it to give an idea of the size) I enjoyed using this set to create my comfort drink. I use Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen powder. First, I use the whisk to measure 1 1/2 teaspoons of matcha powder and whisk that into the beautiful, heavy bowl. I heat a tablespoon or so of water (not boiling); and add that to the matcha bowl with the powder. Use the Bamboo whisk to blend this into a smooth liquid with no clumps. Rinse the bamboo whisk and set it on the drying whisk holder to keep the shape and help it dry properly. I then have my electric frother nearby heating up either my almond milk or my oat milk (about 2/3 cups) While the milk is heating, I add a tsp or so of honey to my matcha mixture in the matcha bowl. I pour the frothed milk into the matcha bowl and using the sifter, I blend all of this until frothy. Sprinkle with nutmeg and enjoy.

A couple of tips: the spoon stand is hiding under the foam; I share a photo with an arrow pointing at the hidden spot.

This is an adorable set that is well-made. I am pleased with this set. I share a photo of the size of the bowl next to my face. This is very comforting and I feel pampered with this.

Chestnut Praline Syrup

We have multiple chestnut trees on our property, and I discovered a site featuring a chestnut praline syrup recipe. I enjoy the Chestnut Praline latte from a popular coffee shop, but it’s only available during the holidays, and I prefer a sugar-free option.

I prepared the recipe from The Healthful Ideas using Swerve brown sugar, and I’m thrilled with the flavor of this syrup—its aroma is simply divine. I incorporated the strained chestnuts and pecans into my oatmeal, and I plan to top brie cheese with some of this syrup as well. I’ll share a photo of the brie here this weekend.

Here is the link for the syrup recipes: The Healthful Ideas Chestnut Praline syrup recipe.

I utilized the instant pot to simplify and expedite the chestnut peeling process.

Tassimo Flat White coffee

Peppermint Dark Chocolate latte

My Tassimo coffee maker, is my favorite coffee machine. I have a variety of coffee machines, but this is the one I use every day – Period. I also bought the make your own pods, which I experiment with now and then. I just wish I could figure out how to make a latte and/or cappuccino with the empty pods.

This is my favorite Flat White mixture. The Tassimo Flat White is harder to find, so, I only treat myself to it on the weekend.

In the photos, you’ll see the sweetener I prefer. But this coffee is delicious without a sweetener. I just like the holiday flavors throughout the year.

I like to add a drop of dark chocolate liquid sweetener to the cup, before I start with the milk pod; I then add the Peppermint liquid sweetener to the top of the milk foam, before starting the espresso pod. Tassimo Flat white is a favorite over the years.

I wish Tassimo coffee was available in the U.S.

I buy it online only when I can find free shipping, as it is already a bit expensive. My second favorite latte, is the Jacob Caramel Macchiato. Tassimo also offers a variety of dark and medium roasts, which I enjoy throughout the year.

I have had my Tassimo machine for a few years, if it ever stops working, I will buy another.

Espresso Stovetop

I bought this during the Black Friday event at a great price. I didn’t need another coffee gadget, but at that price, I had to try it. I’m glad I did!

I watched a couple of the videos from customers while waiting for the quick delivery. My first time operating this, and it was a win.

I found with the coffee grounds (I use black rifle espresso) that this tends to be smoother (no grounds finding their way in to the finished product), when I use a paper filter from mycap which I buy for my Tassimo – they fit perfectly.

If you want to see a video of my first day using this , I shared it as part of my review on Amazon. Below are a few photos to show my first attempt at espresso

Easy and quick to operate; delicious espresso

Espresso Stovetop Coffeemaker

Sip on a Dreamy Coconut Milk Latte

This is delicious and very easy to create. I accidentally stumbled on to this website, I had all the ingredients, and decided to give this a try. I used espresso, and for the brown sugar I used Swerve. Just a few ingredients, and this was quick to create. It is hard to just have one.

Link to recipe: Coconut Milk Latte

Korean Cinnamon Tea

Remember when I made the pickled onions from the book: Made Whole by Cristina Curp, and I mentioned Star Anise? I ordered it from Amazon, because the local stores were out of it. I made the Korean Cinnamon Tea this morning and I’m addicted! This is so good! The recipe called for adding Stevia drops to your taste, but I didn’t need those, so I would add those as (optional) on the recipe.

Delicious!

Keto Protein shake

How to Make a Keto Coffee Protein Shake:

I make this once a week, and add to a large mason jar. Keep jar in the refrigerator and have a small cup of this every other day, or I add it to the end of a cup of hot coffee.

I also go lighter on the swerve; I change the flavor often. For instance, I will add a few scoops of the chocolate protein, as well as a vanilla protein. SAMS had a small bottle of peppermint protein powder on clearance, after the holidays; so, I add a scoop of that with the chocolate now and then to this drink. It does taste like a chocolate milk shake. You just want to play with the sugar amount; it’s easy to add more if needed. I make my own cold brew coffee, but the cheaper large bottles work fine with this also.

These are not my photos; they are from the All Day I dream about food blog

Espresso

Jim got me an espresso machine, because he knows I’m curious about the Breville espresso, which I can’t afford. But he found this cute, little Krups one at a thrift store.

I like the deeper taste of the espresso shot

I’m amazed at how much better the flavor is when I use the steam wand on the cream. The tiny bubbles really do enhance the flavor, and create the perfect temperature.

I’m having fun with this, and so much cheaper to make the shots yourself, for that quick pick me up

mulling holiday scents

This is on my stove right now for the rest of the week, because I love the smells this adds to the home. Cranberries and then you toss in whatever fruit and cinnamon sticks you have; add water as it goes down. During Christmas I do this with wine and add wine, as we drink it down. I keep this on warm on the stove or in a crock pot. The greenery comes from my trees; we are surrounded by firs out here in the country. I don’t add the greenery when I’m making this with wine.

Cheesy Meat Taquitos, Horchata, and Zucchini Chaffles

Cheesy Beef Taquitos

Keto Celebrations: Low-Carb Dishes for Holidays and Special Occasions Paperback – July 14, 2020

by Mary Alexander

I checked this book out from my library. The recipe called for chicken, but I had leftover hamburger to use up. I will definitely make this with chicken.

I am so impressed with the recipes in this book, I have ordered a copy so that I can make notes in it.

I added a side salad; cabbage/kale dish and a celery stick with sugar free peanut butter. What a pleasant meal.