Rain’s art prompt today is coffee shop. The picture above reminds me of a coffee shop in downtown Knoxville that had a gorgeous espresso machine like this one. They not only made coffee but roasted their beans. It was some of the best coffee we’d ever had. Unfortunately, they are no longer around.
Another thing that came to mind is the coffee syrups I made over the holiday season. For Thanksgiving, I made Pumpkin Spice Syrup and for Christmas, Peppermint syrup. For years, I’ve been a converted Coffee Shop at Home lover but these simple, easy recipes absolutely blew me away making some of the best lattes I ever had. If you like lattes but hate the expense and/or lack of taste big name coffee shops sell you, then you’re in for a special treat!
The original recipes are an excellent starting point but here’s what I learned. The Pumpkin Spice syrup, made with maple syrup is quite good, but I think brown sugar might enhance the flavors and spices better. I will try that next time. For the peppermint syrup, I was concerned about getting it too strong. After reviewing a handful of recipes, I erred on the cautious side. In the end, I wound up increasing the peppermint extract by a quarter teaspoon. In fact, we felt another quarter teaspoon was needed. I adjusted my recipe to reflect the change for future attempts. Happy drinking!
I did not make a error in spelling. Let me explain. At first I scribbled “Coffee Cathy” a spin off of Coffee Cafe but that stretched the imagination and then I thought how I said my name as a child, Caffey. Now, that comes closer to cafe and so I went with it! As the late Andy Ronney might say, “And now you know the rest of the story.”
Among my many blessings, I’m particularly thankful for coffee. The first hot cup of Joe is a huge help to get my day started and a second one insures I’m revved up!
Next Thursday, I have another TAD planned. I’ll be back with Monday’s Music Moves Me where you’ll find me boogieing on the dance floor. If you have music to share or you’re just a music lover then this is the party for you, so come join the fun. This is CAAC signing off, have a doodletastic day!
Are you looking for new Thursday blog connections? Consider visiting a few of my friends!
- Rain’s Kitchen & Garden for Thursday Art Date
- Brian’s Home for Thankful Thursdays
- Moonwashed Musings for Weekly Poetry Prompt
- The Sound of One Hand Typing for Writer’s Workshop
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Your Caffey art is great Cathy!
And wow to the first photo! I’ve been trying out different syrups for my bevvies too, I made a peppermint mocha syrup and it was TOO easy to drink! I listened to that same Jazz channel all during the holidays!
Rain,
Mmm, peppermint mocha syrup sounds yummy! I’d like that one for sure.
YAY…we’re in time for coffee…and some great drawings too, CK
Extra Pawkisses just for you
That’s a beautiful machine and I love your sketches.
Great choice of music with January Jazz as well. I’ve not used syrups like that in coffee, but they sound good! For me, a shot of Bailey’s goes well too. 
Debbie,
The only Bailey’s I ever had was already infused in coffee that we bought by the bag. We bought several different whiskey, rum, and bourbon infused coffees last Christmas and we enjoyed them. I don’t think I would like the taste of alcohol added to my coffee but that’s based on very limited exposure to strong drinks. Overall, I’m happy drinking my coffee plain anytime.
I love your 2 art pieces especially the 2nd one with all the coffee words. That could be a mural on a Cafe wall. I am not a coffee drinker nor is it good for me so the last time.e I had a decaf was..maybe 5 years ago. I can’t remember. I know, how and why…lol.
That coffee machine is gorgeous. I love coffee and your recipes sound delicious. I drink my coffee black but it’s nice to add some zing to it.
That machine is beautiful. I quit drinking coffee when I retired but I still have a cup every month or so. Yes, I do miss it LOL!
I took early retirement when I became a mommy but in-between pregnancies and then after our family was completed I loved drinking coffee. Over the years, we’ve learned the benefits of coffee such as these 9 reasons found in a recent article at John Hopkinsu which you may find interesting.
Great drawings. I love coffee. XO
Your lattes sound delightful. I have one once in so often, mostly I just drink plain dark roasted coffee.
Now that’s an espresso machine! The pictures look great, both with and without the filter.
Your peppermint syrup sounds great, and who cares that we’re past Christmas? Picture this: peppermint iced coffee!
Thanks for the shout-out!
John,
The photograph of the espresso machine doesn’t have a filter but one of my sketches I did use a filter on. That’s probably what you’re thinking of.
Yeah, I’m with so it’s not Christmas let’s do peppermint lattes or if you prefer iced coffee then go for it! I can’t think about drinking anything cold in the winter. Brr!
I was thinking iced peppermint coffee for summertime…
What a beautiful machine.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week, Cathy. Hugs. ♥
Great post I love coffee …love your recipes too
https://youtu.be/-dIjutUhVNo?si=BWQOeeKrJLZKEcrf
Ohhhh wow that is a coffee palace in the first photo. I love this coffee post. Also, that steaming coffee in the video. Have a fabulous day today.