“How about coffee? You like coffee?"
"Only with my oxygen.” – Gilmore Girls
Coffee is a universal connector. It’s a way to communicate, to bring people together; whether it be friends meeting a coffee shop, co-workers coming together in the office or parents sharing a cup before the kids start the day, coffee is a language spoken around the world.
My coffee journey began like many, in college where late nights in the library and early morning classes called for an extra boost of caffeine. I didn’t truly settle into a coffee routine until I got my first job out of college and moved into my first apartment. It started with the classic Keurig machine at the office, as I didn’t have a coffee maker of my own. Then it transitioned to cold brew I purchased at the store - a convenient, quick way to “make” my coffee before heading off to work. Finally, after spending too much money on expensive coffee shop creations, I decided it was time to truly establish an at-home routine I could stick to. Enter my pride and joy, my favorite kitchen appliance, my espresso machine.
Now I’ll admit I was a bit intimidated by the idea of an espresso machine. After reading the instructions of how to get the perfect pull from each shot, I was wary that I would be able to make a decent tasting coffee! But after trial and error and many practice shots (thank you to my guinea pigs who tried my first lattes!), I finally got the hang of the process. Over the last year, it has become a key part of my morning routine, a part that provides me with the time to relax, check in with myself, and set myself up for the day. It’s also been fun to experiment with different coffee recipes and try to recreate some of my coffee shop favorites at home!
Rich Vanilla Ground Coffee
Combining the richness of vanilla with notes of caramel, this sweet blend delivers a smooth, balanced taste that all can enjoy.
When I was deciding how to set-up my coffee station, I had to work with minimal counter space and ensure I had outlets nearby. I wanted my espresso machine to be easily accessible and have room around it to put beans, the accessories and most importantly, make the coffee! I luckily had a chunk of space that has ended up working perfectly and is right next to the sink which is great for convenient cleanups. I even had enough space to put my Village Candle Coffee Bean candle there too which adds to the at-home-coffee-shop ambiance.
Coffee Bean Candle
Featuring notes of toasty pecans, tonka beans and deeply roasted espresso, this coffee scented candle is at once familiar and exhilarating.
I’m pretty basic when it comes to my coffee order – a latte with almond milk and sometimes a flavor shot, so recreating this recipe at home (hot or iced) isn’t too technical. To start, I grind the beans, my favorites are the Vermont Coffee Company Medium Whole Bean and Rich Vanilla Ground. When grinding your beans, it’s important to find the right consistency; not too fine or course as it will affect the taste and color of your coffee. I typically make two shots for my latte but add whatever the morning calls for! Once you have your shots, pour them into your favorite cup or mug, depending on if you’re making an iced or hot latte. If I’m making iced, I add ice after my milk so the heat from the espresso doesn’t immediately melt the cubes and make watery coffee. For hot drinks, I then foam the milk using the attachment on the machine, but you can use any milk frother to create the light, fluffy, warm consistency you want. For sweetness, I’ve recently started using the Stonewall Kitchen Coffee Caramel Sauce. The rich and buttery texture combined with a touch of coffee essence pairs perfectly with any coffee beverage. For iced lattes, you can also create your own caramel cold foam (recipe on our Instagram!) using the Coffee Caramel Sauce. Lastly, add a dash of cinnamon on top so elevate the flavor even more, give it a quick stir and voila! You have a café worthy coffee without having to leave the house!
Sea Salt Caramel Sauce
Rich milk chocolate melds with the toasted, caramel-like flavor of malted milk powder to deliver the perfect dose of nostalgia in every bite.
Be sure to share your favorite creations with #MyStonewallKitchen on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!
