A Cup of Joe

 

National Coffee Day is September 29. If you're like me, you like to enjoy a cup (or more) of coffee each morning. Coffee brings joy to people around the world. Most coffee beans are grown in Brazil, but 2 states in the U.S. do grow coffee. Hawaii's warm climate is optimal for growing coffee and a few years ago when we were visiting Hawaii we toured coffee farms. California recently got into the game and now has several coffee farms. 

There's good news for coffee drinkers - research now shows that moderate consumption of coffee (3-4 cups per day) is linked to a longer life span, plus a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's, according to Harvard Health Publishing. 

Coffee has become more varied in the last few years. The popularity of coffeehouses (Starbucks, Caribou, and when I'm in Manhattan - Radina's, or our local CakeBatterBatter) have made cappuccino, espresso, iced coffee, lattes and many others favorite drinks. With flavored coffee creamers and syrups you can make some of these specialities at home. 

I hadn't been a fan of iced coffee, but this summer I tried a couple of new-to-me ideas at home - Dalgona coffee and iced vanilla latte. So, now I often make an extra cup in the morning to enjoy later as a cold drink. 

Iced Vanilla Latte (claims to be Starbucks copycat)

Put ½ cup ice in large cup. Mix together 1 cup cold strongly brewed coffee, ¼ cup milk or cream, and 1 Tablespoon vanilla syrup. 

Dalgona Coffee is one of 2020's biggest food crazes according to Food Network Magazine. Whipped coffee has been around for centuries and traditionally requires lots of stirring/whipping/whisking. Make your own with your electric mixer the easy way. 

Here's what the instant coffee
and sugar look like after whipping

Combine 2 tablespoons each granulated sugar and instant coffee or espresso powder in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons boiling water and beat with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale brown and fluffy, 3-5 minutes. Pour 1 cup cold milk into an ice-filled glass and spoon the whipped coffee mixture over the top just before serving. 

A coffee field in Hawaii

from an exhibit at the coffee farm