Tag: Coffee

• Real Talk

  Posted at 7:47 AM by Brittany, on February 2, 2015

  I finally broke into the box of Halloween Joe-Joe’s I’ve been hoarding for the last four months. As I stated on my Instagram, I’m a self proclaimed minimalist. Clutter makes me anxious, and if I’m not going to “use it” then it’s time for me to “loose it.” However, there are almost always exceptions – like this box of Joe-Joe’s.

  Halloween in January never tasted so good. Real talk.

  

  I finally got a waffle maker. I’ve used it twice, and both times I got something other than waffles. What’d I do wrong? Coconut flour. I love the stuff, but it can be tricky to play with. Thankfully despite my non waffle like waffle, this mush tasted so good.

  Sometimes ugly food tastes the best. Real talk.

  

  Even the photo is ugly, ugly lighting, ugly colors, just…ugly.

  **UPDATE** I gave up on waffles for a few days and tried my hand at scones. They were PERFECT. So perfect I settled for mediocre iPhone photos.

  

  I finally found a Starbucks Reserve coffee that I love. The last five blends I’ve tried have been MUCH too bright and acidic for me. My boss bought a bag of Sulawesi Pango Pango from the roastery when we visited last week. I had three coffee tastings.

  Coffee is more fun when you talk and write about it. Real talk.

  

  Talk about fresh, roasted on 1/18 and consumed on 1/23.

  I finally made my first batch of pico de gallo. I know, I know…it took me far too long. My “dressing” of choice on all my salads/grain bowls is salsa. All the salsa. I was about to buy some locally made pico at the store when the light bulb finally went off.

  Pico so good I ate over half in one sitting. Real talk.

  

  I finally got myself a cupcake..or two. Actually my mom did. She wins everything.

  Cupcakes taste better in multiples. Real talk.

  

  I finally branched out of my ice cream bubble. 99.9378% of the time I buy ice cream I get vanilla. Why? Because it’s a universal flavor. I can pair it with any and everything. I decided to try something new and bought Almond Dream Praline Crunch.

  I took one bite and had a revelation. Pretzels + praline =  Real talk.

  

  Q: What’s your real talk moment of the week?

  

  | 65 Comments Tagged Coffee, Food, Halloween, Random, Trader Joes, Vegan

• A Day Off

  Posted at 6:14 AM by Brittany, on January 29, 2015

  Last week I showed up to school to find a big fat note on the classroom window.

  **Chem 142 & 152 CANCELLED.**

  Immediately my body went into a state of shock, not only was lecture cancelled, but so was my lab. I don’t work on Thursdays because I am usually at school all day. This meant one thing: I had a complete, total, and 100% day off…from everything.

  

  Insert excitedly awkward selfie.

  I had already driven the 10 minutes to get to school, so I stayed around for an hour to do some homework, but then the rest of the day was mine. I had even finished my scheduled 5 mile run for the day. Ideally I would have loved to go for a hike, or even venture to Seattle, but the days get dark so fast and that wouldn’t have worked well.

  

  Where I’d REALLY rather be…

  So I did the next best thing, I wandered World Market.

  

  There are many reasons why I love to wander World Market, starting with their coffee samples. Something about that tiny cup in my hand while walking the aisles makes me feel like a freshly groomed sheep. So light and free.

  It’s also one of the few places I will willingly try flavored coffee.

  

  I like to stare at things while I drink my coffee. Computer screens, my cat taking a bath, rain falling, strangers spilling ketchup on themselves, or paintings.

  

  

  That coffee print is brilliant, and true! Except the part about the lighter roasts, I’m a full bodied-low acidity coffee kinda gal. Lighter roasts are too bright and floral for my liking. I want my coffee smooth enough to pair with…

  

  …chocolate. All the chocolate. Chocolate is made in the kitchen, unless you’re being innovatively unsanitary. The kitchen calls for baking tools (and snacks.)

  

  I NEED this ceramic style kitchen utensil holder! So rustic.

  

  If you insist.

  

  I’d serve so many cookies off that deer face. Cookies…which bake for allotted amounts of time. Time in which you’ll need a clock. Or six.

  

  The worn looks to all these clocks speak to my recycling soul. I’d possibly find something similar digging in the trash, then it would be vintage right? Then I would smell…and I’d need a candle to walk around with to mask my scent.

  

  When I close my eyes and sniff these candles I feel like I’m in a tropical land with rare succulents, and komodo dragons the length of Asia.

  

  When it’s all said and done, really I just like to mentally decorate the house I don’t own, and buy chocolate. I walked out with the wasabi ginger bar and a classic sea salt bar. Both pair perfectly with coffee and a book…a book about coffee.

  

  This is the first book I’ve purchased in years. I’m all about the library, but I had a Barnes and Noble gift card collecting dust. This was the perfect purchase. I love it.

  Speaking of coffee, I am currently drinking a cup all the way from New Zealand. My dear friend Gigi sent me TWO bags. A good friend sends you a gift from her recent vacation, but a great friend sends you a gift of your true passions. ❤

  

  Ground for a plunger, (or French press) how perfect.

  “Extra smooth, extra caffeine, extra grunt.”

  Q: What stores do you love to wander? Whole Foods, TJ’s, World Market, and REI top my list.

  

  | 82 Comments Tagged Adventure, Coffee, Random, School, World Market

• Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room

  Posted at 7:16 AM by Brittany, on January 26, 2015

  I have a confession to make. I absolutely, positively, vehemently loathe the phrase, “I can’t even.” When I hear it (or read it) the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand up like a threatened cat. I don’t know what it is, but I just hate it.

  

  I have another confession. Despite my hatred towards the aforementioned phrase, I say it a lot…in my head. I have somehow come to understand the use of this phrase, and have had instances occur where I felt the need to say them, but only in my head.

  

  Iced Sparkling Ethiopia Konga Espresso with Mint.

  I finally had my moment. The moment where I could no longer hold the words in. They flew out of my mouth like a kamikaze plane. Once the three words escaped my mouth I quickly followed them with, “I’ve never actually said that out loud! I’ve been saving it for THE moment.” I actually had no idea I was going to ever have “the moment.”

  

  The moment when I first saw the inside of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and my heart jumped into the back of my throat nearly choking me. I was in awe, what a masterpiece this building already was simply from the outside looking in.

  

  I still struggle to find the words that properly describe this place. This is truly one of those places you have to see for yourself to understand. This is the type of place that allows you to throw your morals out the window and drink caffeine after 5PM.

  

  My first siphon brew. It was pure scientific magic.

  This is the place where possibilities are endless, combinations are creative, and passion is flowing. This is not a Starbucks store, this is a place where science, architecture, creativity, coffee, and quality company collide. I want to live here.

  I ooed, I awed, I laughed, I daydreamed, and I drank enough coffee to fuel a small horse, all while geeking out in so many caffeine influenced ways. A coffee lovers playground. I can’t wait to go back, and lucky for me I see this happening very soon.

  

  I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to experience this with. I’m thankful to work with people that share my passion towards creating the perfect cup.

  

  I love my job.

  Q: When’s the last time you experienced something that shook the dirt off your boots? 

  

  | 77 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Reserve Roastery, Starbucks

• Does it Make Me…

  Posted at 6:04 AM by Brittany, on January 23, 2015

  Does is make me obsessive if I can’t stop with the creamy/crunchy combo?

  

  Pretzels and almond butter

  -OR-

  

  Yogurt/blueberry/banana mush WITH CRUNCHY GRANOLA.

  Does is make me immature if this text message was the highlight of my week?

  

  Does it make me impatient if I say I AM SO OVER WINTER. The dry skin, and constant static cling alone are enough to make me a hot angry mess.

  

  Silver lining – at least there’s no snow. Knock on wood.

  Does is make me lazy if I haven’t made any time to buy a new SD card for my dSLR? I’ve been using my iPhone for all my photos.

  Does is make me motivated if I’ve not purchased a treat in…far too long. I’m starting to dream about donuts dancing with sprinkles.

  

  Does it make me earthy if this is my toothpaste? It’s made of…clay.

  Does it make me a bad student if I plan to skip class today (something you would have NEVER caught me doing last quarter, learning to be lenient), because I’m too excited about finally going to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery??

  Coffee playground here I come.

  

  Click photo for more awesome pictures.

  Brace yourselves for some Instagram photos. Happy weekend!

  Q: Fill in the blank: “Does it make me ________?”

  

  | 86 Comments Tagged Coffee, Does it Make Me, Food, Instagram, Random, Starbucks, Vegan

• The Birthplace of Coffee – Ethiopia Tasting

  Posted at 6:55 AM by Brittany, on January 15, 2015

  When I first started working at Starbucks I swore by Pike Place roast. I never ventured into new coffee territories or tried anything new, it was always a tall Pike. Then I started tasting different blends, becoming more interested in the science behind coffee, and what was once a simple cup of coffee became a full blown passion.

  

  Or obsession, you decide.

  I still remember the first time I had the coffee that changed my mind about Pike Place (which is now one of my last choices.) A single origin medium roast, straight from the birthplace of coffee – Ethiopia. This coffee came to Starbucks in 2013, and quickly became my favorite medium roast. I suggest it to others quite often.

  

  I consider my coffee palate “more experienced” then it was when I first embarked on my Starbucks journey. Detecting certain flavors and bean combinations is one of my favorite aspects of my job. That and discussing tasting notes with fellow coffee lovers.

  It’s no surprise I love doing coffee tastings, and the week before my Arizona adventure I was able to do FIVE at work tastings. Some with coworkers, and some with customers. One of my tastings involved this beautiful coffee and a treat with these vegan marshmallows. I hadn’t had a rice crispy treat in….8 years?

  Be still my heart this recipe rocked my face.

  Peanut Butter Chocolate Marshmallow Bars

  

  Ingredients

  • 3 tblsp coconut oil
  • 4 cups Dandies Mini marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 6 cups Trader Joe’s rice cereal
  • 1 packet Trader Joe’s semi sweet chocolate chips (12 oz)

  Directions

  1. Melt coconut oil over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until well combined.

  2. Add rice cereal and stir until cereal is coated. Pour mixture into a large pan coated with cooking spray or oil. Melt chocolate chips over low heat, and stir constantly until melted. Pour chocolate over the marshmallow mixture and let stand until firm.

  Tasting Notes: Ethiopia is a single origin medium roast coffee with strong cocoa notes and a velvety smooth finish. The chocolate on top of these bars captured the cocoa notes beautifully, and the smoothness of these beans complemented the peanut butter perfectly. My taste-buds were singing all day long. Perfect pairing.

  

  Swoon.

  It’s things like this that shows me how coffee is so much more than a jolt of caffeine or a mid day pick me up. It’s a moment to connect with people around you, to broaden your mind on flavors, combinations, and origins. There are so many different options, and I love every opportunity I get to learn and explore.

  Q(s):

  • What’s your favorite at home roast, and why!?
  • Ever made your own marshmallow bars?

  

  | 75 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Coffee Master, Recipe, Starbucks

• A Side of Tips

  Posted at 7:11 AM by Brittany, on January 12, 2015

  Here’s how this post is going to work: I’m going to randomly share a few updates in my life, because despite this article telling me I shouldn’t (number 2) this is my life and I do what I waaaannnt. Plus I disagree with that article.

  Then I’m going to share a life tip related to the update. Got it? Good.

  -Coffee. In the world of black crack things are smooth, pun intended. Starbucks has released Casi Cielo and I’ve had a few at work coffee tastings with the brew. My favorite tasting was one that my manager conducted. (Side note: I’m totally still sipping on Christmas blend while I write this post.)

  

  Coffee and cookies.

  She always goes above and beyond to ensure I can partake in things. These are vegan cookies, and the gingersnap flavors paired great. I love my people.

  COFFEE TIP: When brewing your morning coffee, pour hot water into your mug while you’re waiting. This will warm up your mug (duh) and minimize heat loss.

  -Running. My running has been fantastic. Like…I can’t believe it’s not butter fantastic. I’m going to blame the fact that I have an excellent balance in my life right now. It’s also hard to beat fantastic views and post run showers/feasting.

  

  (Winter) RUNNING TIP: If you have the option, start your run inside. I despise running on my treadmill for long distances as much as I despise cold lungs. Combining indoor/outdoor helps my mental stability and gives me big fat warm lungs.

  -School. Ohhh boyyyy, here we go. I’m a solid week into the next level of my chemistry class…and…it’s going OK. I’m knocking on every patch of wood I see after typing that out. I refuse to let this class go down in flames like the last class. I finished the last class with a B, so I’m hoping for AT LEAST a B+ this time.

  For this I also blame life balance. Funny how switching things around to provide a routine can benefit the overall flow of life. If you can, I suggest you try it.

  

  Usually the case for me.

  SCHOOL TIP: This actually goes for school/work/anything really..PACK YOUR LUNCH. Seriously, you’ve all heard it before, so DO IT! Prepping your meals ENSURES a healthy intake which ensures my favorite word: B A L A N C E. It also helps your pants to fit despite sitting for longer periods of time. I like when my pants fit.

  -Food. I’ve had the chance to get some baking in (there’s that balance again.) along with some solid meals. My current obsessions are: raw desserts, and anything with coconut flour. I’ve also been really into making things without refined sugars.

  I made this…

  

  Click photo for recipe.

  …and these…

  

  Cliccckkk.

  I subbed flax eggs for both of those, and swapped sugars for raw honey. The muffins came out perfect, but my bread looked like a sunken ship. The icing was too watery and made my bread too moist. Waste not though, I turned it into more of a bread pudding because the flavor was still good!

  FOOD TIP: Try using food to add sweetness to your baked goods. Dates, bananas, apples, raw honey, maple syrup, and more. All of these have helped satisfy my sweet tooth while allowing me to feel good about what I’m putting into my face hole.

  CliffsNotes Version: When life is balanced, things work together like a beautifully harmonized song. All that’s missing is a mountain adventure. and cake.

  Q: What’s your life tip for the day? 

  

  | 69 Comments Tagged Coffee, Random, Running, School, Starbucks

• Unplugged

  Posted at 6:57 AM by Brittany, on January 5, 2015

  I’m back from my week long Arizonian adventure, and I was almost 100% absent from anything and everything blog related. I did read some posts each morning to accompany my coffee in order to make room for my breakfast, and I even posted one measly post, but the rest of my time was spent…away from my computer.

  

  In typical recap format, here’s a count up of a few things I did last week.

  One – trip to the theater. This show was FANTASTIC.

  

  Two – mountains climbed.

  

  

  

  Three – lovely bike rides. I rode a tandem bike for the first time. Scariest moment of the entire trip and I nearly lost my lunch out of fear, which could go two ways.

  I’ll let you use your imagination for that last sentence.

  

  

  Four – pots of coffee. I use a French press at home, but without this I brewed my morning coffee in a pot. I drank about four pots this trip which is 2x more than my normal coffee consumption. No regrets.

  

  This is not a pot of coffee, rather it is a coffee roaster I saw at the Phoenix airport. Random, and photo worthy.

  Five – days of running. Loved kicking off my half marathon training in the flat lands.

  

  Six – Marvel movies. Last year my family and I had a Harry Potter marathon and finished them all. This year we started watching Marvel movies. Not in order, so I still have more to watch, but I greatly enjoyed oogling Tom Hiddleston in Thor.

  

  Other honorable mentions

  • I ate the best $2 tacos I’ve ever had .

  

  • I was gifted 20 pounds of food for Christmas that took up two giant shopping bags. Including multiple grains and pastas. I got it all home.

  

  Kinda like this.

  • I got a new iPhone. Somuchfaster. I used it to snap multiple photos of the mountains on my flight home.

  

  

  Unplugging was great, and I’d like to give a shout out to my Arizona family for handling my “hanger” when it reared it’s ugly head. Similar to the Hulk in all those Marvel movies, I’m a different person when I get hungry.

  They handled me like a champ. Thanks guys.

  …and just like that, it’s back to school and work today. Happy Monday.

  Q: Favorite Marvel movie?

  

  | 67 Comments Tagged Arizona, Coffee, Explore, Running, Vacation, Vegan

• “Nearly Raw” – Chocolate Banana Coffee Squares

  Posted at 6:28 AM by Brittany, on December 27, 2014

  I know what you’re thinking, “nearly raw, how can you be nearly raw?” Said in a tone similar to Hermione Granger upon meeting Nearly Headless Nick. Aside from a couple ingredients in this recipe everything is raw, thus “nearly” raw.

  Just roll with it.

  

  Christmas has come and gone, which means it’s time for the next seasonal coffee at Starbucks. Casi Cielo is back (available to the public soon) and this meant a coffee tasting was in order. A smooth, single origin coffee with notes of lemon and cocoa.

  I paired this with a creamy, chocolate bar made from dates, bananas, and almonds. Naturally sweetened with honey and maple, & topped with ground coffee of course.

  Chocolate Banana Coffee Squares

  

  Ingredients

  • 12 medium sized medjool dates
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate salted almonds <—definitely not raw
  • 1/4 cup raw walnuts
  • 2 medium sized ripe bananas, the spottier the better
  • 1/4 cup raw almond butter
  • 1.5 tblsp raw honey
  • 1.5 tblsp maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3/4 tblsp fresh UNbreweed ground coffee beans ( I suggest a coffee with natural cocoa notes, but if you don’t care use whatever. I used Starbucks Ethiopia beans)
  • pinch of lemon zest (optional)

  

  Directions

  First: Soak your dates in warm water for about 30 minutes. Once soaked, add dates into a high speed blender (or food processor) along with chocolate salted almonds, and walnuts. Blend or mix until well combined and then pour into a medium sized pan, about 8 x 6 in. Spread date mix evenly into the pan.

  Second: Blend your bananas into a mash, and then add almond butter, honey, maple syrup, and cocoa powder. Blend until well combined. Pour this mix onto the evenly spread date mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle coffee grounds over the top and swirl into the mix until no dry particles are visible. Or you can blend this in before pouring.

  Once everything is combined place into freezer to set. Freeze time may vary, and I left mine to set overnight. These are very creamy and need to stay in the freezer when not being consumed. Eating the entire pan can help prevent melting.

  

  I decided not only did these squares need a dust of lemon zest, they needed ice cream, and an affogato shot. I needed an adult ice cream sundae.

  Tasting Notes: The cocoa matched perfectly, and the lemon zest on top complemented the lemon notes within the beans. I was surprised by how the flavors in the coffee really brought out the banana flavor of the bars. Next time I think I’ll try this pairing without the bananas because although delicious, the banana flavor was a bit strong for this specific coffee tasting. I still ate a handful with a side of coffee.

  

  A perfect way to end the Christmas season.

  Q: What’s your favorite “raw” recipe? 

  

  | 41 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Recipe, Starbucks

• Early Morning Confessions

  Posted at 6:09 AM by Brittany, on December 22, 2014

  1. On Friday I went to my first spin class in weeks. I was quickly reminded why it’s important to stay on top of cardio. Holy tired sweat fest. So I went again yesterday for 90 min spin, and then went for a 2 hr hike. Time to get back in running shape.

  2. Last week I got an e-mail informing me that if I bought a $30 gift card at The Veggie Grill I would get a free entree. I bought the card…for myself. Then I ate a free meal.

  

  “BLT” with smoked tempeh bacon, avocado, and a garlic aioli on sourdough. Swoon.

  3. I balanced out my selfish gift card purchase by sharing a $5 oatmeal cookie with a stranger on the streets of Seattle. I hope she enjoyed it more than I did.

  4. I’ve been branching out of my drip coffee bubble and getting something different. Americanos have a caramel sweetness to them thanks to the espresso beans.

  

  This goes so well with my morning apple or banana.

  5. I have been driving my car without a hubcap for OVER TWO YEARS NOW. I inquired about a new one once, but decided I was too cheap to buy one.

  6. Looks like my patience payed off because my amazing coworker/friend (he chose me for his secret Santa) BOUGHT ME A NEW HUBCAP! SO JAZZED.

  

  7. I won a coffee selling competition at work, and the prize is a trip to the new reserve roasting plant with my boss and the aforementioned coworker (he won the following week.) Basically my boss is paying for us to go to Seattle and drink coffee.

  8. Lily…makes…gorgeous….things. Click here for adorable stuff.

  

  9. Once upon a time I used to drink one cup of coffee. One. And I wouldn’t even finish it. Lately I’ve been drinking nearly my entire morning French press. It’s soothing.

  10. FIVE MORE SLEEPS UNTIL I’M SUNNING MY SKIN IN ARIZONA!

  

  AZ MTNS

  Q: What’s your confession?

  

  | 69 Comments Tagged Arizona, Cardio, Coffee, Confessions, Spinning, Starbucks

• Three Updates

  Posted at 7:28 AM by Brittany, on December 8, 2014

  Running – Anyone notice minimal run talk around these parts lately? That’s because this is what my Garmin looks like right meow…

  

  Dead battery. It’s been dead for….a while. I haven’t charged it because I haven’t wanted to use it. Instead, I’ve been running 2-3 milers on my treadmill every few days.

  I’m happy to report that my semi running break inspired me to look for my next race, and I’m all signed up for this St.Paddy’s Day Run in March. Every year I tell myself I won’t run a race between Jan-March because it’s SO COLD before hand, but every year I do. LOCAL runners: SIGN UP NOW before a price increase!

  Work – Work is fantastic, as per usual. Starbucks just opened the most gorgeous roasting plant I have ever seen. I haven’t seen it live yet, but am planning a trip in January with a few fellow coworkers. Click the photo below for a quick article.

  

  I’m almost embarrassed (but not really) to admit how obsessed I am with this place. I cannot wait to see it. Once I arrive I will force them to hire me. I’m so thankful to work near the birthplace of this coffee company.

  It’s not easy to describe, but Starbucks is different in Washington, more specific Starbucks is different the closer you get to Seattle. There’s a sense of pride in the product that I sadly don’t see when I travel to Starbucks locations in other states. Basically what I’m saying is if you have a sour impression about Starbucks, you must get to Seattle and experience the passion and love that goes into each and every cup.

  Let me know when you’re here, and I’ll meet you for a tasting. 🙂

  Food – Not much food talk around here lately either. That’s not because I haven’t been eating, but simply because I’ve been eating the same quick and easy things all day erryday. School sucks the joy out of everything.

  Lots of pumpkin, lots of vegetables, lots of bananas, lots of almond butter, and too many handfuls of these chocolate covered crack cluster nuts. Say that 5x fast.

  

  Chocolate salted almonds. Costco did me dirty.

  Q: Give me an update, I’ve been semi MIA in blogland lately. 

  

  | 58 Comments Tagged Coffee, Costco, Running, Starbucks, Work

• 

• 

• Search for:
• BRITTANY- Self proclaimed minimalistic nomad striving to maintain a balanced, healthy life with good food, long hikes, deep connections, exploration, and lots of potatoes.

• If this blog does not meet your standards, please lower your standards.

• Contact: blissfulbritt@yahoo.com

• ¿Quieres Más?

  Like my witty attitude and delightful charm? Enter your
  e-mail below for the party to come straight to your inbox!

  Email Address:

  Follow the adventure

  Join 4,725 other subscribers
• 

•