I have been in love with pairing coffee and a sweet treat together since I delved deeper into my love for a proper coffee tasting. Coffee started for me as just a way to get my body moving (in more ways than one), but turned into a social and almost spiritual experience for me. A warm cup of good coffee transports me to my happy place.
Sadly, I went without coffee for a period of time before finding the right balance of caffeine and the right blend of beans. Those were dark times.
When I moved to Germany, I worked in a coffee shop and discovered the German cultural tradition of Kaffee und Kuchen. Otherwise known as coffee and cake (I discovered Sweden also has a similar tradition called a ‘fika’ and at this rate I think most cultures have a time where they like to stop mid day for coffee and a sweet treat.) I am more than happy to oblige these cultural traditions I have picked up during my existence.
When my friend Caitlin told me her sister had somewhat of a lackluster birthday at the beginning of the month, I suggested we do what I would want to do for my birthday. Kaffee und Kuchen on a mountain. We ended up hiking to a lake, so we had coffee and cake at the lake. What a treat. Caitlin was in charge of bringing the stove/pot/coffee, while I was in charge of securing the cake.
I chose cupcakes because that was 10x easier than transferring a cake.
Duncan came with us on this adventure, and he opted out of a cupcake so I brought him a granola bar because I wanted him to participate in the candle lighting and birthday singing. I stuck a candle in his granola bar just as I did with our cupcakes. My cupcake was the bottom right of the above photo, a GF ube flavor. Would never be my first choice, but it was still quite delicious.
We hiked to Annette Lake in the Snoqualmie Pass region of Washington. This area is only about an hour and a half from us, and makes for an easy day hike. I have done this hike a few times, and truth be told it is far too popular for my liking. I think I prefer this one in the winter when the traffic is lessened. It was still a beautiful hike and always great to get outside.
This was my first time bringing a box of cupcakes on a hike, and thankfully my pack wasn’t uncomfortable. Caitlins sister knew we were going to make coffee at the lake, but she had no idea about the cupcakes. It was such a joy to see her face light up when I brought out cupcakes with lit candles in them and we started to sing to her. We all shared a good laugh at Duncan’s granola bar.
It took each of us all of 5 seconds to hoover our cupcakes, and despite how quick they were demolished they still tasted infinitely better than they would have at a lower elevation. It’s just science. The coffee was equally delicious, a medium roast with notes of oak, chocolate, and honey. I chose the blend because I am a picky lass when it comes to coffee.
After sipping and savoring we made our way back down to the car, and I am confident this was a successful birthday hike. Some people want to fly to Vegas for their birthday, and some people want to eat cake on a mountain. Both are valid, but I know which group I would rather spend time with. Any excuse for kaffee und kuchen is a good excuse.
I’d like to make coffee on hikes more of a thing this summer, but that means I’ll need to bring cake too. Oh no, twist my arm. Cookies also work, or scones, or donuts…
Q: Would you haul a box of cupcakes up a mountain to eat them at the top?
Blissfulbritt 