Tag: Starbucks

• Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bites

  Posted at 7:22 AM by Brittany, on January 8, 2015

  It’s not often I make a treat so delicious that I jump through hoops of fire to share them. These caramel bites are one of those treats, but I’ll explain more in a minute.

  I’d been wanting to try a plant based caramel sauce for quite some time now and after perusing the world wide web for ideas, I complied a few different recipes to come up with this one. Delicious with chocolate, but also a star on its own. 
  

  Now back to my aforementioned fire jumping story. When attempting to photograph these delicious bites, my cameras SD card decided it wanted to go to Hawaii..indefinitely. You can imagine my dismay when wanting to document this caramel, because clearly when on vacation things like this become very important.

  This picture was one of the many failed results.

  

  I’m all for abstract art, but these wonky photos just weren’t going to work. After many failed attempts I decided to try plan B. I took a different SD card, plugged it into my camera and voila. I probably tried five times to get the photos. Oye.

  

  I guess you could say I wanted documentation bad enough.

  

  Chocolate Caramel Peanut Bites

  

  For the chocolate

  • 1 Cup Virgin Coconut Oil
  • 1/2 Cup Raw Cacao Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Natural Maple Syrup

  For the caramel

  • 10-12 Large Soaked Medjool Dates
  • 2 Tbsp Raw honey
  • 2 Tbsp Almond Butter
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

  Directions

  1. Take the pit out of your dates, and let soak for 15-20 minutes/while prepping everything else.
  2. For the chocolate – place all ingredients into a high speed blender or food processor and blend until well combined. Set aside.
  3. For the caramel – place all ingredients into a high speed blender or food processor and blend until well combined.
  4. Coat small muffin tin with a layer of chocolate, thick enough for the bites to pop out easily. Layer in caramel, and top with more chocolate. Once covered I added a few raw peanuts for extra crunch.
  5. Place bites into freezer until hardened. I left mine in the freezer until I was ready to eat them. The coconut oil makes them a bit soft if left out at room temperature.

  From my Instagram

  You’d better believe I brought these to work for a coffee tasting. They went great with one of Starbucks Reserve Coffee’s: Columbia El Peñol. Also paired with dried fruit, we hit all the tasting notes of nuts, fruits, and chocolate. Total tongue party.

  When it was all said and done, I enjoyed this recipe as more of a “bowl” than a bite. Same layering directions, but into a small bowl to eat with a spoon. Or hands.

  Q: Would you have given up after the first camera fail, or persevered to get the photo? I almost gave up, but alas I did not. 

  

  | 76 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee Tasting, Recipe, Starbucks

• “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

• What’s a Party without Cookies?

  Posted at 4:01 AM by Brittany, on December 18, 2014

  After a month and a half, I finally got my fanny in my kitchen and baked. Nothing new, and nothing too wild, but boy did it feel good. Work party = cookies.

  

  I made my favorite chocolate chip coffee cookies, because what’s a Starbucks party without coffee in your cookies. I subbed some Trader Joe’s chocolate bars for chocolate chips, which resulted in chocolate CHUNK cookies. So.Good.

  

  I was amazed by how different each of the chocolate bars I used were. Of course I had to sample them as I chopped them up. My next goal <—chocolate connoisseur.

  

  I used decaf Christmas blend in these cookies because I wanted to highlight the beauty of this blend, but I also wanted to sleep that night. Thus decaf. While I waited for my second batch of cookies to bake I had a quick and easy coffee tasting.

  

  Tasting Notes: Christmas blend has been a yearly tradition for the last 30 years. It was first introduced with the hopes of building a small following, and has become one of the most popular blends Starbucks sells. Rare aged Sumatra beans give this blend a spicy, cedar, and syrupy flavor that pairs well with the flavors of the season.

  The coffee itself has an intense, but lovely bite to it, and the cookies have a smooth and subtle sweetness. The spice from the coffee balanced well with the sweet from the cookie. Cookies and coffee were made for each other, wouldn’t you agree?

  Good friends, good food, good life.

  Q: Do you have holiday work parties? I have the most amazing coworkers, we enjoy spending time together outside of work. It’s quite a blessing. 

  

  | 61 Comments Tagged Christmas, Coffee Master, Coffee Tasting, Cookies, Starbucks, Vegan

• 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

• Fridays Fantastic Five

  Posted at 6:39 AM by Brittany, on December 5, 2014

  1. This box spoke to me. It said,”fill me with naughty treats because you need more insulation.” <–That’s not true, so the box was lying. Either way I love it.

  

  2. I found a dollar coin in the parking lot after finishing chem class this week. It was like a glimmer of magical hope after one too many molarity equations.

  

  3. Starbucks ornaments. Enough said.

  

  4. The mountains surrounding my living space have been large and in change lately. Sunny yet freezing days mean clean, snowy, BLUE mountain tops. If I can’t be on the mountain, I’m thankful I can at least see them all around me.

  

  Not the best photo, but you get the idea.

  5. Cookies twice in one day. Despite the fact that neither of these instances offered any “Brittany friendly” cookies, the gestures behind them sparked my fire higher than The General Sherman Tree. Instance #1- Partner appreciation cookies at work.

  

  Sorry friends, these chocolate coated shortbread cookies are not available for the public. I gave mine to my mama!

  Instance # 2- The kid I sit by in chem class gave a plate of cookies he made to me and the girl on my other side (I sit in the middle.) There is a special bond chemistry students develop with each other, and I’m not talking about ionic or covalent. We all laugh, cry, and bleed the same while stuffing our brains with painful knowledge.

  He’s my new favorite person, and such a precious high school child.

  

  Naturally I started and finished this post by talking about cookies. Happy Friday.

  Q: What’s one of your Friday favorites? 

  

  | 42 Comments Tagged Christmas, Cookies, Random, Starbucks

• Traveling the World One Bite at a Time

  Posted at 7:20 AM by Brittany, on November 28, 2014

  I hope everyone woke up safely from their Thanksgiving day comas. I volunteered to sling coffee all morning to ensure maximum movement, which enabled me to eat all the food. I’ll spare you any photos and just tell you I’m still obsessed with squash.

  I made GF biscuits for the first time, and I ate so many I had my own turkey wattle.

  

  I did manage to get a run in after I worked the morning shift!

  After my encounter with these bark thins last week I decided to take a break from sweets for a whopping five days. It’s amazing how such a short time can help balance things back out. I was getting wayyy too comfortable eating all the chocolate.

  

  This leads me to the topic of this post. How freaking cute is this chocolate passport?! I’m seriously so obsessed I don’t even want to eat them!…but I will.

   

  

  I found these at Trader Joe’s last weekend while I was shopping to escape chemistry homework, I call it grocery store therapy. Each chocolate is from a different location, ranging from 60-73 percent dark chocolate. Bring on the antioxidants!

   

  

  I think my favorite part is the addition of an ideal pairing. I’m all about pairings and tastings as most of you know, so this tickled my fancy big time. Tickle tickle.

  This makes the perfect holiday gift for…yourself.

  

  One of these bars has an ideal pairing of a cappuccino, but I suspect all of them will be good with a coffee like Caffe Verona or Ethiopia. Both have strong cocoa notes.

  Speaking of coffee, I just realized it’s almost December and I never brought out my fall coffee mug. I rotate between 3-4 mugs throughout the year, and the beginning of fall means it’s time for my favorite pumpkin orange mug. Coffee is better in a good mug.

  

  27 days until Christmas…just thought you should know.

  Q: Are you a sucker for great marketing? Guilty as charged. 

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Chocolate, Coffee, Starbucks, Trader Joes, Vegan

• Rok Espresso Maker

  Posted at 6:41 AM by Brittany, on November 25, 2014

  About a week ago I hopped onto Instagram and saw this photo

  

  1. Scott Jurek and I are basically best friends, we’ve eaten at the same restaurant and probably sat at the same table. He is also a fantastic runner, so I follow him.
  2. This espresso contraption intrigued me more than salt on chocolate.
  3. I now have an overwhelming desire to visit Yosemite.

  After seeing this espresso maker, I knew I had to have my own.

  

  Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my job at Starbucks, but the automatic aspect of the espresso machines makes it feel a bit…mainstream. I’ve longed to make espresso the “real” way by tamping coffee grounds into a finely packed puck fit for a portafilter.

  

  This unique device allows me to practice pulling the perfect espresso shots at home, and experiment to find the perfect water to coffee ratio. It’s modern, yet traditional in a hands on way. No plugs or batteries needed, just your favorite coffee, hot water, and a good squeeze of the handles.

  

  So how does it work? The hardest part is making sure you get your grounds packed properly. In order to ensure a tight packed puck your beans should be ground specifically for an espresso maker. If the grounds are too coarse they won’t pack as tight, which will affect your flavor and more importantly your overall pull.

  Once you’ve packed your puck simply attach your portafilter into its designated spot, pour hot water into the top of the machine, handles DOWN. Slowly lift the handles, and then slowly press down, pausing at first to infuse and swell the coffee. Ideally your extraction should take around 20 seconds. Here, he explains it better.

  I’m officially obsessed with making at home espresso. I’m not usually a latte drinker, but I now have the ability to drink them anytime I choose. There’s just something about this hands on technique that makes you feel connected to your coffee.

  It’s magical.

  

  I do love dense, fluffy, and stiff foam, but nothing beats the purity that is a solo espresso. Who wants to come over for an americano and cookies?

  

  P.S. Now you see why I was so excited to buy this demitasse!

  

  Q: Do you own an espresso maker? If so which one and how do you like it? The simplicity of this one has me hooked. 

  

  | 57 Comments Tagged Coffee, Coffee Master, Espresso, Rok Espresso, Starbucks

• Christmas at Starbucks

  Posted at 6:18 AM by Brittany, on November 19, 2014

  I’m not one to spend my money on random items. I have been known to hoard my pennies which has allowed me to have a comfortable pillow to sit on should any emergencies arise. I’ve never felt a strong pull towards impulse purchases, and will usually only buy something if I really, REALLY love it. Or if it’s food…

  I spend all the pennies on food.

  

  $3.00 for one cupcake, sure take my money.

  With that said, I try to balance things out every so often by buying something for myself…just because. I usually end up buying a Starbucks mug, but only when they go on sale. I cannot justify spending more than $5 on a mug, so I wait.

  This Christmas season Starbucks has over 100 different mug designs, and while I see many that I adore, none spoke to me enough to purchase. Except this one.

  

  This 3 oz demi cup is the perfect addition to my collection. Once I saw the trees I knew I had to have it. I also decided to buy this years advent calendar. I wanted it regardless, but really jumped on the opportunity when one wound up having a broken package.

  

  The merchandise itself is 100% in tact, but with a broken outer shell it was “un-sell-able.” I got it for 80% off, meaning I spent a whopping $6 on it. OH and it comes with a $5 gift card, so I spent $1. I didn’t want this for the chocolate treats that I won’t be eating, but FOR THE MAGNETIC REUSABLE CHALKBOARD!!!

  Ready or not it’s Christmas at Starbucks. This is my favorite time of year and all the Grinch’s that come in complaining about the decor make me want to pull them a decaf shot faster than Mary Poppins can pull a tree out of her purse.

  While I love the holidays, I don’t love the temperatures that come with it.

  

  Who needs feelings in their fingertips anyway?

  

  Time for 3987238957 layers.

  Try not to be envious of my selfie photo quality. This is why I don’t take selfies.

  Despite all my Christmas talk, I’m so excited for Thanksgiving and I’ve got my stretchy pants ironed, pressed, and ready to be worn for approx. 15 days post feast. I’m going to need all the help I can get with that elastic waistband. Real talk in 3..2..1..

  

  Q: Who’s ready for the holidays!?!?!

  

  | 46 Comments Tagged Christmas, Mug, Starbucks, Thanksgiving, Vegan

• No, I Don’t Even Lift

  Posted at 7:47 AM by Brittany, on November 15, 2014

  It’s cold. Not Midwest cold, but IT’S COLD!

  

  Elsa, is that you?

  The drop in temps has resulted in any running being swapped out for spin classes and a Jillian Michaels DVD. I’m being a wuss and staying inside.

  I follow a good number of people on Instagram that lift weights. They are toned, tiny, and pack away a solid amount of “comfort foods.” I on the other hand lift nothing but my cats, and the occasional cookie to my mouth. After seeing bowls of nut butter cereal cookies with ice cream and so on, I decided to make my own version.

  I took my morning oats and jazzed them up a bit with some toppings.

  

  Whole grain oats with pumpkin, cinnamon, a blob of peanut butter, and CINNAMON PUFFINS! How I’ve never experienced this cereal is beyond me, this is my new favorite breakfast combo. This is as crazy as I get though, the thought of eating Oreo’s everyday makes my brain go into a diabetic coma.

  

  No…no I do not.

  I also lift 5lb bags of coffee daily, real talk.

  Speaking of coffee, I was so jazzed by a coffee tasting my coworker put together. I delegate one barista a week to do a coffee tasting with the crew in an attempt to broaden coffee knowledge. This barista took it to the next level and I was so proud.

  

  He made a poster board, and bought VEGAN cinnamon donuts from a Seattle company to pair with Christmas Blend. I usually have to make my own treats for tastings, so this was a real treat having him buy something Brittany friendly.

  Terrible paragraph transition in 3…2..1…I discussed my love for curled up chips a few posts back and discovered many of you also enjoy the curled chips. I thought about how genius it would be to create an entire bag that was just curled chips.

  Well, Target stole my idea. Rude.

  

  I “lifted” this entire bag to my face in less than 2 days. So good. Also good…

  

  This also finds its way into my morning oats sometimes.

  Q: Is it cold yet where you are? Did I mention how excited I am to escape to Arizona next month!? GIVEMEHEAT

  

  | 63 Comments Tagged Coffee, Nog, Starbucks, Vegan, Winter

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