You might not believe this, but I used to really hate coffee. I’ve always liked the smell of it brewing, though. Isn’t that weird? Something else weird…if I drink regular caffeinated coffee, then it messes me up! I feel like I am hallucinating or something. So whatcha’ see here is freshly ground coffee that is naturally decaff. It’s the good stuff from Trader Joe’s!
So Allison has been asking how I make my lattes SWEET without sugar and without that UnSplendid crap and here is the secret:
Pure. Maple. Syrup. We get these bigger bottles of it from TJ’s, and while this kind is Grade A, I do actually prefer Grade B for my lattes. From what I’ve learned, Grade B is harvested later in the season than Grade A, and therefore has a stronger taste to it. So while I only use about 3 regular spoonfuls of Grade B added to my latte, you will want to probably add a little more than that if you are using Grade A. If this is the first time you’ll be trying your latte with pure maple syrup, then I recommend measuring out a spoonful at a time and tasting after each addition to see how sweet you like it.
For the milk, I definitely use fresh milk. What else would ya think coming from me? It makes a GREAT latte! Mmmm…
There are other things that you can add for added all natural flavors:
- a few drops of pure vanilla extract
- a few drops of pure mint extract
- chocolate powder dusted across the top
- 70% cacao chocolate in one or two small chunks dropped straight in the hot coffee
- good quality cinnamon
- freshly grated nutmeg
If you want a simple, quick design on top of your latte, then make a stencil out of parchment or freezer paper. You remember how to cut out a heart from kindergarten, right?
You could do any basic shape in this same easy way!
After you’ve cut out your stencil and assembled your latte, lay the stencil on top of the cup and watch as the heat from the coffee curls it up all crazy. At this point, you think it’s not going to work, but no worries. Hold down one side slightly if it makes you feel any better, and just don’t move the stencil at all. From several inches above, just start sprinkling on whatever you’d like. First, I did cinnamon here, and then finished it with a little fresh grated nutmeg.
When you pull the stencil away, you’ll see that it works nicely! Now you have a CUTE tasty mug ‘o latte!
Super yum!
Let me know how you love it!
I’ve linked this post up to TidyMom’s Lovin’ It Fridays. You can go there to see other peep’s stuff that they love~! =-)
OH YAY!!!!! He he and you linked to me like I have been harassing you for your recipe or something.
I am going to make one of these right now. Here’s to hoping it will clear my allergy head. (Surely it will, right?)
Allison´s last blog ..Tackle It Tuesday
Hmmm…not so sure that this will clear your allergy head. It sounds like you need a strong tea of garlic and lemon, or something! Does your head feel like it’s about to explode?
Glad you like the recipe! =-)
Wow, I’m going to have to try some of that yumminess!!
You’re so cute with your little latte heart! You always take the time to make stuff special.
Oh, and I have nominated you for an award!!! Please stop by the bloggy blog and check it out!
You deserve it! ^_^
Brianne´s last blog ..My First Awards!
Thanks for the nomination! I haven’t prepared a speech or anything, though…
SOOOO cute!!! I dont like coffee,but I do love a Latte!
Blessings-
Amanda
Amanda´s last blog ..Mom Blogging Contest
maple syrup eh? might have to try that.
50centlove´s last blog ..Sweet Shot
Here in Ontario (Lanark County) we are in the middle of our Maple Syrup season. My brother-in-law harvests over 300 maple trees on his property. He does it the old fashioned way, boiling it down right there in the middle of the woods in a huge vat on a wood-fired stove. Every year we gather there for the “sugaring off” and come back home with enough pure maple syrup to last us until next year! Lots of health benefits from eating maple syrup, manganese, zinc, antioxidants. Your latte looks delicious!
ok you are TOO cute!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE how you not only made the cute heart on top of your latte…..but you SHOWED us how to do it!! ♥ You rock girl!!!
I’m SO going to try the maple syrup next time we make lattes!!
Thanks for linking up! Have a GREAT weekend!
Love the little heart on your latte!
Do you think people would stare at me at Starbucks if I brought one with me?!? 
I love lattes, but I definitely need the caffeine too!
I will have to try maple syrup & that cute cute heart on the top!