Get up and Get Going, with Flavour!
After a temporary hiatus I am happily back. A transition in employment has kept me rather busy these days…and nights, but I digress. It only seems fitting to go with the old adage and write what I know, or in this case what I have become seriously reacquainted with recently, coffee. I am far from the only person who has enjoyed the warm, bitter beverage that has helped people get going, keep going, or simply accompany an easy going sunday morning with the paper.
Coffee has a dated history, while the actual origin has been lost, the drink can be traced to goats or birds depending on which story you hear. One version has come from Ethiopia wherein a shepherd minding his flock noticed that after consuming the berries from a nearby bush seemed to be full of energy and difficult to calm. Another account involves a flock of birds showing and energetic display after consuming the coffee bean. Regardless of the origins of coffee, there is no doubt of the staple commodity it is around the world today.
Today coffee of all types and flavours can be found with a short walk from, or in, every single home. Coffee traditionally varies from mild to bold however today the industry has expanded into a number of flavoured coffees, some of which are easily produced at home with one or two extra ingredients. If you are willing to spend the money there are barista style coffee makers to allow the hardware required for making nearly anything the local coffee shop can offer. Not everyone under the sun can justify a large purchase for another large kitchen gadget taking up ever lessening counter space, with that said lets look at some simple ways to spice up your morning brew.
Spruce up your spice rack! A few spices can really offer an array of flavoured coffee that are all home made and although it may be a little early to mention, an easy and affordable gift option would be home blended coffee tins or pouches. Pinches of ginger, cinnamon, anise, allspice and nutmeg can all offer a custom cup of flavoured java at a fraction of the two, three or even five dollar price tag some coffee shops are charging. So quite literally a pinch of effort can mean a pocket full of savings.
From animal to human, ancient times to the industrial revolution and foreward to today coffee has been around for quite some time and is not going away any time soon. Coffee is not a luxury commodity despite what the coffee houses would have you believe. While there are a number of add-ons and convenient offerings on nearly every street corner the traditional cup of coffee can be easily and affordably made at home. So the next time you fill the carafe, think of adding some favourable flavours to your brew, you won’t regret it!