Teatime Thursday

What's dreamier than a coconut cream chai latte and a fuzzy blanket? 

Happy Thursday!

                       

Leisurely Mornings

One of my very favorite things - leisurely mornings.

Sleeping in

Making a pretty breakfast

Drinking coffee

Laying in bed 

Staring out the window 

Since February is my favorite month, I did a series of morning pictures

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

This morning was a pumpkin spice latte making and poem reading kind of morning. I don't know about you, but there's something about leisurely mornings that I absolutely love - especially on windy fall days like today!

For my latte, I followed this Pumpkin Spice Latte Syrup recipe I found on Pinterest. I used the second (less healthy ;) recipe and it was delicious! I mixed the syrup with half & half and poured it into a mug 3/4 full of coffee. I topped it off with caramel whipped cream and pumpkin spice.

I highly recommend this syrup recipe! It lasts for a week in the fridge and is super convenient. I'm trying to stay away from coffee shop lattes due to the fake flavorings they tend to use.  I'm all for homemade, natural coffee drinks!

Iced Mango Matcha Latte

Go to my recipe page to see my Iced Mango Matcha Latte recipe!
This recipes only requires 3 ingredients and is super yummy.

Hazelnut Chai Mocha

Most people think mixing tea and coffee would be disastrous. I'm pretty sure this drink proves all the critics wrong. The rich, spicy chai and bitter coffee blend beautifully in this hazelnut chai mocha! If you are lover of coffee AND tea then this is a must-try!

Hazelnut Chai Mocha

1 mug of coffee (about 1 cup)
2 cups of milk
2 T sugar
1 1/2 T cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla
pinch of salt
2 T hazelnut chai tea
whipped cream (homemade or store bought)
hazelnut chocolate the shave on top (optional)

 (I used Argo Hazelnut Chai Tea. This tea isn't available online but you can buy other amazing chai teas here: http://mychaidiaries.com )

1) Brew a mug of coffee

2) Heat the coffee and milk in a sauce pan until it steams 

(medium heat)

3) Measure out the chai into a tea infuser

 4) Mix in the sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and salt. Stir until these ingredients dissolve.

5) Put the tea infuser (containing the tea) into the sauce pan. Let it steep in the milk for about five minutes. Strain the mocha mixture into cups/mugs. 

6) Add whipped cream and shave the chocolate on top

Caramel Apple Latte Recipe

I've been wanting to create this delicious drink ever since the idea entered my mind 2 weeks ago. I've made it one of my goals to create a fancy drink once a month with the teas I receive (from my tea reviewing job). This latte turned out amazing and is now one of my favorite fall drinks! 

For this latte, I used tea. The tea gave my latte the spicy, caramel apple flavor. I used NecessiTeas Caramel Dipped Apple Tea. You can purchase this tea here: http://www.thenecessiteas.com

You could also use any other caramel apple (or just apple) tea you find in a grocery store or other tea company. 

Caramel Apple Latte Recipe

(1 serving) 

Without Coffee                                                                     With Coffee

1/2 Tablespoon sugar                                                           1/2 Tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract                                                     1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 small spoonful of caramel                                                 1 small spoonful of caramel

1 cup milk (a mug-full)                                                        3/4 cup milk

1 1/2 teaspoon Caramel Dipped Apple Tea                     1/4 cup coffee

                                                                                            1 1/2 teaspoon Caramel Dipped Apple Tea

1) Put your tea leaves into a tea steeper and set aside

2) Put the sugar, vanilla, and caramel into a small sauce pan. Add the milk (or milk & coffee) and put on medium heat. Stir until the sugar and caramel have melted and completely mixed into the milk. Stir the milk fast to create bubbles on top (like a latte!) 

3) Put the tea into the milk mixture and let it steep for a few minutes

4) Pour latte into a mug and drizzle caramel on top

5) Enjoy!