I’m quite the coffee gal – and if espresso is in the mix – even better. There’s nothing like some fantastic espresso percolating on the stovetop. Melded with some warm chocolatey milk spiced with cinnamon and chilies – even better. Top it with a creamy chocolatey whipped cream – perfection.
Now – you would pay a fortune for a mug of this at that local coffee house on the corner and, for pennies on the dollar, you can make it at home and control the amount of espresso vs. milk- more chocolate or more spice. Giada had a great recipe that I played with and this version is my new favorite tried and true. I love spicy chocolate – I blame Jacques Torres – his Wicked Hot Chocolate set me on that path – so to be able to make it at home was perfect after a long day at the 9to9. This is perfect to start your weekend or weekday with – curling up with a steaming mug of this as you watch life start moving from the front porch is so relaxing.
Only one thing I beg that you keep in mind – don’t mix up heavy cream and half and half. While I was making this recipe, I grabbed the half and half – rather than reading the label. 2 glass bowls, multiple dustings of cocoa later and I finally realized that it wasn’t heavy cream I was whipping with the mixer or the whisk – it was half and half. I was ready to kick myself with the stilettos for being so silly. Once I got going with the heavy cream, it was smooth sailing.
So – when you are craving a mug of chocolatey coffee comfort, make this – I guarantee you will tell that coffee house that you guys are on a “break” – Ross/Rachel style
On to the recipe:
Gather the ingredients
Simmering the milk with the cinnamon and spicy peppers
Look at that espresso percolating
Here’s my oops – Heavy Cream v. Half and Half – lesson learned – read the labels!
Rich and chocolatey
Don’t you want a sip?
[mpprecipe-recipe:251]
Now – let’s see what some of my favorite bloggers brought to the virtual brunch table:
Brunch Beverages:
-
- Blueberry Bourbon Smash from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
-
- Key Lime Pie Smoothie from Chelsea’s Messy Apron
-
- Spicy Mocha from Cooking in Stilettos
Brunch Eggs:
-
- Sausage, Pepper and Caramelized Onion Quiche from Love and Confections
-
- Mexican Carrot Fritters with Bacon and Eggs from Food Faith Fitness
-
- Breakfast Casserole Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers from The Spiffy Cookie
Brunch Main Dishes:
-
- Crab Imperial Peppers from The Vintage Cook
Brunch Sides:
-
- Roasted Pepper and Ricotta-Stuffed Peppers from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
-
- Carrot and Apple Slaw from Real Housemoms
Brunch Breads and Grains:
-
- Carrot Cake Muffins from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
-
- Lemon-Poppyseed Cornbread Mini Muffins from Foxes Love Lemons
-
- Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Cherry Muffins from Chocolate Moosey
-
- Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Roll-Ups from Cupcake & Kale Chips
-
- Raisin Craisin Cinnamon Rolls from Big Bear’s Wife
-
- Chipotle Peach Cheese Danish from {I Love} My Disorganized Life
-
- Spring Vegetable Danish from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Brunch Desserts:
-
- Key Lime Cheesecake with a Hazelnut Crust from It’s Yummi
-
- Sacher Torte from Roxana’s Home Baking
SO – now that you’ve seen what everyone brought to the *virtual* table – have you entered yet? Click HERE to scope out the Brunch Week prizes and enter!
A huge thank you to all our amazing #BrunchWeek sponsors. Please follow these lovely folks on their social media sites:
