Sometimes it’s not about the big things, the large parties or huge events…it’s about the little things or simple rituals that bring joy to your day. Mom and I each have two things we love taking time to do just to make ourselves smile. Ironically, they both have to do with caffeine. She loves to spend a few seconds and make a latte with her Ikea (battery operated) Milk Frother! It’s super simple and turns plain coffee into something special. Like a trip to Starbucks, but in your own kitchen. It’s especially memorable as Aunt Rena started this tradition and sent Mom her very first milk Frother. 3P Tip via Aunt Rena: Fat-Free or Skim Milk froths much better, without the calories! For Iced coffee…Mom and Rena’s idea is to take your leftover morning coffee and chill it in the fridge before it gets stale! This way none of that goodness goes to waste, and it’s ready on a dime when you are!
Insert frother into milk, stir for a few seconds, and add to coffee! You can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top and it’s just like a coffee shop latte without having to go anywhere. We actually enjoyed these iced coffee drinks by the pool during a 3P brain-storm the other afternoon and I have to say: life is NICE when you can enjoy moments like those.
You can get this handy Ikea Design milk frother from eBay for less than $5, and is a Practically Perfect gift idea for any occasion!:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/281088514777?lpid=82
Now, what I love to do, especially when it’s warm outside like this…is to make coffee ice cubes! It’s an awesome way to use up that leftover coffee in the pot before it goes stale and takes almost no effort to make great iced coffee later in the day. BONUS: It also doesn’t get watered down! If you’re a caffeine-addict like me it’s fantastic…coffee that gets STRONGER as you drink it!? C’mon, that’s awesome!
Pour your leftover cooled coffee into an ice cube tray and chill them in the freezer for about 2-3 hours. When you’re ready for a great iced latte, add your cubes to your favorite cup (or mason jar, if you’re like us), then add your milk + more cooled coffee and VIOLA! You can also use these cubes in cold brew coffee which is one of my all-time favorite things. I know Trader Joe’s carries cold-brew concentrate that tastes amazing and it’s super cheap! It costs about $7 for 8-12 cups of cold coffee ready to go! That’s a great way to save money instead of running out for an iced latte at $3-4 bucks a pop. I have a few friends that brew their own cold brew…which I may have to attempt on my own shortly and share with everyone.
What cool little rituals do you enjoy on a hot summer day? Are you a caffeine lover like us? Leave a comment or share about it on Facebook!
I had the pleasure to actually have my coffee frothed at your very own house and loved it!!
In Canada we drink lots of coffee and usually hot as our weather dictates whether hot or cold is the drink of the day, but iced coffee is wonderful
We are happy to try it as we finally getting decent warm weather!!! Love you guys. Tania