Foam Sweet Foam

photo from: Foam Art pics

It all started at Paper Tiger Coffee, which is located a few blocks from my house. I met a friend there about four months ago, ordered a latte, and it was all over.

photo taken from: Paper Tiger website

The foam was stupendous -- like thick, espresso-flavored, creamy, silky goodness. Of course, I'm sure the fact that Paper Tiger roasts their own coffee beans locally had something to do with the superb flavor.

This got me thinking. Is it possible to re-create this foamilicious drink without an espresso machine or expensive equipment? And so my quest began. I read blogs, searched websites, watched foam art tutorials in my library cubicle during study breaks at seminary (of which I probably take too many). I looked at cheap tools available to create foam and wasn't satisfied with anything I saw.

A friend had just gifted me with a Magic Bullet. I think she felt sorry for me when I invited her over and made her a delicious strawberry smoothie in my food processor that is falling apart. I had never even heard of Magic Bullet. No cable. No clue. The first thing I made with my shiny new gadget was a frappacino. I was in awe. Super fast blending and near perfect texture.



Back to my foam quest. I learned that if I heated the milk to just before boiling and then poured it into the mug, and then took a mini-whisk, placed it between my palms and performed the Mr. Miagi clap-my-hands-together-and-rub-them-as-fast-as-I-can-maneuver a small amount of foam begins to form--a small amount of unsatisfactory foam, that is. "Heaven and earth! Are the shades of Pemberly to be thus polluted?" whispered my disappointment in the voice of Lady Katherine. And so the quest resumed.

Then it occurred to me early one morning in the shower that I should place my hot milk in the my new Bullet and let the bullet do its magic. I dashed downstairs like a mad scientist (after I got dressed, of course), brewed my coffee, heated my milk, and then danced a little jig when I saw the results. And although the foam art is not possible, the texture is great!


Needless to say I use my bullet every morning (and for my afternoon coffee and when I make chai). And apparently I talk about foam way too much because now several of my friends have gone out and purchased Magic Bullets. When we have our weekly girls' nights there are always drinks with foam involved and we gather around my bullet while it churns out foam and watch in awe like tribal members in worship around a bonfire.

Below are my favorite drinks that I make regularly. Side Note: If you live in my area, check out Cash-n-Carry for the syrups. They are way cheaper than most grocery stores and there's a much larger selection. Instead of spending $3 a week on CoffeeMate (if you're into that nastiness), I spent $3 on a bottle of flavored syrup that lasts me about a month. Not bad, eh? They also have great coffee beans in bulk for much cheaper than most grocery stores as well.

Hazelnut Coffee Goodness

1 Tsp. Hazelnut syrup (or according to taste; I use sugar free)
Half mug of coffee
Half mug of milk

Mix the hazelnut and coffee in mug. Heat milk separately (in microwave or on stove). Do not let milk boil. Then blend milk in the Magic Bullet if you want foam. Pour milk and foam into coffee mixture and viola! I've also substituted Pumpkin Pie syrup and it's yummy. Sometimes I also add a tiny bit of Kahlua syrup to the milk when I make the Hazelnut drink and it's also very tasty.

Peppermint Mochamania

1 Tsp. Peppermint syrup (or according to taste; depends on size of mug)
1 Tsp. Chocolate syrup
Half mug of coffee
Half mug of milk with a dash of peppermint syrup

Mix the chocolate, peppermint syrup, and coffee in mug. Heat milk separately, but do not allow to boil. Mix a dash of peppermint in milk (if desired), and then blend the milk in Magic Bullet. Pour milk mixture into coffee mixture and enjoy!

Peppermint Mocha Frappacino

Mix equal parts chilled coffee and milk. Add ice, 1-3 Tsp. chocolate syrup (according to taste), 1 Tsp. Kahlua syrup (optional), 1 Tsp. Peppermint syrup, and then blend in the Magic Bullet or in a blender. Again, I use sugar free syrups, but you can experiment according to your taste. I make this one more in the summer. It's too cold right now.

Amazing Homemade Spiced Chai
(aka Instant Transport to India)
recipe is courtesy of one of my profs: Jim Fitzpatrick

For 2 quarts:

4 cups of water
7 whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
7 cardamon pods (cracked open or just buy the seeds it is easier)
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (optional - but who would not put it in?)
2 tablespoons ginger (also optional)

Bring these to a boil and let stand as long as possible. Can put in Crockpot for two hours if you want. It's easiest if you place all the spices in a mesh spice or tea bag. Add 1/2 cup loose tea or 8 tea bags - pick a black tea that you like - Earl Grey works fine as does Ceylon or Assam tea or orange... (If you were in India they would recommend only the dregs of the dregs of strong black tea).

Let steep for 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of milk - heat but do not boil. Stir constantly for about 5 more minutes. Strain out tea bags, pods and cloves. Add 7 tablespoons of sugar. For foam, blend heated concoction in Magic Bullet. Enjoy!

So how about you? What's your favorite homemade coffee drink?