spanish coffee

08.27.10

I will never forget my first visit to Espresso Royale Cafe (Dinkytown location). It was the middle of February, I’m sure I couldn’t feel my fingers and North Face jacket or not, it was one of those chilling-to-the-bone days. For those of you who live in warm climates, I don’t mean 20° F, I mean -40°. But for that particular few hours, the temperature didn’t bother me, in fact, I doubt I even thought about it. I was 17 and had just finished what would be my final college tour. I knew right then and there this was where I needed to be. I would worry about getting accepted later, I was going to be a Gopher.

The decision was made right then and there, over a hot drink with my parents. I don’t remember what I drank that February afternoon, but that would be the first of many drinks at Espresso Royale Cafe. It was my favorite place to study and I will always think of it as my spot.

I first had this drink at Espresso Royale and it has been a favorite ever since. I think every coffee shop has a slightly different name/origin for it, but Espresso Royale calls it Spanish so that is what I use. (Thai would be my #2 choice based on the sole fact that I love Thai food) It consists of coffee and sweetened condensed milk – exactly why it is treat. Sweetened condensed milk isn’t exactly good for you, but at 120 calories, it beats a 500 calorie Frappuccino anyday!

Dunn Bros has introduced iced coffee growlers and it sounded like too much fun to pass up. So on a recent 95° day, a mere 135° difference, I knew just what I needed to have.

Only this time it was most certainly iced.

Spanish Coffee - 2 servings

  • 2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
  • 8 oz strong iced coffee

Mix the milk and coffee together until well combined. Add a few ice cubes if desired.

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categories: breakfast, Uncategorized16 comments

As much as I adore cooking, sometimes I just can’t take the time to prepare an entire meal. Since cooking is such a stress reliever for me, I never want it to actually cause stress.  Enter in these pouches of Indian food.  A little odd, yes, to make dinner out of a pouch, but this variety from Trader Joe’s is amazing. I generally sauté a diced eggplant and add the sauce when it is about finished cooking to let it heat through.

It comes together in minutes and provides a flavorful dish with plenty of veggies. Oh, and it is $1.19.

Cheap, healthy and good? Now that’s a stress reliever I can handle.

Do you ever eat foods from a pouch or does it kind of freak you out?


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categories: dinner, Uncategorized, vegan, vegetables, whole foods13 comments