Coffee Shops & Caffeinated Ideas
My second attempt to answer “What is coffee?”
Coffee is . . .
My first attempt to answer “What is coffee?”
Coffee is . . .
Oh Lord . . . let’s see:
. . . and my personal favorite: nothing.
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Over the years I have tried almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, whole milk, half and half, sugar, Baileys, Kahlúa, lemon, cinnamon, chocolate, caramel, mint, whipped cream, and sprinkles. I either requested the addition, the addition came automatically with the order, or I saw it available and thought to myself, why not?
Interestingly, this list is not exhaustive. I hadn’t heard of some of these options until I researched and asked for added input from friends. I’m also hyper-aware that sometimes culture influences not only what kind of coffee is served, but how it is served. Perhaps if I went to another part of the world I would get a whole new list of items.
At the same time, while I learn about current possibilities, I also know that baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and coffee connoisseurs are constantly testing boundaries. The next craze, the next element of allure and sophistication, is waiting to be discovered.
This list will never be complete.
For now though, at home, I’ll take my coffee in its purest form: black. It’s the easiest, and the cheapest. Any additions I’ll leave to the expert baristas and coffee shop owners to create, offer, and provide for me. It’ll make the experience away from home feel all the more different and all the more special.
Thanks to Netflix and a job that required some research on food waste, I have enlivened my inner environmentalist and found a new appreciation for all foods. Even coffee, which I truly love dearly, has found a new element of love and adoration.
I have discovered that leftover coffee grounds can be dried and then used:
I have discovered recipes for candles, soap, and other household items.
I am ashamed to admit that up until about two months ago I threw out my coffee grounds. I put them in the coffeemaker, drank my coffee, and then dumped them in the trash or down the drain. Terrible! Irresponsible! Heinous!
As I continue to learn, and research, and grow as a coffee enthusiast, I think it’s important to consider the possibilities.
Coffee can be so much more than a drink. If we can help ourselves to more than a cup, and help the environment on the way, let’s do it!
Cups and Comments 