I really love fall, the changing colors of nature, the pretty color of pumpkins, the subtle flavor of squash, the smell of bonfires and coffee, yes…coffee!
It is time to slow down, cozy up and enjoy the comforts of home. However, I like to keep busy, so I recently decided that if I can make something at home, without much effort, I will. This new mantra has applied to many areas of my life. If it looks feasible, I’ll try homemade anything. I’ve found myself saying, “Why didn’t I try this before?” Other times, I have been humbled by the work that goes into something that I once took for granted.
So far, I have successfully accomplished homemade bread, pasta, nut butters and milks, baby blankets and flavored coffees. I have learned that macaroon cookies are worth every penny at the store ($3 a cookie), my mom’s caramels require patience and undivided attention and empanada dough can be overworked.
Another surprise has been my new affection for coffee. I was never a huge fan of this beverage, but I have to admit that I used to spend my “bucks” at a national coffee franchise because it was convenient, cool and trendy. However, I never really enjoyed the beverage itself—to me it always tasted like bitter hot water. But, after adding lots of sugar, cream and artificial flavoring, the result became acceptable.
Recently, I was curious if I could make a pumpkin spice latte at home. I did some research and came across a nice natural recipe for home. So, for the past few weeks, I get up early in the morning, brew some organic coffee, get spices and fall flavors out of the kitchen cabinets, and like a mad scientist, I determine what the invention of the day will be: Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon, Dulce de Leche? (I share the pumpkin spice latte recipe on back.)
Sara Balcazar-Greene (aka. Peruvian Chick)
Peruvian Food Ambassador
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