{Frugal Friday} Coffee

Mmmmmm . . . Coffee.

Mmmmmmm . . . Starbucks.

Mmmmmm . . . Coffee Bean
Mmmmmm . . . Gloria Jeans

Mmmmmm . . . I LOVE IT!!!

I have pretty much been a coffee gal since 7th grade.

I used to make my own cappuccinos at home.

A family friend owned a coffee house nearby.

My favorite drink was a cappuccino add mocha and caramel.

Healthy, right?

In high school we went EVERDAY, unfailing to Cafe Luna.

It was the absolute BEST coffee shop I have ever visited.

Although, I would often just get a Cherry Coke;

that was the best Cherry Coke too;

I would also buy Mocha Lattes. Hot.

When the owner Rose closed it down I was soooo sad.

We all were.

We were the Lunigans after all.

Yes, that is what people called us because we were there so often.

Well, Starbucks came along and the small guy moved on out.

Bye-Bye!

I have grown to be a Bucks Gal, 

but I would love to have a small coffee house all my own again.

Luckily, I married a coffee connoisseur.

My hubs, I think we will call him DL from now on, 

is of Cuban/Spanish Basque decent.

Needless to say this means he loves his coffee.

He has enjoyed it since he was about 5;

this is not uncommon in other parts of the world.

So, in order to save on money, and preserve some culture, we make Cafe con Leche on the weekends.

This is just a fancy (okay the Spanish) way of saying a caffe latte.

We use an Italian style espresso machine (Cafetera/Moka) 

Here's ours. It's pretty new courtesy of my MIL who always has at least one extra, just in case.

I love that this one has a clear window on top.

The espresso we favor is Cafe La Llave.

It can be purchased at most Latin-American Markets, Stater Brothers, and some other retailers.

Other brands we have tried are Cafe Bustelo and Don Francisco.

La Llave is our favorite though.
Here's an article from a fellow lover of this brand.

Okay, so in order to help keep my resolution of 1 Starbuck's per week 

(not quite happening yet, but improving), 

I have begun making my own espresso at home during the week.

It costs less for a package of La Llave than one Starbucks drink.

Here's a quick look at the iced mocha version.

Ingredients:

Espresso

Leche/Milk

Chocolate Syrup

Ice

Whip Cream, if you have it

Sugar/oppitional

After you cook your espresso on the stove top,

fill your oh so cute glass with ice.

Now you are going to add milk.

I do between 1/2 and 2/3.

Now add your espresso.

Mmmmm . . . look at that swirly goodness.

Next, chocolate syrup to taste and stir.

If you like add sugar.

I got so excited about my morning pick-me-up that I forgot to take more pics.

OOPS!

I normally would've put whipped cream but we were out. 

So Sad.

It is ready to drink.

Your own latte from home.

Really I think they taste better too.

You could do soooo much if you buy syrups and other things as well.

Have fun with it!!!

Enjoy your weekend.