Morning Joe- A Poem and Recipe
By Author Jill Sharon Kimmelman
When it comes to our morning cup of joe
it seems that everyone has an opinion and no two ever agree
even a few self-proclaimed purists have been known to
eagerly request second mugs of my celebrated…
cobbled-together…bordering-on-celestial…coffee creations
Perhaps it is the absence of foam…in its place
a glorious impossible-to-resist-infused-whipped cream:
a tower of infinite taste possibilities
or
possibly it is the scent of freshly grated nutmeg and cinnamon
that promises and delivers an accomplishment…both sweet and mellow
The kind of mellow that happens only
when white sugar is replaced by fine Madagascar vanilla
drizzled slowly over warm brown sugar
it could be that such unexpected subtlety is the key to
achieving and delivering those first to last decadent swallows
For every empty out-stretched cup
I am your friend with a smile…who fills them all up
It is always on the menu…never ever pushed aside to promote
a-rising-star-heavily-touted-decaf-instead-flavor-of-the-month
my coffee creations come in comfortable mugs with little fanfare and
come-on-in-and-rest-a-while-welcome-smile!
Notes For Jill's Coffee
- When you put your coffee in the filter, add a pinch of cocoa powder (Dutch-process if you have it, if not, regular is fine) and a sprinkling of some Saigon cinnamon
- While your coffee is brewing, pour the half and half into your mug ( if you want it to be more like a latte, pour about 1/2 mug, if you prefer darker, use whatever amount you wish )
- To your half n half, add a capful of Madagascar bourbon vanilla, a heaping tablespoon (to taste) of light brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, a dash of cocoa powder. If you like nutmeg, use just a tiny bit because it goes a long way and too much can overpower the taste of your delicious coffee
- If you choose, take a piece of good dark chocolate (keep it in the freezer) and grate as much as you wish.
- Heat your half n half mixture in a mug in the microwave (stir well so the brown sugar doesn’t get stuck at the bottom of your mug) until steaming. Note: I usually like to heat it for 80 seconds
- Add coffee to your steamed half n half
- Add fresh whipped cream, if you wish (I do not), and sprinkle the reserved grated chocolate on top. You can always add a sprinkle of cinnamon if you wish
Note: when I purchase my fresh roasted beans, I read the “tasting notes” on the bag. Based on the flavors that complement the beans, I adjust what I add or use less of.
Example: The coffee I have in my refrigerator right now has tasting notes that include, vanilla, mango, and coconut. When I saw that, I decided to use about 3/4 tsp of coconut extract to enhance the tropical taste of the blend.
Have fun…play w/things like almond extract, if you like that, ( use it sparingly because a little goes a long way ), raspberry liquor is another excellent complement that I use frequently, especially, if the infused whipped cream has some creme de cassis, white chocolate, peach nectar or fresh berries.
Bon Appetit’
@Jill Sharon Kimmelman
Autumn 2020
