The idea of the Afternoon Latte using K-Cups came about after strolling down the clearance aisle at the grocery store. Jon and I have made a habit of checking out the aisle each time we visit the grocery store. We have come across MANY good deals.
One thing is for certain, and if I haven’t said it before (I’m sure I have said it), I absolutely LOVE coffee! Anytime I can find K-Cups marked down, I am all over it! One of the last times we went down that special aisle, there were two other ladies looking for deals. They had been in the area a little longer than I had. I came across a Keurig machine. The sky opened up and I could hear angels singing…okay that may have been a little exaggerated, but you understand my level of excitement here…
I did think to myself, Why are these ladies passing this machine up? What is wrong with those ladies? Oh well, it’s mine! (I have been known to stalk someone with my sister in a Goodwill for a coffeemaker that my sister wanted…that’s another story though…If you want the full version, just ask; I‘m not ashamed. I‘d do it again if my sister asked me to.)
Anyway…
The machine was a display model (which doesn’t bother me any, I know how to clean and disinfect). It was a larger machine with the water reservoir and cup size selection…the sticker said normal price was $83.99…the marked down price…you won’t believe it…$24.99! I jumped all over that!
Since it has gotten cooler outside, I’ve been making more hot beverages in the afternoons. I love a good mocha latte or caramel latte. While I love my espresso machine, it takes more time to make a latte than I have time for during my breaks from work. (Yes, even though I work from home, I follow a normal eight hour work day with scheduled breaks and lunches.)
(Keurig and Starbucks did not pay me to write this, nor sponsor this post. These are my own opinions.)
Be extremely careful with these instructions, they may lead to afternoon latte addictions…
Here’s how I make these awesome Afternoon Lattes:
For the Fresh, Sweetened Whipped Cream:
½ cup heavy cream or whipping cream
2 tsp powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, starting on low, whip the cream. Gradually increase the speed to high. Whip until the cream forms medium to stiff peaks. Be careful not to whip too long, or you’ll end up with butter. Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The Caramel:
1 K-Cup caramel flavored coffee (I use the Starbuck Caramel; use whatever kind you like.)
2-3 tbsp caramel syrup/sauce
½ cup skim milk
Fresh, sweetened whipped cream (see recipe above, or use store-bought)
Extra caramel syrup for drizzling.
Fill the bottom of the coffee mug with the 2-3 tbsp caramel syrup.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions of the Keurig or K-Cup machine, brew your coffee into your mug. You want the coffee to fill the mug 1/2 to ¾ of the way (that should help you determine which selection on your machine or how much water to use in your machine).
While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a microwave-safe cup for 30-40 seconds. Carefully remove the milk from the microwave, and whisk the milk to create froth. (This step gives you that café latte consistency.)
Stir the coffee and syrup.
Pour the milk into the coffee mug carefully.
Add the whipped cream (as much or as little as you like. I try to make sure the top is covered.) Drizzle on extra caramel syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little design on there!
The Afternoon Caramel Latte will be hot, so use caution with all steps, including drinking.
For the Mocha:
1 K-Cup of mocha flavored coffee or regular coffee (your favorite kind is fine, I use the Starbucks Mocha or Breakfast Blend)
2-3 tbsp chocolate syrup
½ cup skim milk
A few dollops of fresh, sweetened whipped cream (see recipe above, or use store-bought)
Extra chocolate syrup for drizzling
Fill the bottom of the coffee mug with the 2-3 tbsp chocolate syrup.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions of the Keurig or K-Cup machine, brew your coffee into your mug. You want the coffee to fill the mug 1/2 to ¾ of the way (that should help you determine which selection on your machine or how much water to use in your machine).
While the coffee is brewing, heat the milk in a microwave-safe cup for 30-40 seconds. Carefully remove the milk from the microwave, and whisk the milk to create froth. (This step gives you that café latte consistency.)
Stir the coffee and syrup. Pour the milk into the coffee mug carefully. Add the whipped cream (as much or as little as you like. I try to make sure the top is covered.) Drizzle on extra chocolate syrup. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little design on there!
The Afternoon Mocha Latte will be hot, so use caution with all steps, including drinking. If you feel like getting a little crazy, mix-and-match the caramel and chocolate syrups for a turtle inspired drink. There are so many possibilities for and Afternoon Latte! How will you drink yours?
