Spiced Cinnamon Mocha

I’ve had plenty of Mexican hot chocolates that incorporate almond, vanilla and spices like cinnamon and cayenne pepper in with chocolate, and will vouch for the fact that they are – by and large – very delicious. The spices really add a lot of dimension to the chocolate and the overall spiciness of the drinks is addictive. I’m open to adding spices to other drinks, so when I saw a recipe for a Spiced Brazilian Mocha, I knew I had to give it a try. I tweaked the recipe slightly by adding more chocolate, less sugar and using a cinnamon stick as garnish/additional flavoring, as well as by scaling it down to make a single serving.

The result was delicious! Cinnamon, dark chocolate and coffee make a great combination, especially when the drink is topped with whipped cream. This is also simple enough that I would whip it up in a single batch just for myself in the mornings. Quadruple this recipe if you want to make a batch for a small crowd.
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Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Caramel Apple Tea, reviewed

I love the smell of fresh tea and coffee – and, of course, it can also be a good indicator of flavor – but it’s difficult to get a good whiff when the package you’re looking at is wrapped up tightly. It doesn’t stop me from trying, however, and sometimes the effort pays off. The tiniest hint of scent of the Caramel Apple Tea from Zhena’s Gypsy Tea sold me immediately. The tea, which is sold in stores like Whole Foods and Cost Plus, as well as online, is a blend of rooibos and honeybush, flavored with apples, licorice, cloves and cinnamon. The apples, cinnamon and honey-caramel flavor are the three most dominant elements of this tea, but they’re not aggressive. It smells and tastes like a mild, sweet glass of hot apple cider – perfect for any cold winter night.

Free Coffee from Starbucks on Election Day

This Tuesday, November 4th, you might want to swing by your local Starbucks after casting your ballot. Starbucks will be giving out free tall cups of coffee to all people who vote. If your area offers little “I Voted” stickers, your barista might ask to see one. If you don’t, you’ll probably be on the honor system to get your free drip.