The Blue Cow coffee shop is in the lobby of the library. It is large and sunny and very comfortable. The colors are warm and welcoming; browns, golds, and yellows. It s sort of a Texas Meets Italia decor.

You walk in to the lobby area and are immediately in the large, spacious coffee shop. The aroma is heavenly, as you can imagine. Coffee and books? Yes please!

Because of wifi spillover from the library you can even pick up a wifi signal. Now, what I loved about this place is that you can bring your coffee mug and they will mark your name on it and hang it on your own special hook on the wall.

Downside? If you don’t know to bring your own cup you are stuck with Styrofoam. Ewww.

So, the baristas are friendly, and knowledgeable. They are not the fastest on the planet but I am usually not in a hurry.  There are a number of interesting things on the menu, it will take me months to try them all. The lattes are very good, served extremely hot. I bemoan the loss of whipped cream that I always had added at the other place but..my thighs are thankful.

I had a John Wayne, which is caramel, vanilla, and 2 shots of espresso. It was quite good. Marc had the Caramel Macchiato which he liked as well.

I was fascinated by the idea of a Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip Cookie and so we ordered two. Incredibly disappointing, the cookie was dry bland, and not very appetizing with big clumps of half melted white chocolate on it. A bit too much baking soda in the mix. Still..I loved the idea and plan to create my own version on Baking Delights soon.

Next time I plan on trying the stuffed pretzels.

Blue Cow is growing and has plans to open in other cities both in Texas and around the country.

Here’s how is stacked up:

Good

• Keeping a cup for me (love it!)
• Coffee is excellent
• Decor
• Location
• Friendly
• Comfortable
• WiFi
• Interesting selection of menu items.

Not Good

• The cookie is a waste of ingredients. They should rework the recipe because it is not working now.
• If you are in a hurry call or text in your order or you are screwed.
• Acoustics from the large lobby, tile floors, etc. means that everything is LOUD. When the blender was on Marc couldn’t hear me talk.
• Because of where it is located the parking is not real convenient. Marc is disabled and we had to walk much longer ways than we should have. I was glad he was out of the wheel chair.
• Coffee Mate was prominently displayed on the counter but not real cream. Marc said they probably would have had it if I had asked but I don’t think I should have to ask. Yes. I have issues.
• Too much throwaway stuff. Would like to see them lose all the throw away, plastic forks, etc. and replace it with the real thing.
• I don’t think the coffee is organic or fair trade.

Should you go? Yeah. You should. I am thinking about moving my office there.

images: maryeaudet

Post from: Kettle and Cup

Thing is, I can’t get them anymore. They closed the Starbucks locally that was good and left the one where all the really lazy people work open. Not sure how that worked but it did. Anyway..I figured it was time to learn how to make my own copy cat gingerbread latte.

If you want to make this really easy start out with the JazzyBird Espresso.

Gingerbread Latte Recipe

• 2- 4 oz espresso shot
• 2 tbs Monin Gingerbread Syrup
• 1/2 cup of whole milk steamed and frothed
• 3- 4 tbs whipped cream
• 1 tbs candied ginger
• 2 tbs caramel sauce
• Fresh grated nutmeg

1. A quick way to steam milk without a steamer is to heat it to a simmer on the stove (or in the microwave) and carefully blend it until it is frothy. Be careful though. It is very hot and if it flies out of the blender it will burn you.
2. Add the espresso shot to a warmed coffee mug.
3. Stir in the syrup
4. Add the milk
5. Put whipped cream on top, drizzle with caramel syrup, sprinkle with grated nutmeg and add the candied ginger

Serves 1

image SXC

Post from: Kettle and Cup

Love your coffee? Gotta have your lattes and espressos?  Well then, you might need something like this to make life bearable.

You know you want this.  You know….I want this!

Starbucks online is having a giveaway and you can enter to win this Ascaso Espresso machine.  This machine is touted as being the flagship of the Ascaso line.  It just doesn’t get better than this..and look! It comes in orange! (I am one of those weirdos that loves orange)

You have only until December 31, 2008 to register so you better get over there!

Post from: Kettle and Cup

I am not a big fan of chai mix.  Like the instant coffee mixes they seem unnaturally sweet to me and even a little cloying.

When the fantastic people at Ugly Mug sent me coffee to review, they also sent a package of their chai. The kids were ecstatic, they love the stuff.  I was less so.

So I put it off, trying it I mean, even though everyone around me was fighting for it and swooning over their cups. 

Yesterday I realized that there was only a little left and if I was going to try it then I had better do so.  Pronto.

YUM!  It is sweet, but as far as chai mix goes it is the best I have tried other than my own homemade mix that I give as gifts.

It is not overly spicy, and the flavors are well balanced.  The chai is creamy-rich and does well as either a cold frappe or a hot latte.  Bonus! You can use the mix to sprinkle on cookies and ice cream for a unique flavor.  Thought of that all by myself.

Check them out at Ugly Mug.  Get one of the mugs.  I LOVE my mug.

Image: Marye Audet

Post from: Kettle and Cup

This is so good, as far as I am concerned anyway.  It makes a great drink to sip in the evening while you watch the sun go down from the porch.  Listen to the crickets, watch the stars come out…all of the goodness of living in the country.

Any good chai can be used in this but I really  like the Yogi India Spice tea. It is peppery and spicy which is a nice contrast to the cool, smoothness of the frappe.  Classic fire and ice!

Spicy Chai Frappe Recipe 

1 c. ice
1 c chai, chilled

1 c heavy cream

1-4 tbs sugarWhipped cream for top

Blend in blender until thick and smooth. Add whipped cream on top. Pour into a frosted glass and enjoy.

Image:Morguefile 

Post from: Kettle and Cup

Try this when you are in that kind of mood…

Chai Latte Recipe

Bring the water, sugar, and spices to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a tea kettle with an infuser (or be prepared to strain later). Add tea to the infuser and submerge in the water. Allow to steep for 3 -5 minutes. Add vanilla extract.
Meanwhile heat the half and half (or milk) just to a simmer. Pour carefully in blender and blend until frothy.
Strain tea into heated mugs that have been filled halfway with frothed milk. Serves 4.

Post from: Kettle and Cup