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If you love Starbucks Peppermint Mochas, but hate the price, check out this delicious copycat recipe!
We're super excited about an amazing KitchenAid giveaway! Actually, it's beyond amazing, their spectacular KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series Espresso Maker in Candy Apple Red - and it could be yours. The giveaway guidelines are explained below, but we'd love to give you a little peek into how this beautiful machine operates. Scott, with our son Nick, put together a short video, featuring the espresso maker and my favorite seasonal coffee drink, peppermint mocha.
The only place I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying a peppermint mocha is at Starbucks, but at more than $4 a pop (cha-ching!), I have to restrain myself, as our budget just doesn't allow frequent coffee indulgences. Until now, that is.
Earlier this season, while still anticipating the first beloved chocolate and peppermint coffee drink, I got an idea. Why not figure out how to make these delicious drinks at home? Although I have an espresso maker that makes a wonderful peppermint mocha, my challenge was to develop a recipe that didn't require fancy, expensive equipment.
I started out with Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha description:
A holiday classic made with our signature espresso, steamed milk, sweet mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup. It's all topped off with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls.
That was a great start! They use two different sauces; a sweet mocha sauce and a peppermint flavored syrup. I did a bit of googling, tried a few different recipes and came up with my own versions. You'll find the recipes below. The mocha sauce is wonderful drizzled on ice cream and makes wonderful hot chocolate when combined with milk and heated. Add a splash of the peppermint syrup and you've got a delicious Peppermint hot cocoa, yum!
Is steamed milk simply hot milk?
Now for the steamed milk. Is steamed milk simply hot milk? No, not really. Steaming milk with an espresso machine does make it hot, but it also creates foam (microfoam) or tiny bubbles. Can this be done without an espresso machine? Yup! There are actually a few ways to steam milk without fancy equipment. One of the easiest ways is to purchase an inexpensive handheld "frother". It's battery operated and all you do is place in warm milk and give it whirrrr.
There are also fairly inexpensive frothers that both heat and froth the milk. This Kuissential Deluxe frother is rated really well on Amazon. But guess what? You can create steamed milk in a clean empty glass jar! Yup, that's all you need. Just fill the jar halfway full and shake, shake, shake until the foam has double in volume (30-60 seconds). Then remove the lid and warm the milk for 30 seconds in the microwave. The heat will actually stabilize the foam! Cool, huh?
Espresso without a fancy machine
Espresso is hard to duplicate. It's a fairly precise science, although there are some amazingly simple espresso machines that do all the work for you. We love the beautiful KitchenAid Proline Espresso Maker you see in the pictures, but on busy days (that would be most days) we use our KitchenAid Nespresso Maker. Just slip in the pod, push the button and delicious espresso appears right before your eyes! It comes with its own Aeroccino milk frother so it's super easy to make all the fancy coffee drinks at home. If you have a coffee lover on your Christmas list, this would make a lovely gift!
Don't want to invest that much? How about authentic, delicious espresso at home every day for less than $25? This stove top espresso maker works great and produces velvety espresso in less than 5 minutes.
No espresso maker and you don't want to invest in one? You're okay on this front too. You can still enjoy peppermint mochas. It won't be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious. Just brew coffee in a regular pot using fine grounds and twice as much coffee as normal. Brew the coffee and make your peppermint mochas immediately after brewing according to the directions below.
So there you have it! The syrups are super simple to make and will keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. You'll find lots of other ways to use them, so they probably won't last that long. They'd make a fun gift for the coffee lover on your list. Just find some fun, pretty bottles and fill them up!
The Giveaway has been completed
P.S. By the way, Nick who's our coffee aficionado (aka coffee snob) says this Peppermint Mocha is better than Starbucks!
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Copycat Peppermint Mocha
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Mocha Sauce, see recipe
- 1 tablespoon Peppermint Syrup, see recipe
- 3 ounces espresso or strong coffee, see blog post for different ways to make espresso
- 8 ounces steamed milk, see blog post for ways to create steamed milk
- whipped cream
- crushed peppermint chocolate curls, mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder
Instructions
- Combine Mocha Sauce and Peppermint Syrup in a 12-ounce cup or mug
- Add espresso
- Steam milk and add to cup.
- Garnish with whipped cream
- Sprinkle with crushed peppermint, chocolate curls, mini chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder
- Serve and enjoy!
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Mocha Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup coffee or water
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a medium size sauce pan, whisk together the sugar and the cocoa powder.
- Slowly add the coffee (or water), whisking continually until all liquid has been added and mixture is smooth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Watch pot very carefully, as you will have a huge mess if you walk away and mixture boils over. (Don’t ask me how I know this!) Simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Cool completely then transfer to an airtight jar or bottle. Store in refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using in coffee drinks.
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Peppermint Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Instructions
- Combine water and sugar in a medium size pot and stir well. Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium high heat. Stir to make sure all sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Allow to cool, then store in refrigerator in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using in coffee drinks.
Nutrition
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Tried tonight. Outstanding. Loved it and please continue to share your wonderful recipes.
Awesome! Thanks for the review, Margaret!
This will be a must try for Christmas this year! Can you tell me where you found your bottles for the syrups?
Thank you for the amazing recipes!
Thanks, Barb! Hope you enjoy it.
I wish I could tell you where I got those bottles but I can't remember!
I made these syrups for our Christmas Eve family get together. We stayed outside around the campfire and drank hot chocolate and coffee. Everyone enjoyed the special touch to make the day feel more special. We decided to forego the big family dinner so we could all stay safe and healthy. Thanks for the fun recipe. Who knew you could shake milk to steam it?
That sounds like a fun, Christmas Eve, Tonya - and certainly a lot easier for everyone! Thanks so much for sharing your special celebration. So happy you enjoyed this recipe as a part of it!
I meant to comment a long time ago! So sorry . . . Thank you Chris, Scott, The Café, and Kitchenaid for picking me as the winner of this beautiful machine! Looking forward to its arrival to make the most delicious drinks that will be perfect for sipping on the cold days ahead. Hope you all are having a wonderful start to the new year.
We're so excited for you too Cathleen! We have a bright candy apple one, (just like yours!) on our countertop and love the delicious espresso it makes! It should be at your door very soon!
My toaster, tea kettle, & George Forman grill are all red!
We could have a party, Sandy!
I love the cold weather this time, which means warm blankets and hot coffee! ALSO breaking out the christmas tree and decorating with the kids!
One of the best things about working in education is the extra time off around the holidays. I cherish the time now afforded to try new recipes, plan and go to relaxing get togethers with family and friends and decompressing til the next semester starts up again. Would love to play with a new KitchenAid coffee drink maker, too! Following all dirrex to maximize my entries. Happy holidays!
I love, love, love this copycat Peppermint Mocha recipe. It takes a few minutes to put the two syrups together, but we have enjoyed several cups of the wonderful-ness. No more expensive drive through drinks for us!!
Well, that's a bummer. My comment never showed up. 🙁
I subscribe to your email
My favorite thing is seeing my parents -- I don't see them very often, so Christmas is always special because of that.
That's such an important part of the holidays Jennifer Anne; connecting with those close to us!
The great holiday food and the cooler, and more reasonable weather here in south florida.
It's always a great break from the heat down there, isn't it Nicole?
I love being able to see my family all together!
We do too Karrie! We just had a houseful last night and it was chaotic, wild and absolutely wonderful!
Getting together with family !!
I'm with you on that one Lanita!
Thanks for the chance to win! I don't have any fancy coffee machines... just a french press. 🙂
You're welcome Rachel! French press is great coffee too! There are so many ways to enjoy those little beans!
The baked goodies are my favorite!
I follow @kitchenaidusa on instagram @thehippiehut32
I follow @thecafesurcefarine on instagram @thehippiehut32
I subscribed to email crazy4bassets25@yahoo.com
My favorite thing about this holiday is the giving spirit. I love giving more than receiving, it makes my heart warm. I would love to win this for my mom.
I love the food.
i love the holiday spirit
Follow both on instagram.
I don't have kids so each year I take the nieces and nephews shopping to get things for their parents. We shop, have lunch, sometimes see a movie. It's one of the few times I spend a lot of alone time with them and it's always delightful.
I would love to win the espresso machine---it is absolutely awesome!! This is the most wonderful time of the year with the lights, music and luscious smells coming from the kitchen. I already subscribe to your website and look forward to your posts. Merry Christmas.
My favorite thing about this year is my son is flying home from the military!
I subscribed to your list and followed both instagram accounts too 🙂
Looks awesome- love hot drinks during the holidays 🙂
This looks great! I can almost smell it! I think the best thing about this time of year is just the giving and seeing the smiles on their faces! Although I practice this everyday it just seems a little more magical during this time. You never know how much just a smile can brighten a persons day!
the holiday decor and songs
i follow kitchenaid on instagram.
i subscribe to the email list.
i follow on instagram.
my favorite thing is the holiday spirit and decor.
My favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with my family and friends! And Nick was right, this recipe is even better than Starbucks! Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas too!
Love entertaining family and friends over the festive season!
I subscribe to your email list as well!
My favorite thing is the spirit of the holidays!! Everyone around you seems so warm and giving at this time, it's contagious and it makes me smile!!
Love the decorating, the music, the cooking and baking, the busyness of preparing for the family to be together. So grateful for all of that! But the best part is the quiet time reflecting on the birth of our Savior.
Family gatherings are a holiday favorite1
Yes please, a peppermint mocha is just what my Monday afternoon needs! I love decorating the tree (my mom and I still do that together), and I love worship on Sundays in December... there's something magical about singing Christmas songs with the white lights all aglow.
What a delicious looking drink! I worked as a barista for over 5 years and was always amazed that people could afford to come in and pay $4 every day! Thanks for sharing this recipe, it take a little practice to get making espresso drinks down but so worth it! Plus with all that money you'll be saving you can enjoy time spent with friends and family (my favorite part of the holidays!!) and of course the fudge ????
The sights and sounds - they lift me out of the cold!
best things this year: Family and to be at good health
Spending time with my family and seeing the smiles on my kids faces best part!
What a wonderful giveaway! I just found your website and can't wait to dig in deeper. My favorite part of the holidays, besides spending time with family, is the cookies! I love how everyone has their own family recipes and favorites. It's fun to share and a great time to enjoy eating sweets without the guilt.
i really love the holiday decor
I actually have two favorite things about this season of the year: family and the special music. I love, love, love Christmas music and I love the fact that family members from far and near make a point of gathering together.
telling everyone about my pregnancy! 🙂
My favorite thing about this season is my family coming together for special dinners, brunches and the like. We usually get together at my house and we have so much fun doing the baking and cooking for each of these times together. All of us are coffee lovers - so what a great giveaway to participate in during this season!
My favorite thing about the holiday's is getting together with my family , this will be a special year because we have a new addition to our family my baby niece.
I love all the decorations and shiny lights, plus the great meals and treats to be had during this time.
My favorite part of the holiday season is being with family! On a side note......This is the most beautiful espresso machine I've ever seen ???? I can't wait to try this recipe too!
Cooking for family!
My favorite part is just watching my kids get really excited for Christmas.
i love making sweets during the holiday season. Following you and kitchenaidusa on instagram
I love the whole spirit of the holidays! For me it's about family, friends, kindnesses, giving and joy.
It is seeing the excitement in the faces of my children and grandchildren. I look forward to this time of year and the warmth it brings to our hearts.
Watching my Grandchildren get up in the morning and seeing all the wonderful things under the tree
OHMYGOODNESS! Thanks for the recipe & chance(s) to win that incredible espresso maker. My favorite thing about Christmas is family ~ and now that all 3 of my boys drink coffee, having a cool machine to gather around Christmas morning would be awesome! 🙂
I have a new favorite thing!
I am going to be a grandma next spring, so my favorite thing will be spoiling her rotten LoL
My favorite baking activity for the holidays is making a gingerbread house!!
Of course, favorite things are family and celebration of the true meaning of the season. Close second would be all the cooking and eating! PS. I made your beef bourguignon soup and my husband said it was by far the best beef/soup/stew meal he have ever had! Thank you for all the great recipes!
I love everything about Christmas! From the decorations, food, music and sharing all of that with family and friends.
Amazing!
I love the traditions- church services (because it really is about Jesus!), Christmas songs, driving through neighborhoods to see the lights, watching old Christmas movies from "Its a Wonderful Life" to "A Christmas Story", opening stocking gifts before breakfast, watching home videos from Christmases past that bring laughter and tears.
I love the extra time with family
OH my..lots of typos..or this dern autocorrect feature on iPad..sorry.
Things change now that I'm older and we are losing so so many loved one..some expected..many not..and a few way too young.
I charity most that I ewas fully engaged with so many of the great men and women who were southern cooks in my family. Creating memories..storytellers..that I am now carry on our cherish traditions I hold dearly.
I learn from a young age standing in my grandmas kitchen chair creating yumminess with her.
Most dear to me is as I'm making a recipe I think of the story or the person..and share the tales to the next generation. A tear may slide down my cheek as I think of my mom who passed a few years ago..asking me every single time.. Vic taste this..does it need more salt..of course it didn't..it was always delicious. Every Christmas for years we would all gather at my mom and dads..
Last year as I was making her sage cornbread dressing for the gathering..I could just hear her ask again..I wish she could..but she was there guiding my hands lovingly in the mixture..I'm sure she was.
Long winded..haha..I'm southern.
Therefore for me it's memories, family,too much food, fellowship, faith, Jesus and a tear rolling down my cheek..followed with laughter, love..a walk , a nap and football..oh and the parade..mom loved that too..the Rose parade on New Years.
Thanks...it's a gorgeous machine..I always wanted a car in candy apple red,,it would be nice on our dessert table.
Merry Christmas
Thanks for sharing all your memories Vickie, so sweet. Holidays are really difficult when we've lost ones we love. I get that. My dad died when I was 9 years old and Christmas was never the same after that. But we do have to carry on and Jesus gives us the strength, hope and encouragement to do just that. Hope you have a really special Christmas.
My favorite thing about this holiday is that I will have all of my children and grandchildren with me this year for Christmas! 🙂
I love Christmas and coffee!
My favorite part of the holiday season is spending time with my family
The best thing about this time of year is the time spent with my husband and family, sharing the Spirit of Christmas.
My favorite thing is the Christmas music. It really takes me back to my childhood.
Spending time with family and the opportunity (excuse) to cook all kinds of yummy dishes!!
I consume numerous espressos each day. They keep me going! 🙂 Changing it up with your flavored version will be perfect for dessert!
I am following both accounts on instagram. I am an email subscriber.
love the new site &that expresso maker!
My favorite thing about the holidays is seeing the joy and love in my nephews faces when they experience all that the holidays are, the lights, snow, family, cookies, adventures, the magic of Christmas!
My favorite part of the holiday is the music!
My favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with my whole family 🙂
My favorite thing about the holidays is reconnecting with family that lives far away.
My favorite thing about the holidays is seeing how kind people can actually be.
I love how the holidays refocus us on family, friends, loving and giving.
My favorite thing is all of the christmas cookies!
The food and drinks are the best part of this time of year
I love the Quiet Advent Morning our church hosts every year at the beginning of advent. A little music, a reflective speaker, and quiet time to meditate in the chapel.
Chris ~ LOVE the new blog, LOVE this post, and LOVE celebrating the reason for this season, Happy Birthday Jesus!! Merry Christmas!!
I froth milk by heating the milk in a glass measuring cup and then making it really frothy by beating it with an old fashioned egg beater I inherited from my grandmother!. Works like a charm.!!
family family family!!!!
My favorite thing about the holidays is the company of my family & friends, the wonderful food and the cheerfulness of holiday decorations and lights.
I just love Christmas and all the holiday Celebrations. Especially singing Carols and baking cookies and squares and Christmas Cake! During Advent awaiting the arrival of Our Christ on Christmas Eve is the most beloved of all things! Merry Christmas to All of you!
I love spending time with family!
Watching my seven-year-old Grandson Andrew gazing at the decorated Christmas tree is my favorite thing during this holiday season. There is such wonderment and anticipation in his beautiful brown eyes.
Love this beautiful drink! I don't ever buy them out - but would love to drink one from time to time. Great recipe!
I love having my 3 sons all home for Christmas, 2 being in college. I love that they get an itch to bake that is done when their sweet tooth strikes say at midnight, making the house smell so glorious!
My favorite thing about this time of year is the family getting together and just enjoying the season. It doesn't have to be about the gifts just being together. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Oh, Chris. I love this on so many different levels! First of all, your posts always make me smile. You write with such enthusiasm and I love that your whole family gets involved too. Second, which is what I enjoy most about this time of year., family gatherings! There is no other time of year when excitement is higher and smiles are bigger. I adore cappuccino, especially in the winter! I would love to be able to serve a festive cappuccino or peppermint mocha to my family. Third, my favorite color is red!
Made your tortilla soup yesterday...about 2 feet of snow has fallen in the past couple of days, the soup really hit the spot!
What do I love most about this year? As a musician, I would have to say that the music of the season stirs my heart and makes me reflective about the meaning of the season! I love playing in a a candlelit space, watching the guests in their finery, seeing the sparkling lights. It is truly magical. On a more personal side, I love the time with my family and remembering the many wonderful memories we have made through the years.
Having the kids come home.
The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year because my busy young adult kids are home and we share meals.....relax and play together while catching up on all that's happening in life!
This is my favorite Starbucks treat! Thanks for sharing the recipe -- love your new site too!
My favorite part about the holiday season is having extra time to spend with family.
Love December, decorations all over , ice candles
Yummy delicious Starbuck's Peppermint Mocha - time of the year to drink that. Christmas is a season to enjoy with families and to celebrate the birth of Christ.
Cookies, trees and family are so very important this time of year.
YUM! Some of my favoite flavors together - chocolate and pepermint! Love, Love, Love. I love Christmas baking. Makes me think of my Mom - and the coffeecakes, cookies, noodles... she used to make. The recipes I have in her handwriting are so precious to me. 🙂
Baking and giving old fashioned Christmas cookies in vintage tins!
My favorite thing about this season is family and the warm wonderful feeling you get when we are together. The prep is a benefit that can't be beat. This Peppermint Mocha may need to be added this year. Yum!
One of my favorite things about Christmas is baking and giving old fashioned Christmas cookies in vintage tims.
Seeing how excited my kids get about holiday traditions is my favorite thing about the holidays...
Celebrating Christmas brings the gifts of warm memories of family and friends long gone.
Candy Apple Red is my favorite color!
Espresso is one of my favorite drinks!
Free prizes are my favorite gift!
LOL This is an awesome treat - both the espresso machine and the copycat recipe. I'll be making up a batch of peppermint mochas this afternoon when my daughter visits.
the family gathering including cousins, aunts, uncles etc which lasts almost 2 days and copious amounts of food, booze, fun and laughter
I love being with family---telling stories, eating good food, laughing and just being together!
I am a tea drinker, but this one looks just too good to miss in life!
The very best thing about Christmas is remembering the true meaning and how there is joy even when their may be sadness around you.
Looks amazing! My favorite part about the holidays is decorating the tree with Christmas music going and family around!!
Spending time with family! And friends!
Love the smells of Christmas, cinnamon, turkey, evergreens they all trigger happy memories
I love decorating my house and baking all kinds of goodies for everyone!
For many years I have been making many batches of my caramels and wrapping them in colorful wrappers and packaging them in festive cellophane bags and passing them out to all the sweet people that I have come in contact with over the year. I especially enjoy those wonderful servers at Costco and Sam's Club who have served me taste treats all year and don't always get noticed by hurried customers. I love passing them out to the cashiers and shelf stockers at the Goodwill and other thrift stores I frequent during the year. I stop by the station that services my car and the cashiers at the grocery store and keep them nearby for the servers in restaurants. The smiles and hugs and friendships I have made with the Merry Christmas wishes that go along with the candies, is what makes me look forward to this holiday season the most.
This year we have an added blessing of our first two grandbabies to celebrate this Christmas!
You have such a loving heart! How kind of you to remember everyone that way!
I love that we are going to visit our son and dil who live across the country!
Baking cookies with the kids is the best!
Singing Christmas carols is my favorite part of this time of year.
I look forward to all the church and community Christmas programs and music each year. I am singing in one this year with a symphony orchestra and chorale. I am excited and delighted and deeply moved.
My favorite thing is that I get to spend some time at my daughter's home.
I love hosting Christmas brunch for friends and family. Cheer to all!
I never had the Starbucks version, but yours sounds delicious! I love the lights and baking up deliciousness during this holiday season.
I love seeing my grandbabies faces light up when they open their gifts and having the whole family together for Christmas.
The Christmas stocking is my favorite tradition . When I was about 7 years old I found a little black kitten in my stocking. My mother filled our stockings every year until the year she passed away. That was 44 years of Christmas stockings.
I have so many favorites! It's spending time with family, cherishing all of our traditions. The beginning of the month is so busy and hectic, it makes the holiday itself seem slower and more peaceful.
being with family and friends who are able to come in from out of state is what I really look forward to during the Holiday Season
My favorite part of this time of year is hanging ornaments on the tree as a family!
I Subscribed to the Café email list. and following both accounts on instagram
I love the holiday movies - home alone, the santa clause, Christmas vacation, they always put me in a great mood! and I love the beautiful decorations!
My favorite thing is to share my favorite baked goods and candy with friends. I can't wait to try the copycat Mocha Peppermint coffee...sounds heavenly!
My favorite thing about the holidays is being able to spend more time with my family, especially my grandchildren. Can't wait to try this recipe!!
My favorite thing is spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren.
Getting together with family and friends to celebrate, baking and overall feeling of the season!
Just the recipes for the syrups alone are priceless! How long will they keep in the fridge? Or the cabinet?
Thanks Ginny, they'll keep well for a week to 10 days, probably more - if they last 🙂
The best part of the holiday season is sharing the warmth of family and wonderful food traditions.
Family time, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
I simply love watching Christmas movies (particularly "It's a Wonderful Life"") while wrapping Christmas gifts.
That sounds so cozy!
I love getting together with family for all the extra fun activities of the holiday.
It is definitely one of the most special times of the year!
This time of year is best for spending time with family. And I love taking the time to fix our favorite holiday treats for all my family and friends. This peppermint mocha will be just the thing to serve with a nice slice of pound cake.
I'm with you on that one Abbey!
I love this time of year because of all the pretty lights and the time we get to spend with our friends & family cooking and eating good food.
It is such a special and unique time of year, a time to savor what's most important!
My favorite thing about this time of year is being able to celebrate Christmas multiple times in multiple ways. The holiday can be remembered with reflective simplicity or with regal abundance. Last night we got together with friends for soup & salad before sharing poems and singing carols. Tomorrow we have a concert at church followed by a cookie & hot chocolate reception. Although my husband and I won't be able to travel to be with our parents and siblings this year, we will enjoy celebrating Jesus birth with our church family. We look forward to sharing a Christmas feast with friends following the morning service on Christmas Sunday.
Sounds like a wonderful Christmas despite not being with family. Love hearing about all your lovely merry-making 🙂
I smiled when I read the lines about watching to make sure that the mixture doesn't boil over. When I was teaching in Bogota, Colombia, one of my student's house helper said something similar: that the milk for hot chocolate would never boil until you turned your back. My Spanish comprehension wasn't very good at that point, but I understood! Cooking is a universal language ( :
The birth of our Lord and Savior!
I agree Kim!
My mouth is watering just reading about that Peppermint Mocha. My favorite part of the holiday was always the quietude of Christmas night after everything was over and my husband and I could relax in front of the fire. Sadly, he passed away at the end of June, so I am trying to make new traditions this year, which is not easy.
So sorry to hear that Pattie, sounds like you have wonderful memories. And you're so smart to make some new, special traditions!
My favorite thing about the holiday is all the decorations and lights.
I agree Lisa, there is so much beauty at this time of year!
My favorite thing about the holidays is being with my family
So special Courtney!
The holidays were a rough time when I was growing up (abusive dysfunctional household). They are still hard for me, so I apply myself to trying to make good memories and good times for my children. I want them to have the good experiences I did not have. 🙂 I love my kids!
You're leaving a wonderful legacy for them Susie! It's a strong person who doesn't fall into the same ruts they grew up with! God bless you!
I have an added family member - my new granddaughter! Not only does she make Christmas better, she makes every single day brighter!
Aww... that's so sweet Amy, I know exactly what you mean!
I love that weather has turned cooler , and I love peppermint mochas!
I know, we just took a long walk in the cold. It feels so good to be bundled up. A peppermint mocha would be perfect right now except it's bedtime. Maybe in the morning 🙂
I love this time of year because it's when warm foods come back into season! Lasagnas, pot pies and chilis, oh my! I get to feel the weight of the blanks in bed, cozy up with my pup, and drink hot beverages (mulled wine anyone?). But most of all, I love connecting with friends and familly and verbalizing my appreciation and love for each of them. They make me who I am and I am so grateful!
Such a beautiful way to express the beauty of family and friends Leah!
Cold sunny days with the fire crackling and the smell of yummyness fills the air though out the house. I love to bake and when the opportunity arises to make mounds of cookies well that is where you will find me. Oh yes cant forget hot cocoa with peppermint essential oils way to delightful and tempting with all those cookies sitting around pending homes.
Today was that cold, sunny day here in North Carolina Mirinda!
I love the time spent with the family and friends. Having a big get together and exchange gifts!
So fun and so precious Vero!
Cant tell you how much I love to bake. This time of year gives me all the more reason to enjoy my time in the kitchen. Love the smell throughout the house. I especially enjoy when my family and friends rant and rave about the yummyness that finds its way out the door. Have you ever had someone tell you...every time I am around you, you smell like baked goodness. Now I am not sure how I should take that but, this time of year I think I need to bottle the smells for everyone to enjoy.
Haha Miranda! I love it, you're my kind of girl!
Spending time with the family and doing fun activities leading up to Christmas!
Scott always talks about getting all the Christmas decorations out with his mom and setting them up throughout the house. It's one of his fondest memories of childhood.
My favorite thing is spending time with my family. We're a small bunch, but create so much fun- laughing, eating, carrying on, telling stories! These times are very treasured in our busy lives. We can simply be together, is such a blessing.
That's awesome Kate! You're right, we have to treasure every moment with loved ones!
My favorite thing about this time of year is celebrating Christmas with family, friends, and good food!
You're right up my alley Sara!
The thing I love most about the holidays is celebrating the birth of our Savior--Jesus Christ---with family and friends!! And remembering that despite the hectic nature of the season, the most important thing is to sit at His feet.
So true Sharon, thank you for this beautiful comment!
All the cookies! And the family time, but I seriously need some coffee and cookies to get me through some of those family gatherings 🙂
It does get a little hectic, doesn't it Holly?
My favorite thing about THIS holiday season is having my husband home from deployment for Christmas.
Thank you for the yummy Peppermint Mocha recipe, that is my favorite drink at Starbucks this time of year but sometimes I find it a little too sweet, this way I can adjust the sweetness.
That thrills us Samantha! So happy for you. Make lots of peppermint mochas!!
My favorite thing is spending time with the family.
Favourite thing about the holidays are family, friends and food!
My favorite thing is the family time and getting together to enjoy the holiday.
My favorite thing about the holidays is the time spent with friends and family.
My favorite thing about the holidays is having my family all together, especially my grandkids!
Nice new website. One of our favorite things about the holidays is all the new and interesting food we make and enjoy with family and friends. Thanks for your help with that.
My favorite thing about the holiday season is spending time with family.
My favorite thing about the holiday season is BAKING COOKIES and giving them to friends and family! It's been a tradition in our family since I was a kid. We would mark out an entire day to bake and decorate cookies. Through the years, I have added so many other cookie varieties to the fun, that I spend a few days baking. I've kept my standards high though and pride myself on the fact that my cookies must look pretty and taste even better than they look. I guess that's why so many of my friends call me "the cookie baker."
I love the new site design! Happy Holidays!!!
That is such fun Vicki! Especially with the little ones!
I love reflecting on the reason for the Season! The beautiful hymns..."Mary did you know"...gives me goose bumps! Sweet time to give thanks,visit w/friends and family plus try some new recipes! ..and love the decorations!
Thanks Patti! It truly is a time for reflection, faith and family.
Looks delicious!!! Will check out the espresso machine as I've been wanting one since I left barista job in college.
It's a really nice machine Melissa. Scott and Nick love the Italian influences and double boilers!
My favorite thing about this season is spending time with family while celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus.
It just doesn't get any better than that, does it Melissa?
Y favorite thing about the season is sharing good food and good beverages while visiting with friends.
Isn't it amazing how filled up our calendars can get this time of the year? But it's all good, when it's family, faith and friends Sandra!
I've been following your blog for a while and love many of your recipes. I first found you on Pinterest! This time of year I love warm beverages but more fun is trying yummy cookies recipes with our little ones.
Thanks for your sweet comment Amy! Cookies and little ones, a match made in heaven!
LOVE CHRISTMAS!
Everything about it especially now with grandchildren. And cooking things off your website!❤️❤️
So sweet! Thanks Beth!
My favorite thing about the holiday season is all of my family and friends getting together and just having a good time. I also love baking some yummy christmas desserts with my mom!
Love Peppermint Mocha...thank you! Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. It is a time to focus on gratefulness ....because of the perfect Gift that was given. I love the joy of the season and the time to celebrate with family.
What a wonderful giveaway! I love looking at all the beautiful lights & baking up a storm.
If I had to choose one thing, it would be all the baked goodies!!
Love Peppermint Mocha...thank you! Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. It's a time to focus on gratefulness...for the perfect Gift we received. I love the spirit of joy it gives us and our time with family.
At this time of year, I love seeing how excited my kids get about everything. They are getting older, but holding on tight to Christmas magic and I am trying to enjoy it for as long as I possibly can!
Can't say enough about Kitchen Aid... my entire kitchen is Kitchen Aid.... and can't tell you enough how much I enjoy your blog.....
Thanks so much, that's very sweet of you to say! I've been a KitchenAid gal for years, too many to count!
My favorite things about this season....there are so many...
Afternoon walks in the crisp air, wrapped in my favorite wool scarf, the scent of wood-burning stoves carried on the breezes... And Mmm, the smells floating through the house... of cinnamon and allspice, of pots of chili bubbling on the stove, of the blue spruce or pine needles of the freshly cut tree... Sitting around the table with dear friends and family, after we've just finished a delicious feast, everyone laughing and telling stories and talking at once... Being cozy in my cable throw, tucked up in my reading chair with a warm cup of hot chocolate or tea (or peppermint mocha!) and watching the snow falling softly beyond the windows...
...It's such a special time of year!
My favorite thing during the Holiday season is getting together with family and friends and I don't get to see often.
I love getting together with our out of state children at Christmas AND I love red!!!! That machine is gorgeous!!!
Would love to win this awesome machine! It would be fun to be able to make lattes and capaccino right there during family gatherings. Which is my favorite part of Christmas. A close second is fires in the fireplace and the third has to be cooking and baking family favorites. We are so blessed to have our family fairly close by. Thanks for the chance to win!
My favorite things about Christmas are the family times, Christmas caroling and the continuation of meaningful traditions.
I always love the red and white colors that say Chrisrmas to me. Peppermint, coffee and chocolate! What could be better!
My favorite thing is spending time with family.
My favorite thing this time of year is getting to bake yummy sweets
that I normally would only bake on special occasions. Also, getting
to see your family more is the best!!!!
Fall colors, good food, holiday decorations and family gatherings. They're the best. And then here comes all to good recipes to try from Chris and Pinterest. Yum.
The peppermint mocha sounds delicious! I can't wait to make it using that new "Red" Kitchen Aid Pro Line Espresso maker that I am going to win 😉 Thanks for the chance and Merry Christmas!
My favorite thing is to spend time with family, Happy Holidays Chris, great video!
I love listening and singing the Christmas songs
I guess seeing people be more joyful this time of year. I know it is supposed to be to celebrate the birth of JESUS, but he really wasn't born in December.
I love this time of year to celebrate Christmas with my whole family together!
I follow the cafe' on Pinterest and Instagram and receive your emails. Thank you for doing this! My family and I thoroughly enjoy your recipes! 🙂
I love spending time with our family, reflecting on God's grace throughout the year, and the feeling the spirit of Christmas.
I love to see the grandkids open presents!
when I was a young child Christmas was so exciting and why not; the idea of all those wonderful presents would delight any child. The years came and went and the excitement I once knew now belonged to my children, but for me, as a single mom, was replaced with financial concerns. My children are grown and can now delight in their children's smiles and squeals. Yes, Christmas is wonderful and for me the best time for remembering days gone by and thoughts of the tomorrows to come. The best way to do this is while nibbling in one of Chris' cookies and enjoying a cappuccino or espresso.
Merry Christmas to all.
My favorite thing is just being able to cook a memorable meal, spend time with our children, and just being able to sit back and enjoy every minute of it watching them. 🙂
My favorite thing is just being able to cook a memorable meal, spend time with our children, and just being able to sit back and enjoy every minute watching them. 🙂
I love that people make extra effort to get together with friends and family
Ohh so many things.... All the lights and decorations all over..The smells everywhere.....Cooking and baking and sharing with beloved family and dear friends <3 Since its winter.a lots of great coffee 😀
My favorite things about this time of year are the Christmas trees and baking.
I love be warm with my family and friends , first putting the tree , decorated the house , baking cookies, cook for everybody and take a good coffee !
My favorite thing is spending time with family.
Favorite thing about this time of year is all the yummy food that my family and I make & enjoy together!
We enjoy flavored coffee drinks. Look forward to trying your version with my family Thank you
Getting together with friends and family - love it.
The best part of the holidays is the food, drink and friends!
The quiet moments sitting by the fire with my husband
I think the best thing about this season is seeing people turn on their kindness. They step more outside their usual "shells" to give, be happy and share that happiness with others. That happens in many different ways, but I think it returns us, at least a little, to our natural humanity.
I love baking!
My fav thing about this time of year is the Christmas music, and the excuse to indulge in all sorts of spectacular food.
I love the festive atmosphere and spending fun time with my family.
I love cooking, baking etc with my kitchenmaid appliances and sharing it with family and friends. This beautiful espresso maker would be a added treat.
Peppermint Mocha is my favorite too!! Can't wait to try.
My fav part of this time of year is enjoying time with family and friends!
I love making Christmas cookies to share with friends and family.
My husband is a lover of anything coffee. I would love to have this beautiful machine to make some new coffee beverages. Another great Kitchen Aid product.
My favorite thing during the Christmas Season: Our Moravian Church Candlelight Lovefeast...that IS Christmas. Blessings to you and yours! Janie Foltz
Cookies!
This time of the year, well every time of the year, I enjoy food! In the summer, I love all of the produce, and going out to the garden to pick fresh vegetables. And in the fall/winter, I love root vegetables and winter squashes, and lots of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, etc.), slow cooked soups and stews and braised meats. I feel like life slows down a little bit this time of the year. Maybe it's because the holiday season reminds us of what's most important--our loved ones, maybe it's because we have more time since the colder weather and snow eliminates the need for outdoor chores, or maybe it's because we make time since it's cold and dark out. Regardless, that's my favorite part of this time of the year--slowing down, and enjoying time with friends and family or just cuddling up on the couch with a good book or movie.
A peppermint mocha would go very well with my cuddle time on the couch, on a lazy, snowy Sunday. Mmm, I see this in my future! Even better would be a gingerbread latte. Any plans to make a copy cat version of that one?!
Spending time with my family is the best thing about the Christmas season. Coffee is second.
Can't wait to try this recipe...ooops...don't have an espresso maker! I'll have to improvise if I don't win! I love peppermint Mocha!
Thanks so much for the helpful tip for using a glass jar to steam the milk...another use for those mason jars! I've always loved Christmas. I love all the beautiful decorations, the music, the lights and baking/cooking special treats for my family & friends. Would love to share a homemade espresso with a batch of homemade treats!
I'm sure the reason that it's better th and starbucks is that I a made with loving hands from your kitchen and not with bottled sauces. Beautiful!
Sorry for typos. My fave thing about Christmas this year will be when my 2 college-aged children come home for the holidays.
I love spending time with the family, Makine cookies, putting up tree, making neighbor gifts etc
Love the family times together!
I love spending time with family watching Christmas movies, baking cookies and playing games!
I would LOVE to try one of these, as I love everything Kitchen Aid, including their pots and pans! Great idea for a giveaway
dang - that shiny red toy looks like fun!! Everything you post looks delicious - - and what I've tried has all come out beautifully, so now I'm ready to try making that Peppermint Mocha on my soon-to-be-won new
machine!! wish me luck! and Thanks!!
I love making the cookies that my grandmother and mother made every Christmas
I love the happiness of people and family reunion. Somehow people become more compassionate which the most beautiful thing that happens to our soul.