Seattle's Best So Simple Iced Coffee

Have I ever told you the story of how Brad and I met?  Well, our little love story started out like this...

One fateful summer day, I stumbled into a little coffee shop right down the street from my new college apartment.  It was smack in the middle of an ideallyic little area called English Village and was called Joe Muggs Newsstand.  I had just moved to Birmingham, AL with one of my best friends, Mary Katherine, to go to college.  We wanted part-time jobs, and low and behold, Joe Muggs was hiring!

We filled out our applications and both got hired.  What a massively fun job that was!  I became a "Master Barista" and could make a mean iced coffee, cappuccino, mocha, or whatever your coffee-lovin' heart desired.  Those were such fun times that I'll never forget.  I could go on and on with stories about working in that little shop.

Shortly after I started the job, I met a handsome fellow that also happened to work there.  Yep, you guessed it...His name was Brad.  I had a crush on this Brad guy and eventually talked one of my co-workers into talking to him on my behalf.  I know, I know...the easy way out, right??  :)

Well, their conversation went well, and Brad and I started dating.  The rest folks, is history.  We've been happily married for over 8 years now.  I can't believe it...My, how time flies!

Joe Muggs Newsstand

 

That hubby of mine is always goofing off!

As you can imagine, coffee holds a special place in our hearts.  In fact, the favors at our wedding were coffee packets with custom labels - "Brad & Celeste, The Perfect Blend."  We even had a custom coffee-chocolate groom's cake!

So, when the great folks at Seattle's Best Coffee recently contacted me to let me know that their House Blend Coffee was now available at Publix stores, I was thrilled to hear this news and so excited to give it a try...especially this particular Iced Coffee recipe.  With summer *officially* here, the temperatures in Alabama are rising quickly, and iced coffee is a refreshing substitute on these sweltering days.

This recipe brings backs memories of the Iced Coffee we used to serve at Joe Muggs.  The flavor is rich, yet smooth.  It's really quite delicious!!  Plus, it's made from high quality, Latin American, arabica beans.  Even the coffee connoisseur hubby of mine was impressed.  After just one sip, he was in love!

 Also, from 6/14/14 to 7/4/14, House Blend is on special at Publix: Roast and Ground House Blend packaged coffee is just $4.99, and House Blend K-cup® Packs are $5.99.  You can't beat that!

You can find more information and additional recipes at  www.seattlesbest.com.

Bon Appetit, my friends!

Seattle's Best So Simple Iced Coffee
Source:  Seattle's Best Coffee

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups cold water
1 1/2 cups ground Seattle’s Best Coffee® House Blend

Supplies:
Bowl
Mixing spoon
Coffee filter or cheese cloth
Strainer
Carafe or bowl with lid

Directions:
Pour grounds into a bowl. Add 1 cup cold water and stir gently. Slowly add remaining 1 1/2 cups cold water, agitating the grounds as little as possible.

Cover, steep at room temperature for 12 hours.

Strain the coffee grounds through a filter. Store concentrate in refrigerator up to 5 days.

To serve, add 1 part coffee concentrate to 3 parts water over ice. Enjoy your smooth-tasting iced coffee with your favorite mix-ins or toppings

Yields 1 cup / 300m

I’m participating in a Seattle’s Best Coffee® blogger campaign and received compensation as part of the program.  However, all opinions and reviews are 100% my own. 

Very Berry Smoothie

***What's the perfect light lunch on a hot summer day? You guessed it...a cold, delicious mixed berry smoothie. The honey, vanilla and cinnamon in this recipe really adds that something special. I love a nice mix of different berries, so I just used mixed frozen berries. However, please feel free to substitute a mixture of your favorite frozen fruit. I added a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.***

Ingredients:
2 cups mixed, frozen berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, & blackberry)

1 (8 ounce) container vanilla yogurt
1 cup 2% low-fat milk
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch cinnamon

Fresh mint, for garnish

Directions:
* Combine all ingredients in blender.

* Blend until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes.

* Pour into 2 large glasses. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

* Serve immediately.

Bahama Mama!

***I can't believe I haven't made a single post since July 20th...I apologize! Things have been extremely busy at work. So busy, that I only had time to actually cook dinner one night last week...I know, that's pretty bad, huh? Our dinners consisted of fast food and restaurants. I spent every evening working on a ginormous project for work. I finished it today...but now I get to start on another one! But, I've got some great recipes coming up, so please don't stop reading! After next Tuesday (the due date), I should be finished with these big projects (at least for a little while).

After such a busy week, I think it's only suitable that I post one of my favorite drinks...quite the stress-reducer...lol. The "Bahama Mama" has always been a favorite of mine. It reminds me of sitting on the beach in the Bahamas, watching the sunset....Ahhh, to be there right now!

Here it is...there are tons of different ways to make these. This recipe is one of the simplest and tastes the most authentic...enjoy!***

Ingredients:

1 part orange juice

1 part pineapple juice

1 part coconut rum

1/2 part grenadine

Sliced oranges and cherries for garnish

Directions:

Fill your glass with crushed ice. In a separate pitcher, mix orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, and grenadine. Stir well. Pour over ice. Add orange slices and cherries as garnish.