#howyoubrewin

[pjrobesq]

I don’t know why I switched from decaf. #friendshipday @friends @centralperk_cafe #howyoubrewin https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZ2tpWpRzAymokfGFGOPZystOWqvmqyRDcW8c0/?igshid=1r7y3d0ok5brz

[thecalorieguru-blog]

Skip the Line at Starbucks (and the artificial flavoring!)

Rise and shine! My day does not start until I’ve had at LEAST one cup of coffee. I’ve been an avid coffee drinker since the seventh grade. Granted, I haven't always supported the self-brewing method. In fact, I actually used to buy coffee from Starbucks a minimum of twice a day, without fail. But, after learning of the endless benefits of brewing from home, I’ve never looked back. The next time that you're craving a grande iced coffee with milk, why not make your own cold brew for a fraction of the cost, without the six pumps of artificial liquid sugar?

It all starts at the grocery store. I buy organic, freshly-roasted coffee in bulk from Whole Foods Market. People often associate the words “organic” and “bulk” with a hefty price tag. After reading this, you’ll see just how affordable making your own coffee can be. You’ll be navigating the grocery store like a pro, without maxing your credit card. Choose a roast that works for you. For me, the darker the beans, the better. I buy the organic French roast for $13.99 per pound. Incase you didn't know, a full bag of coffee beans is about a pound, so you're only paying $14 bucks for about two weeks worth of fresh coffee. The average cost of an iced coffee drink from Starbucks is anywhere from $2.50 to $4.00, depending on the type of milk or flavoring that you add in. Aside from being organic, the bulk beans offered at Whole Foods brew a bolder, cleaner batch of coffee. Once you choose your desired roast, simply grind em’ up either in store, or at home and prepare to enjoy the cleanest cup of cold brew you've ever had!

I use the CHEMEX 6-cup coffee maker, which goes for about $40 at retailers like Nordstrom, or even Urban Outfitters. They’re significantly cheaper than espresso machines, which can easily go for well over $300. Think of it this way, spend $40 once and get a lifetime of coffee. A $40 Starbucks gift card would last me about a week, if I were really spending carefully. While I prefer this method, any coffee brewer will work. Aside from the coffee maker, I use CHEMEX’s pre-folded, all natural coffee filters. Each box has 100 filters, sold for only $8.90 from their website. It’s important to use all natural coffee filters to make sure that there aren't any chemicals or oils being filtered into your morning cup of joe.

After choosing a brewing method that works for you, simply add in your fresh grounds, boil some water in a teapot, and get brewing! Here’s a procedure on how I make my ideal cup of coffee:

Put about a tablespoon of organic honey into your favorite cup (I use to-go cups so I can grab it right before I leave in the morning)

Pour in your freshly brewed coffee and mix the two together (this prevents the honey from clumping)

Add in a splash of unsweetened, organic almond milk (feel free to substitute almond milk for soy or coconut milk, or enjoy it black!)

Chill  your coffee overnight and enjoy in the morning either at home, or on your way to work, school, etc.

My recipe makes a great tasting drink that is easily under 50 calories, depending on the amount of milk and honey that you put in. I use honey as a sweetener instead of traditional sugar because of the crazy health benefits and the great taste. Honey contains antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-fungal enzymes, and flavonoids that reduce the risk of some cancers and even heart disease. It also helps to keep your throat healthy, which is great for me considering how much I talk during the day. Adding this to your daily coffee instead of chemical-filled sugar syrup is certainly a better option! A half-gallon of 365-brand organic, unsweetened almond milk goes for about $3. This entire half gallon is cheaper than most drinks from any coffee retailer, not just Starbucks. The honey will add sweetness to your coffee, so there’s really no need to buy pre-sweetened almond milk. Almond milk adds a great nutty flavor to your coffee, while only containing 40 calories for a whole cup. I add in just a splash, which amounts to 15 calories or less! Almond milk is also cholesterol free, and contains no saturated fat. It’s almost too good to be true.

By making coffee at home instead of buying a cup per day, you’re in control of everything that goes in, while saving tons of money. I really hope that you try this recipe, and establish a long-lasting habit of home brewing. It’s time to take control of what goes into our coffee! Enjoy everyone!

Until next time,

- Gio

[itsstellashades]

#HowYouBrewin #lbi #vscocam