by Sheila Rae Watson

Created on: February 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 26, 2009

Ever since I had my first cup I have been a coffee lover. So I know good coffee and do enjoy it very often. For variety I add different creamers, sweeteners and flavors into my coffee, or at times I even drink it black.

I make fun and fabulous flavored gourmet coffees too, here are a few of those fancy discoveries I've made over the years. If you love gourmet flavored coffees but do not want to pay top dollar for them, it is time to make your own delicious coffees.

Easy to put together and super delicious these blends will be sure to calm any coffee scorched palate.

Let's not waste any time, here are only a few of my favorite recipes; you will love them.

~Alexander Espresso

1 cup cold water

2 tbsp. ground espresso coffee

1/2 ea Cinnamon stick (3" long)

4 tsp. creme de cacao

2 tsp. Brandy

2 tbsp. whipping cream, chilled

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, chopped

Use your espresso machine for this or just make extra strong coffee.

Break cinnamon stick into small pieces and add to hot espresso. Allow to cool for 1 minute. Add creme de cacao and brandy, and stir gently. Pour into cute demitasse cups.

Whip the cream, and float some cream on top of each cup. For looks, garnish with grated chocolate or fancy chocolate curls. Multiply proportions by six and it is perfect for a party. Serves 2

~Alpine Carnival

2 tbsp. instant coffee

1 tsp. vanilla

2 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. water

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1/2 cup whipped cream

Divide instant coffee and vanilla evenly between two Spanish coffee glasses. In a small heavy saucepan, dissolve sugar in the teaspoon of water. Over medium heat, stir dissolved sugar until it reaches a full boil.

Immediately remove from heat and stir in boiling water. Divide sugar mixture between coffee glasses and top with a dollop of whipped cream. Makes 2-6 oz servings.

~Maraschino Coffee

1 cup black coffee

1 oz. Amaretto

Whipped cream

1 Maraschino cherry

1 tsp. cherry juice

Fill coffee mug or cup with hot coffee. Stir in amaretto and juice. Top with pressurized whipped cream and cherry. Serve with teaspoon.

~Maple Coffee

1 cup half-and-half

1/4 cup Maple syrup

1 cup hot strong brewed coffee

Sweetened whipped cream

Cook half-and-half and maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, stiffing constantly, until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Stir in coffee, and serve with sweetened whipped cream.

~Mexican Spiced Coffee

3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar

6 Cloves, crush just before using

6 Julienne sliced orange zest

3 Cinnamon sticks

6 tbsp. Coffee (NOT instant)

In a large saucepan, heat 6 cups of water with the brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and crushed cloves over moderately high heat until the mixture is hot, but do not let it boil.

Add coffee; bring the mixture to a boil. Boil three minutes stirring occasionally. Strain the coffee through a fine sieve and serve in coffee cups with the orange zest.

If you yearn for a good cup of coffee simply adapt these recipe to your own tastes, make them often invite friends for coffee, and some very lively conversation. Serve with espresso brownies for even more fun!

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