Cold-Pressed Coffee, where have you been all my life?

Ah, cold-pressed coffee.  What can I say? You are delicious!  I can't believe it took me this long to try you.  After several trips to Trader Joe's in State College, I finally broke down and bought an $8 bottle of concentrated coffee.  It seems expensive until you factor in how many delicious iced lattes, mochas, and other coffee-inspired beverages you can make out of just one bottle.  A little goes a long way, the flavor is not bitter due to the brewing process, and the bottle keeps in the fridge for up to 30 days (if the bottle lasts that long, of course... I do like to make a couple drinks out of it each day).

Due to an affinity for trying new things, I plan to try cold brewing on my own with some filtered water and ground coffee.  It should be easy enough... I think...  You just put the ground beans into a container, add water, and let it sit out for 12 hours before straining and storing in the fridge. I'll let you know how it turns out... Some day.  In the meantime I will continue to pick up a bottle at Trader Joe's on my semi-weekly trips.

So far, I've tried the cold brew in a few different concoctions so far,usually made or served in a 1 quart mason jar, and they've turned out wonderfully. Mason jars are great for the iced mochas especially because measuring, mixing and serving dirty only one dish!  As someone that loves making things but hates cleaning, the fewer dishes the better.

My usual go-too recipe for an easy iced mocha is pretty basic and easy to customize with flavored syrups or spices.  A particular favorite is adding a splash of peppermint syrup.

Iced Mocha

Chocolate syrup

Cold-pressed coffee

Milk (almond, coconut, cow, goat... You pick)

Ice cubes

Pour chocolate syrup in a wide mouth 1qt mason jar, approximately 1/8 inch covering the bottom. Next pour cold brewed coffee to second line (more or less depending on taste). Add a few ice cubes and fill remaining space with the milk of your choice. Place lid securely on jar and shake, shake, shake until the ingredients are combined.  Remove lid and serve immediately. For a stronger "iced" mocha, skip the ice cubes. Be sure to shake the coffee and chocolate syrup to combine prior to adding the milk (it makes it easier to introduce the ingredients more smoothly).

For a heartier, more filling beverage, the cold pressed coffee is also great in a smoothie!  Full of healthy nutrients, this is one of my favorite breakfasts!

In a blender, mix the ingredients (or any ingredients you think would be tasty) then pour it into a mason jar or another beverage container and serve. 

Farfalle Primavera Alla Vodka

There is something about a good pasta dish that simply makes the day better. Last night, I made Farfalle Primavera Alla Vodka after work and it was scrumptious.  Thinking ahead to tonight's meal, I made the full pound of pasta. Usually I just make enough for a bowl or 2 because I'm not a big fan of leftovers.  However, tonight's meal will be using the remaining al dente pasta and alla vodka sauce along with some additional ingredients to make a lazy lasagna. It's lazy because the noodles are relatively flat on their own and I don't have to strategically layer large flat noodles neatly in a baking pan.  More on lazy lasagna later.

Farfalle Primavera Alla Vodka

Farfalle pasta (aka bow ties)

Jar of alla vodka sauce

Frozen vegetables (I used the broccoli/cauliflower/carrot mix)

Cook the farfalle according to instructions on the box. Heat sauce and vegetables in separate pots.  Place serving of pasta, sauce, and veggies in a bowl and serve.