Excerpt from the Fort Worth Star Telegram on Tuesday, Jan. 08, 2013
By Celestina Blok
Special to the Star-Telegram
Nothing warms a body more during the winter months than a hot beverage enjoyed by the fire.
And with these five recipes for standout sippers (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) from area chefs, bartenders and baristas, your go-to box of hot cocoa packets may sit untouched for a spell.
That’s right — break out the brandy snifters, demitasse cups and heavy glass mugs; we’re ready for one hot toast.
Spiced Turkish coffee
Now we can get a taste of the Flying Carpet Cafe’s cozy, Old World ambiance in our own living rooms, thanks to chef sisters Callie and Devon Doyle’s recipe for spiced Turkish coffee. Sweeteners aren’t needed, as the hot milk, chocolate cocoa pieces and savory spices meld to create a smoothly satisfying kick of flavor. That bit of heat at the end is cayenne, a welcome component that warms our insides as winter’s frost sets in. Located in a restored 1909 house, the tiny cafe is part restaurant, part Turkish rug shop, and whether we’re relishing this toasty beverage there or at home, we feel a lingering sense of comfort.
Makes five 8-ounce cups
2 pints whole milk (may substitute skim milk if desired)
6 ounces ground Turkish coffee (See note)
4 discs 72 percent cocoa El Rey chocolate (available at Central Market)
3 cardamom seeds, crushed
3 whole cloves
3 small pinches cayenne pepper (or less, to taste, for less spicy coffee)
2 pinches Chinese five-spice seasoning
1. Place milk and coffee in a small saucepan. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and simmer briefly. Remove from stove. 2. Whisk ingredients together until thoroughly blended. Strain to remove sediment. Serve hot in small Turkish coffee cups, demitasse or espresso cups.
Note: Turkish coffee is available at Avoca Coffee, 1311 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth, 682-233-0957; avocacoffee.com
Nutritional analysis per serving: 283 calories, 12 grams fat, 34 grams carbohydrates, 11 grams protein, 27 milligrams cholesterol, 110 milligrams sodium, trace dietary fiber, 37 percent of calories from fat.
