Momma Told Me: Starbucks Holiday Roast and Market Fresh #DeliciousPairings Make For Flavorful Gifts

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Starbucks Holiday Roast and Market Fresh #DeliciousPairings Make For Flavorful Gifts

delicious pairings
Momma Told Me: Like a cup of fresh coffee and a slice of Momma's apple pie.

There are some things in this world that we simply know are meant to go together. That's how the iconic phrase "Like peanut butter and jelly" came to be, and who Momma swore up and down any fresh baked good wasn't properly enjoyed unless accompanied with a cup of her favorite fresh roast coffee. My loyal readers already know I inherited a passion for the brewed bean from Momma, who essentially spoon fed the stuff to me from 12; but, much like the 'Cop-Donut-Coffee' #DeliciousPairings stereotype, Momma would never be seen sipping without her favorite freshly baked pastry. Not only did I learn a strong appreciation for various brews undertones, much like an aged oak whiskey, but I was taught the importance of proper pairing. Nothing was more crucial than the careful selection of seasonal baked goods to compliment the year's Winter blend. And no single coffee brand was trusted more, in my household, than quintessential Starbucks.
Starbuckstiramisu
Recall those infamous 7 hour, 3 grocery store, weekly coupon treks with my Momma? They'd always start at 6AM, and begin with a much anticipated (and Momma would argue, needed) trip the the Starbucks kiosk inside our local Safeway. This was a treat for us, as Momma's strict budget kept this name brand splurge to coffee shop visits; we rarely would afford the treat of a bag in our home. Now managing my own household I still hold the flame for that evergreen mermaid, Starbucks the pillar of coffee excellence at home, and on the go, in my opinion. There is something simply indulgent about enjoying a simple cup of fresh roast coffee, inside one of these chains. The buzzing atmosphere and trendy vibe keeps this coffeehouse much more than a stop, but a hotspot hangout for friends and family. Knowing I can take a bit of that simple indulgence home, with Ground Starbucks, and K-Cups, is the perfect incentive for any long Winter day. Nothing illustrates this more for me, than Starbucks 2012 Holiday Blend with "Notes of Spicy and Sweet, with Hints of Comfort and Joy."
Artisan Freshtiramisu
I recently discovered that my favorite seasonal blend, the yearly Starbucks Holiday Blend, is not only sold in 28oz Value Bags at Sam's Club, but pair perfectly with the warehouse chain's Artisan Fresh baked goods collection. Starbucks 2012 Holiday Blend pairs perfectly with complimentary notes; ginger, nutmeg, pumpkin, cinnamon, orange, and cloves, making it the natural partner for a slice of Artisan Fresh Apple Lattice Pie, or Tiramisu. During a recent trip to my local Sam's Club I was especially inspired to create some #DeliciousPairings when I happened across the in house brand, Artisan Fresh, Assorted Sampler Pie and Tiramisu. I should note that the Artisan Fresh Sampler Pie is a truly unique, colorful, 4 flavor pie featuring individual quarters of Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Blueberry. It's a reach showstopper on the holiday table, and the perfect solution for those picky relatives who like to handpick their slice. On this occasion, however, I was stopping in to pick up a few of the 28oz Holiday Blend Starbucks bags, and 3 Tiramisus, to pair with a handmade Christmas gift I'd planned for my bowling teammates.
Because every good little elf should always reward themselves for a job well done, I skipped the work and began my project with a sampling of this year's 2012 Starbucks Holiday Blend. I have to admit, I love buying our ground coffee at Sam's Club because it simply goes further than stocking up on consumer portions at the local supermarket. We use an eco-friendly re-usable K-Cup, and I'm always guaranteed a fresh cup of my favorite Starbucks blend at an exceptional price over manufactured K-Cups. In any case, back to the juicy stuff- the 2012 Holiday Blend! Starbucks is known for it's amazing world sourced blends, and they certainly did not let down; this batch was mellow in undertones, and many of the finer points were easy to overlook when solo. My first few sips yielded a lingering aftertaste of spice, with a bolder roast than my usual Breakfast Blend. I'd place this a 7 on a strength scale of Breakfast (mellow) to Columbian (bold).

I have to say I was particularly impressed with my decision to pair this blend with the Tiramisu; the heavier notes were especially complimentary against the espresso soaked sponge cake. The Artisan Fresh Tiramisu was wonderfully soft, yet less intense than I had expected, and helped shed light on a cinnamon undertone within the Holiday Blend. I knew the recipients of my pairing would not be disappointed, as I sat down to dive into an equally flavor inspired holiday gift craft with a fresh cup beside me. I'd recently learned of a last minute gift exchange among my bowling teammates, and wanted to whip up a holiday treat that would help get them through the week ahead, as well as inspire treasured memories. With some empty Pint size Mason Jars, Flannel Scrap Fabric, Seasonal Ribbon, Leftover Gift Tags, and a heap of Household Dry Goods, I set out to pair Starbuck's Holiday Blend and Tiramisu with may favorite baked recipes. These Recipes In A Jar include all the dry ingredients needed (simply ass eggs/oil/milk as required), to fill any home with #DeliciousPairings as tempting as my Sam's Club crafted duo.
It could not be simpler to create a rustic home crafted gift; hunt down your favorite holiday recipes and portion the dry goods to fit Pint Mason Jars (old washed jam/jelly jars work just as well as store bought ones). Layer the dry ingredients to create visible variations to excite the eyes. Be sure any flour bases for bread are mixed with rising ingredients (such as baking soda/powder) prior to layering. Cap the mason jar with a piece of ribbon tied around a 5" square of scrap fabric. Identify the recipe with a clearly labeled gift tag, complete with preparation instructions flip-side, and attach it to the ribbon with a bow. Include a seasonal cookie cutter for cookie recipes, and pair with your favorite Starbucks Seasonal Roast. Present the Recipe In A Jar and Ground Coffee in a wicker gift basket or hand painted crate. I had a few leftover mason crates from previous gifts I'd received. I painted them Holly Red with a Glitter Red Topcoat for an extra hint of pizazz. We also chose to include a Sam's Club Tiramisu with each Jar and Coffee bundle, along with a card that instructed; "Enjoy the Tiramisu and Coffee now, to keep holiday vibes flowing while you wait for your fresh baked treats to emerge from the oven!"
Starbucks Holiday Blendholiday craft

I picked 3 recipes in total to pair with the Starbucks 2012 Holiday Blend; Cinnamon Pancake Mix, Spiced Apple Cake Mix, and Gingerbread Cookie Mix. You may wish to include the complete (dry ingredients) recipe as well, for those who desire to replicate your treats after baking from the jar. Try one of the  below out and let me know how you thought they pair with Starbuck's Holiday Blend!
Cinnamon Pancake Mix:

3 C All Purpose Flour, 2 TBSP Sugar, 2 TBSP Baking Powder, 4.5 TSP Ground Cinnamon, 1 1/4 TSP Salt

In a 1 Quart Jar combine all ingredients, layering. Gift Tag: In a Medium Bowl combine 3/4 C Milk, 1 Egg, and 2 TBSP Oil. With fork, blend in 1 1/3 C Pancake Mix until moistened, yet still lumpy. Cook on lightly greased griddle or skillet. Yields 10 (5") pancakes.

Spiced Apple Cake Mix:

3 C All-Purpose Flour, 1.5 C Sugar, 1.5 TSP Baking Soda, 1.5 TSP Ground Cinnamon, 1/4 TSP Ground Nutmeg,  1 Cup Chopped Nuts (I prefer walnuts), 1/2 C Golden Raisins

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, mixing thoroughly. Gift Tag: Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray bundt pan with on-stick coating. Toss 3C chopped, peeled, apples in 3 TBSP Fresh Lemon Juice. Empty dry ingredients into large mixing bowl. Beat 3 Large Eggs in Medium Mixing Bowl. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add 1.5 C Oil and Eggs. Stir until mixture is smooth and even. Fold in apples until well combined. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 1 Hour and 10 Minutes, until toothpick inserted removes clean.
I especially love this craft because children of all ages can help out. Younger children, especially, will love the layering of the dry ingredients and the puffs of flour that erupt from mixing and pouring. It's especially fun to enjoy the fruits of your craft alongside one of the recipes, prepared, and your favorite cup of Starbucks roast coffee. I was really pleased with how this simple craft turned into a meaningful handmade gift, and even underestimated it's popularity. Everyone was buzzing about the Artisan Fresh Tiramisu, and there were rumbles of breaking out a long lost coffee maker to sampler the Holiday Blend at the alley. I know my recipients will love indulging in the Delicious Pairings of  Starbucks 2012 Holiday Blend, Artisan fresh Tiramisu, and my handcrafted Mixes In a Jar, this holiday season! What would you pair with a fresh cup of Starbuck's Holiday Blend?

What Daughter Says: Like peanut butter and jelly, pair this year's Starbuck's Holiday Blend with your local Sam's Club Artisan Fresh baked seasonal varieties!





I am a member of the Collective Bias Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All photos and opinions are my own.  #CBias #SocialFabric

34 comments:

  1. Jenna, This is one of your best posts ever. I love how you suggest a store bought product to go with the starbucks but I also enjoyed your suggestion for a homemade treat for your coworkers. Your pictures are phenomenal.

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  2. This is such a brilliant gift idea! Layered jars are so beautiful, I have never gotten one but I know that if I did I wouldn't ever want to use it! I might do this for my sister-in-law!

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  3. Looks delicious! Wish we had those were I live.

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  4. I am ready. Where is my piece? Just too delicious looking

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  5. This looks heavenly!! LOVE it! What a great gift!

    P.S. My mom would be over the moon for this!

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  6. Oooh, how do I get on your gift list? Yum!

    Dawn

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  7. That looks like such a great idea! SO yummy!

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  8. What a fun homemade gift. love that you made two different recipes one for Breakfast or Brunch and one for dessert. Sounds like this is a really nice Starbucks blend for the holidays that pairs well with any sort of sweet you might have at a party.
    Hope your bowling friends enjoyed their gifts and the coffee!

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  9. All I have left to do is get all my goodie bags baked and put together, I may borrow these ideas also =D

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  10. You have some great gifting ideas! And, your pics are great too!

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  11. Such FANTASTIC ideas! Totally bookmarking this! Thank you! :)

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  12. That tiramasu looks fantastic!!! I love the idea for gifting, thank you for sharing

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  13. You're killing me.....this looks sooo good and what a fantastic idea

    sibabe64 at ptd dot net

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  14. Yum! I love this time of year - eating yummy foods and drinking warm coffee. Thanks for sharing these recipes too.
    Merry Christmas!
    Karen

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  15. The gifts are so cute! I love my coffee with cream and sugar. I have tried different flavored coffees but I always wind up with my original coffee. The cake sounds delicious with any coffee though =D

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  16. OMG YUM! Sounds delicious and I love starbucks coffee!!! Didn't know you could buy it in bulk.

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  17. Wow, that spiced apple cake sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing the recipe!

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  18. Yummy ideas! Homemade vanilla sugar is also a great gift pairing for coffee lover and baking fans!

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  19. Yummy ideas! Homemade vanilla sugar is also a great gift pairing for coffee lover and baking fans!

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  20. Everything on your post looks so good. I am addicted to Starbucks...These gifts sure are a good way to bring in the New Year!! Thank you.

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  21. What delicious recipes to go with the Starbucks coffee! I love the gift exchange items you created! Very festive and yummy!

    Nancy
    allibrary (at) aol (dot) com

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  22. This looks so good! I love how you paired it together for your bowling friends. I have not tried the Starbucks blend, I've seen it at the store, now I HAVE to try it. Thanks for the great post!

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  23. I love the gift ideas! Our Starbucks closed :o( I liked going there as a special treat.

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  24. Those mason jar gifts are a terrific idea, I'm sure everyone who gets such a nice gift would be impressed.
    Also, the Sampler Pie is a perfect idea for a small household like mine, we can't finish a whole pie but would love to try a sampler.

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  25. I am not found of Starbucks but I love the gift idea. Thanks.

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  26. Right now I can't think of a better combination, delicious!

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  27. Starbucks 2012 Holiday Blend sounds delicious with everything I love in it. I do think these are beautiful gifts that everyone will love.
    twinkle at optonline dot net

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  28. There's nothing quite like a home-crafted gift, something made with love. I love this post. And now I want those pancakes. :)

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  29. Love the gift idea and it looks delicious.

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  30. love the gift ideas, i always do homemade for exchanges when i can

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  31. I wish I was this creative and good in the kitchen (I'm terrible), but the pairings are great-I love Tiramisu and the Starbucks Holiday blend was a fav this season. You do everything so wonderful right down to the packaging. :) (Raine on RCs)

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