Take Time To Savor The Real Flavor Of Life- Mocha Caramel Latte Cheesecake Bites Recipe #LoveCafeBreaks

This content has been sponsored in part by Cafe Breaks through Acorn Influence. Regardless, all thoughts, suggestions, and photos below are original and copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.

Momma Told Me: I think it's time for a break.

I took a course on food styling once and found it utterly useless.

I remember sitting down in a giant auditorium and listening to the instructor explain how all one needed for amazing food photos was a 'few' simple tools of the trade. Among these tools were glycerin, glass ice cubes, fabric protector, cooking spray, make up blending wedges, glue, and antacids. Fabric protector, as it turns out, is often sprayed on porous foods (think pancakes) in order to help toppings and such (syrup) sit on the surface of the food without sinking in. The makeup sponges are soaked in water, microwaved, and stashed off screen (behind or under food) to create that fresh 'steamy food' look. Various types of glue are used for a number of adhesive purposes, but also to help thicken thin foods to make them look richer and more appealing.

What on Earth does any of this have to do with anything?

Well, while taking some casual photos for this post I thought back to that course- and began reflecting on the concept as it relates to life itself. While the argument of whether it's okay to alter food to the point it is more chemicals and add-ons then actual food, for the sake of a great food photo the fact remains that we are conditioned to respond to perfection, whether it is real or simply perceived. Magazines, television, billboards, the internet- bombard us with someone's ideal vision of a story, product, or concept. And nothing illustrates this quite like the incorporation of artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers in our everyday food.

It's enough to make any woman want to take a break.

Whatever happened to a simple 'me moment' with a cup of coffee? These days we get our caffeine fix in and out of coffee shop lines, herded like cattle, and paying 10x the ingredient value for a simple brand name and a fancy beverage title. Don't get me wrong, I love my Triple-Shot-Soy-Double Frothed-Gluten Free- Mocha-Chair-Latte as much as the next lady- but isn't it time for a little break?

That's why I'm sharing a delicious new product that recently turned up in the read-to-eat snack aisle of my local Walmart, Cafe Breaks. Remember the childhood feeling of pulling back the lid on a cup of delicious pudding, your spoon just waiting to dive in? Cafe Breaks brings that feeling back to life in an all new culinary escape for adults. Their cafe inspired pudding cups are ready to grab and go, and full of real rich coffee flavor. Because they're made with a special packaging technology Cafe Breaks' number one ingredient is Milk, yet they're entirely preservative and gluten free! They even contain an average of 16mg of real caffeine per serving- so this snack is all for Mom!

Cafe Breaks currently come in Mocha Latte and Caramel Latte varieties of 4 count- shelf stable ready-to-eat 3.5oz cups. These are the perfect indulgent escapes to grab and go- my favorite, Mocha Latte, has just 100 calories and 14g of sugar per cup! I love to toss one in my purse when I head out for a busy afternoon, or even to watch the kids play at the park. The silky, rich, flavors of real milk pudding and coffee extract take me away to my own private adult time out. Somehow the buzz of busy patrons, or screaming kids, just melts away with each spoonful. Even better- you can enjoy a $.50 off rebate with ibotta when you pick out a package of Cafe Breaks from Walmart, for a limited time!

In fact, I love my Cafe Breaks moments so much I decided to adapt these delicious pudding cups to one of my favorite Summertime treats- All you'll need to make this recipe are 4 ingredients and your Cafe Breaks flavor of choice. (I won't lie, I mixed them both!) My faux Frozen Caramel Mocha Latte Cheesecake bites sound a lot fancier and more involved than they actually are. All your really need is a blender and a silicone ice cube or mini muffin mold.

I whip a few cups of Cafe Breaks Mocha Latte pudding with a cup of Cafe Breaks Caramel Latte, and some whipped cream cheese for a fluffy filling that freezes velvet smooth. Add a little butter and sugar to a crushed gram cracker base and you have yourself a crust for instant cheesecake heaven- no baking or slaving required. And that's just more time to enjoy a "Cafe Break".

Life's full of over-complicated- it's important to take time out to enjoy real moments.

I cant' make pudding look sexy unless I whip it into something else, pour it into an elaborate fancy container, or layer it with a bunch of delicious toppings. But life doesn't have to be over-complicated and sometimes delicious things don't come in fancy packages with loads of gimmicks. They're just worth savoring all in themselves. Cafe Breaks understands that.

The past few months have been hectic, as my readers know- I'm finally now settling back into a simpler routine. Things that used to seem overwhelming or rushed now present themselves as a treat. I've been visiting the park a lot more just to take a 'me moment.' Whether it's with the kids, for them to run off steam, or simply a quiet walk reflecting with the dog, it's nice to sit down under a large tree and take a deep breath as the wind rustles the leaves above. Regardless of how you find your break, it's important that you make time to do it. This life can be full of unnecessary distractions, over-dressed situations, and needless stress- breaks help re-center and reconnect with the things that really matter.

It may be pleasing to look at perfection when flipping through a magazine or changing channels, but the better things in life are really delicious just as they are- no touch ups needed. It's kind of like that photo of your son or daughter covered in finger paints with their hair a mess you keep on the mantle right next to the studio family portrait. Life, dressed down, can be just as magical as life dressed up. So, consider this my little reminder to stop and take a break, to savor, those moments, this Summer. Don't forget to check out the hot ibotta rebate offer when you buy Cafe Breaks at Walmart! Now, tell me, what's one simple thing you enjoy reveling in?

What Daughter Says: Take a break and get real- find time to unwind without all the extras!

Mocha Caramel Latte Cheesecake Bites

**Click here for the printable cheesecake bites recipe.

Holiday Gherkins, Homemade SugarCubes, and Instant Ornaments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MakeItMerrier #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: I need my liquid motivation.

The holidays are exhausting.

It's okay, you can say it.

Anything awesome usually takes a bit of effort, and this season is one giant example. From the sparkling eyes of bushy tailed children on December 25th, to the good eats and great memories created among beloved family and friends. I begin holiday shopping in January, hit the 'test' kitchen around March, and host several small local events leading up to the season to help hone my plan of attack for the upcoming month. There are nights I crawl into bed with cocoa shellacked to my hairline and industrial sized rolls of wrapping paper as makeshift carpeting. And I'd be half the holiday powerhouse of a woman I am if it weren't for my bottomless tumbler of liquid motivation.

Growing up, Momma was always a bit of a grinch- There, I said it. But she, self admittedly, does not care for the energy and hassle that comes with entertaining in-laws and meticulously planning outdoor light shows. It's ironic, really, because she DOES love the chance to wake up at 2 AM on Black Friday and the day after Christmas to comb through sales and buy seasonal decor at massive discounts. It was a running joke in our household that Momma must have loved the holidays because it was one of the few times she really got to put my father to work. Every December 26th Momma and I would return home from 'after holiday' closeouts with a car chocked full of last season's merriment. And every November Momma would furrow her brown and throw her hands up in the air as she insisted it was my father and I's job to put up all the decorations SHE bought!

Of course I'm well into adulthood now, and run my own household- but I tend to like to micro-manage so much I could never sit back and direct while someone else takes all the guts and glory. I'm a hands on holiday enthusiast, and every year I institute a new tradition or two to the family lineup. A few years back, when we moved into the condo I adopted the 'Holiday Gherkin' tradition of hiding a glass pickle ornament on the (massive 10') tree. I like the tradition mainly because 1.) it's kitschy, 2.) it was long associated with my German heritage, despite and real connection, and 3.) who doesn't want to find a hidden pickle in hopes of receiving a reward?

This year, inspired by Momma's sentiments that 'anything is made better with a cup of coffee,' I've decided to integrate one of my favorite coffee house brands into our entertaining and celebrations. Last year we kept the Keurig out at a coffee station, where guests could serve themselves as they wished. It was something that worked well, but required guests to leave the action, and retire to the kitchen, to brew their after dinner beverage. This year I'll be keeping an electric kettle on coffee and dining tables, and I'll be adding a special touch to our holiday tree with Starbucks VIA and Instant selections in handmade Instant Ornaments.

Since our massive tree is the first thing you see when walking into our home it's the focal point of many seasonal gatherings. I've made these adorable little seasonal tags to tie to Starbucks VIA and Instant selections and hang on the tree. It's as simple as choosing warm beverage favorites such as Starbucks VIA Instant Pike Place Roast or Starbucks VIA Instant Caramel Latte packets, doubling over a piece of scotch tape across the top, and punching a hole through. Next, string a piece of decorative package twine through our labels and the makeshift hanger, and display on the tree for guests to take. This not only helps spark conversation over the decorations and ornaments on your tree, but also gets guests in the seasonal spirit! Grab the free Instant Ornaments Printable Tags here!

Of course, even in SoCal, I rely on the flavors (okay, and most of the time caffeine) of warm beverages to keep me energized, motivated, and going this season. Our house is constantly stocked with our favorite warm beverage selections, from Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa K-Cups to the Starbucks Anniversary Blend ground coffee I love to brew in my French Press. One thing they all have in common? Flavor! And one of the season's biggest flavors? Pumpkin Spice- which is exactly why I whipped up my own Pumpkin Spice flavoring, and was further inspired to make my own artisan sugar cubes for holiday gifts this year.

If creating pumpkin spice magic sounds complicated to you, fear not- anything with a basic spice rack can whip up this flavor in seconds. Just combine 1 TBS ground cinnamon, 3/4 TSP Ground Ginger, 3/4 TSP Ground Nutmeg, 1/4 TSP Ground Cloves, and 1/4 TSP of All Spice. To make Pumpkin Spice Sugar cubes add the mixture to 1 C of white granulated sugar. Next, add 2 TBS of purified water and combine with a fork until fluffy, but gritty. Pack your sugar mixture into baking dish to about 1" height and allow the sugar brick to air dry overnight. Remove your flavored sugar brick and carefully cut into cubes, or break apart for a more rustic presentation. (Some people like that '2 sugar cubes' kinda thing, ya know?)

Because the process is so simple I played around with a few sugar cube variations. For one batch I added peppermint candy crumbles. For another I added fresh vanilla bean and lemon extract. For the final I combined fresh minced mint and vanilla bean (this was the most delicious but has a short shelf life due to the fresh/moist mint.) To make multiple batches at once I packed them all into a mini loaf pan with 8 individual compartments. This also made it easier to remove the loafs one at a time, rather than a giant sheet/brick of sugar.

For seasonal gifting I tied some Starbucks K-Cups together, or bundled Starbucks VIA Instant and Hot Cocoa varieties with a nice mug, tea spoon, fine linen napkin and a jar of my homemade sugar cubes. I was able to find all of my 'at home' and on the go Starbucks selections at our local Vons, though you'll also find Starbucks selections at stores such as Target and Walmart, too. I was tickled to discover there were so many delicious varieties and formats of my favorite Starbucks beverages. I dare say I picked up more than enough selections to fill my gift bundles and my own cupboards! There's even an exclusive promotion right now where you can claim a $5 Starbucks Card e-gift when you buy 3 participating Starbucks products at any retailer!

It may feel like the season is just beginning- but we've had our tree up for a week already- we always celebrate two Christmas gatherings (one in December and one on Thanksgiving when the East Coast family is in town.) For me, the season is in full swing, and I am more than prepared.  If any crotchety Bah Humbugs cross my way I'll be sure to point them toward the tree with a mug in their hand, where they're sure to find their own liquid smiles. I know I won't be letting my seasonal secret (tumbler) far from my hands as I play the doting host!  Discover more seasonal hosting ideas and festive serving ideas on the Starbucks Instagram page.

However you plan to tackle the holiday season, whatever your family's unique traditions, take a little inspiration from Jay and when the going gets tough, just 'Sip And Bear It.' And yes, that is his genuine reaction to having a fresh mug of coffee placed in his hand. Aren't I a wonderful woman? We just might have to look at switching him to caffeine free, or make him sign a waiver if he's planning on consuming more drinks this season! Ah, heck, you only live once, right? There's no turning back now- what are some of your tips and tricks to pull off the perfect holiday?

Get a $5 Starbucks Card e-gift when you purchase 3 or more qualifying Starbucks products.

What Daughter Says: Fuel the holidays with delicious beverages and delightful guests.

Make Fridays More Flavorful With Folgers® Iced Cafe™ + #FolgersFridays #IC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Folgers. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Momma Told Me: I need my liquid energy.

I feel like, in America, we have an obsession with coffee on the go. Last year a certain major fast food chain introduced an entire range of specialty coffee beverages to their menu, and in my home town there are 11 Starbucks for 39 square miles. That means no resident has to travel more than 3.5 miles (more or less) to get to the nearest big brand coffee chain. Coffee shops are in gas stations, supermarkets and even our movie theaters here in Southern California, and it's hard to justify that Grande Iced Mocha twice a day when it costs more than a gallon of gas (which, if you're wondering is $4.09/gallon today.)

For better or worse, I was raised hooked on coffee. Momma liked hers black on 'Coupon Run Wednesdays,' since we'd leave the house before dawn to hit all 3 of the major grocery stores in our area. She didn't let me sip until I was about 7 or 8, but that's all it took to get me invested in (what was then, at my age) such an exotic treat. Today, I don't have the time or money to indulge my coffee cravings with long lines at expensive specialty coffee shops. And, let's face it, with temperatures in the mid-90s, I need my coffee ice cold.

When I was younger Momma would make a second pot of coffee in the morning and place it in the fridge for later on in the afternoon, though she preferred iced tea to cold coffee- both took time and patience to make. Today I rely a lot on my Keurig to brew a pot for chilling, which is convenient for the most part but still requires me to keep a large portion of iced coffee in the fridge at all times. The coffee beverage lifestyle demands flexibility. If consumers are willing to pay $4+ a cup for their iced coffee on the go, shouldn't there be a more affordable way to enjoy a flavored coffee beverage on your own time?

Introducing Folgers® Iced Cafe™ coffee drink concentrates. With a manufacturer's suggested retail price of just $4.99 (or the cost of a Venti Mocha Iced at that fancy coffee chain) one bottle of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ will yield 12 servings of 8oz Iced Cafe coffee flavored beverages while adding just 10 calories to your milk/milk substitute base of choice. Afraid you won't get your caffeine fix? 1 8oz (concentrate with milk/milk substitute) serving has a 72mg kick of caffeine. 8oz of straight coffee typically has 95mg of caffeine, so we'd call that a considerable kick for an iced beverage!

How convenient is it really to enjoy a fresh glass of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ any time? As long as you have access to your favorite Folgers® Iced Cafe™ flavor, ice, 8oz of your preferred milk/milk substitute and a straw, tumbler, or spoon, you're ready to begin sipping coffee inspired bliss. Simply add 2 squeezes of Folgers® Iced Cafe™ to your milk, or milk substitute of choice, add ice, and mix. The concentrate itself has a very strong and distinct coffee infused flavor with additional flavor notes depending on variety. Currently the range includes; Original Latte, Caramel Macchiato, Vanilla Latte, and Hazelut Latte. While Caramel Macchiato is my current favorite I'm hoping the brand will release a Mocha variation and possible a Pumpkin Spice flavor as we head into Fall!

Not only are Folgers® Iced Cafe™ convenient in price they are compact and easy to stash and bring on the go since they require no refrigeration and can last up to a month after initial use. I keep (at least) one in my purse at all times. Typically iced coffee isn't on the menu at mom and pop, and even chain, sit down restaurants. With my Folgers® Iced Cafe™ all I need to do is order a glass of milk and I'm good to go. Of course Jay is lactose intolerant and prefers his Folgers® Iced Cafe™ in almond or coconut milk, which actually adds an extra level of silkiness I've grown quite fond of. Find
Folgers® Iced Cafe™ 1.72oz varieties at a grocery store, Walmart, or Target near you.

But having instant coffee flavored concentrate beverages doesn't just mean less tme and money standing in front of the Keurig or at the local coffee shop- it means more freedom to have fun with coffee. I've found a lot of new ways to enjoy my iced coffee beverages thanks to Folgers® Iced Cafe™, and plan to share a few on the social channels every Friday for the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for my special secret Folgers® Iced Cafe™ hacks and the callout to enter and win big with
Folgers® Fridays Summertime Sweepstakes promotion. Every Friday through September 4th, 2015, Folgers® will be asking their fans to answer a daily question for a shot at some amazing prizes!

For details on the #FolgersFridays Promotion and a store locator to find Folgers Iced Café near you, please visit http://folgers.com and follow Folgers on Facebook and Twitter. 

Oh? This little thing? I whipped, pun intended, this up last Friday with my Folgers® Iced Cafe™ Vanilla Latte and Folgers® Iced Cafe™ Hazelnut Latte varieties, and you can too with some chocolate syrup, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and graham crackers. The secrets in the Marshmallow Whipped Cream made when you whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 3 TBS of Powdered Sugar until stiff peaks form. Drizzle some chocolate syrup down the sides of your Iced Cafe™ glass, pour in some ice, milk (or milk substitute), and 1 squirt of each Folgers® Iced Cafe™ flavor then give a quick stir. Plop a generous portion of Marshmallow Shipped Cream on tip, drizzle with more chocolate, and sprinkle with crushed grahams- you're welcome, America.

Do you have a favorite flavor or way to enjoy a cold coffee inspired beverage? What flavor would you like to see added to the Folgers® Iced Cafe™ range next?

What Daughter Says: Don't get caught as a walking zombie- Enjoy coffee inspired iced drinks anytime without the hassle or hefty price tag thanks to Folgers® Iced Cafe™.

The Wired Piggy Dark Roast Bacon Burger Coffee Recipe #Shop

Momma Told Me: Smarties know how to shop, but they also know how to cook with any ingredient.

I like to refer to Momma as a whiz in the kitchen. Raising a family on a shoestring budget, you have to get creative, or else it'll be boxed meals and frozen dinners. Not only did Momma know how to shop Smart & Final to take advantage of bulk pricing on her everyday ingredients, but she also knew how to prepare these dishes for 'freeze ahead' meals. And, in the unspeakable event that a second package of something was opened before the prior was finished, Momma knew how to coax the leftovers into an entirely new dish. However, cooking with coffee is something I first became familiar with through my German heritage, though, today, I use Momma's ingredient ingenuity to forge my own coffee recipes. Long before me, my European ancestors where using day old coffee as a substitute for water to infuse baked goods with extra moisture and flavor. Today, I #ChooseSmart ingredients, like coffee, our family can use for multiple dishes and drinks throughout the week.

In 2013 one of my most popular recipes infused freshly brewed coffee with molasses, vinegar, and mustard for an elevated Pork Chop dish many of my readers have since hailed as their favorite. Today I revisit the coffee and pork pairing to create another unique twist on a classic American favorite, the Steakhouse Hamburger. While we have 2 Keurig single cup brewers in our home now (thank you 2013 holidays), I never pass down the hot beverage aisle without picking up a package of ground coffee as well. Brands such as Ambiance, found at Smart & Final, offer a wide range of formatting, from single serve K-Cups to instant crystals and coffee grounds. They also offer a generous range of product sizing to help me save money on the roasts I use most. While we usually drink and cook with (liquid) coffee that is a darker roast, such as Ambiance French Roast, I prefer to use raw coffee grounds no higher than a medium blend. My reasoning for this, is that raw grounds will inherently be stronger in aroma and flavor than the liquid that is consequently brewed from them.

The secret to my Coffee Glazed Bacon Burger, now affectionately known as the The Wired Piggy, is all in the delightfully simple glazed bacon and quick fix roasted garlic aioli sauce.The Bacon craze has swept the nation, and our family is no exception; I served my father a handcrafted Bacon Rose Bouquet for his Father's Day this year, and I regularly make candies bacon for an especially sweet treat worth squealing over. One you know how to candy bacon in the oven, the rest is just piglet play! For this Dark Roast Candies Bacon recipe you only need a Medium Roast Ground Coffee such as Ambiance Ground French Vanilla, Molasses, Brown Sugar, a dash of Chipotle and Water. The secret is in the sticky, mud like, concoction you rub over your rack of bacon the night before baking it.

Worried about using raw coffee grounds on your food? Don't be! Cooking with fresh coffee grounds had been done in coffee recipes for centuries, and many people pay a pretty penny to enjoy chocolate dipped coffee and espresso beans raw- it's the same thing; we are simply using the flavor to highlight our food. Your Dark Roast Coffee Bacon paste will only be spread on the fat up, edges of your packaged bacon, as to create a thick crust; and you can always gently wipe off any extra, unwanted, coffee ground mixture. The molasses and brown sugar will act as a marinade and candying conduit when you put your separated bacon strips on a baking sheet and into an oven. Then it's just 10-12 minutes until smokey flavored coffee goodness! Just remember you're making this bacon to go with a burger, and try not to eat it all before it has a chance to hit the patty.

To compliment my Dark Roast Glazed Bacon I made a simple Roasted Garlic Aioli consisting of olive oil mayonnaise, lightly roasted diced garlic, and lemon juice. This acted as my wet ingredient to cohesively hold the burger together and interact with the pepper-jack cheese. As a side I tossed some First Street 1/4" Shoestring Fries (frozen) in a garlic reduced olive oil and baked them in the oven for 15 minutes. When they came out I was sure to sprinkle a little garlic salt, and the spared garlic from my oil reduction for Fair Quality garlic fries. As with most dishes, when cooking with coffee, so not expect coffee to be the overwhelming flavor, but to act as an extraordinary spice that enhances flavor and brings new tastes together harmoniously.

The Wired Piggy Dark Roast Bacon Burger with garlic aioli and coffee glazed bacon is a delightfully refined steakhouse burger with a wonderful smokey flavor that has light citrus highlights and is very clean to eat. All the indulgence of an afternoon cup, without any of the caffeine! Best of all, you can stock up on your favorite blend of Ambiance coffee and be entered to win one of 10 Keurig Single Serve machines or 10 $100 SmartCash cards, beginning January 2nd! And be sure to follow the Smart & Final Facebook page where you'll also have the chance to win daily giveaways through January 15, 2014.

What Daughter Says: Work your favorite flavors into new cuisine to create surprising results with minimal skill.

The Wired Piggy, Dark Roast Bacon Burger

****Click here for complete printable Coffee Bacon Burger recipe.

Ingredients:

Coffee Glazed Bacon:

* 6 Slices Uncooked Packaged Bacon

* 1/4 C Ambiance Ground Coffee (Medium Roast)

* 1/2 TBS Chipotle Powder, or Chili Substitute IfI Heat Okay)

* 2TBS Packed Brown Sugar

* 2TBS Molasses

* 1 TBS Water

Roasted Garlic Aoili

* 1/3 C Olive Oil Mayonnaise 

* 3 TBS Minced Garlic Cloves

* 2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil

* 2 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice

Burger:

*4 1/3lb Fresh Ground Beef Patties

* 4 Whole Wheat Buns

* Roasted Garlic Aioli (Recipe Below)

* 6 Strips Coffee Glazed Bacon (Recipe Below)

* 1 Head Butter Lettuce

* 4 Slices Pepper-Jack Cheese

* Salt and Pepper To Season Patty

Directions:

1.) Remove strips of bacon from package without separating strips from one another. Cut down middle of bacon wedge to create two even portion. Combine Coffee Glazed Bacon Ingredients in a medium mixing bowl until a dark, sticky, paste is formed. Spread past generously in a thick layer across the (fat side up) edges of bacon. Wrap in parchment paper and place in a ziploc baggy, refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.

2.) While bacon is marinating, prepare Roasted Garlic Aioli. Place Olive Oil and Minced Garlic in a small saucepan and simmer over med-high heat for 3-4 minutes, until aromatic. Remove from heat and stir in mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add a pinch of pepper if desired. Refrigerate until burger is ready to be assembled.

3.) Preheat oven to 425F. Remove bacon from fridge and spread single strips about 2" apart on a lightly greased sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet in oven for 12-14 MINS until edges are crisped and bacon is desired texture. For candied bacon, bacon will continue to set once removed from oven- allow to cool entirely before serving.

4.) While bacon is cooling season burger patties and cook on grill to desired temperature. Lightly toast buns on grill prior to serving. Spread garlic aioli on top and bottom buns. Build burger from bottom up; bottom bun, aioli, fresh butter lettuce leaves, burger patty, pepper-jack cheese, coffee glazed bacon, aioli, top bun. Serve immediately and enjoy with a savory side such as garlic fries.