About

As a youngster, I remember being awakened by the sounds of a household coming to life – the hiss of bacon frying, the cracking of eggs, and the chortling of the percolator. Many distinctive kitchen aromas wafted into my room, but more than anything else, it was the deep, rich scent of freshly brewed coffee that made me rise. Once I arrived at the breakfast table, my mother would offer me what we called “cafe con leche” – a cup filled with steaming hot milk, a heaping teaspoon of sugar, and just a touch of the morning brew.

We have progressed from making coffee in a percolator to using a filter-style drip pot, to a one cup pod brewer. When entertaining, I brew coffee in an elegant cafetiere, or plunger pot, and also turned out espresso in a moka espresso pot.

What a joy it is to be able to share the many coffee recipes. You’ll find directions for all manner of coffee drinks as well as recipes for a delectable array of sweet treats to accompany this beloved brew. I agree with that anonymous wise soul who said, “A cup of coffee with a friend is happiness tasted and time well spent.” I hope you’ll enjoy, then, making and sharing these coffee drinks and desserts with all your friends.