I am unmoveable...

...about my coffee.

I am particular, I have my favorites, and there is a time and place for every type of coffee.  My standards are exceedingly different if I'm camping as opposed to me making a cup of coffee on my day off to sit and enjoy with a book.

All things are not equal.  All coffee is not Folgers.

Clockwise from Left are my ultimate coffee indulgences:
Astro Coffee - Nestled in the strip on Michigan Ave across the street from the abandoned train station in Corktown, Detroit, Astro is my go-to place on Sunday afternoons. The coffee is great, but try the amazing food that is prepared with incredible attention paid to flavor and balance, and simplicity.

Cafe 1923 - In Hamtramck, this tiny shop of Holbrook is cash only, and features local art, a variety of drinks, and maybe the BEST atmosphere for a coffee shop I've ever enjoyed.  Please, come to Hamtramck, eat Polish food, and get some coffee :)

Commonwealth - Planted firmly in downtown Birmingham, Commonwealth established itself as one of the few artisan coffee shops around the Metro-Detroit area, and they aren't going anywhere.  My favorite, the C-Latte, a delicious rich latte made with a "shot" of sweetened condensed milk!

And last, but not least...

Abraço - Nope, not in Michigan, but on the Lower East side of Manhattan, in NYC, this store-front doesn't look like much, but believe me...I've never had better coffee.  Best $12/lb espresso I've ever bought 2lbs worth of :)

All of this shameless promotion to say, that I don't mess when it comes to my beverages.  But it's almost fall, and I too, fall prey to the delicious, dreaded, amazing yet temporary...

 Pumpkin  Spice Latte

Double tall, 2 pump, soy, no whip PSL, 140degrees, with froth and nutmeg on top.

Thanks :)

But I'm obviously demanding, and I generally irritate baristas, plus I'm budgeting at the moment, (both my wallet and my waist), so this drink isn't prudent in my life at the moment.  The remedy?

Make my own, silly!!!

I have so many ideas floating around in my head for re-creating drinks, dinners, desserts, side-dishes!!!  The possibilities are endless.  For me, food is art.  I love eating a delicious meal and going home and trying to replicate it.  For me, it's a challenge. 

So that's my weekly homework for myself - to create what I love and crave, in my own kitchen!  What do you all make that is a stand in for your favorite splurge treats??

--Rita