coffee

The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company

Roasted in Detroit

Located in Midtown, on the un-presumptuous corner of a Woodward Ave parking garage across from the DMC, lies one of Detroit’s most beloved gems, The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company.

Undoubtedly, the signage is catchy hung from the end of a brick building- that could be otherwise be anything. However, when you walk through the door, unveiled is the charming world of a welcoming café full of interesting people doing various sorts of business and socializing; as the perfect gathering place should be. Accordingly, pastries and tasty treats are on view, beckoning the patrons to indulge; as in every bistro I ever want to frequent.

The coffee house boasts beautiful rich dark wooded counters and shelving that bears resemblance of an idyllic Irish pub; where familiar and new faces are in harmony under the common love of football (soccer). Except here, the common thread seems to be the beat of Detroit’s drum; city dwellers who have been steadily keeping the pace through the very difficult times mixed with the raw vibe of new interest for what is on the horizon.

Lights were strung whimsically behind the bar giving off the cheerful luminescence of a holiday. They lended a glow of hospitality for these nomads looking for a cup of something warm while taking refuge from the bitter weather outdoors. Consequently, the whole shop felt like a place of belonging. (And I’m pretty sure I heard the Cheers theme song playing in the background.)

Additionally, we loved the accommodating staff, who recommended the individual lavender and five spice lattes; both of which were amazing in presentation and taste.

Our breakfast tacos were flavorful, and the grilled cheese with sautéed veggies was, in a word, perfect. (We’re always in our element with good food and drink.) Interesting art was displayed along ageless brick walls, and a designated stage area in the back corner lent curiosity about the performances that must be held.

The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company seems worlds away from the busy street outside the door. The café exudes a natural place to meet with a friend or colleague for a cup of coffee; for a student or novelist to plot away for an afternoon; for a curator to discuss plans for an upcoming exhibit; for Sadie’s Nest to spend a delightful morning. 

At The Nest, we try not to play favorites. There are restaurants and cafés in Detroit right now that are essential to the growth and success of their environment. That’s a position we can stand behind. There are authentic flavors from around the world that are gastronomical delights and a lot of fun to try. That’s awesome- bring it! Then there are places we just love, as in that was an ideal experience- in atmosphere, service, food… This was our happening at The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company in Midtown, Detroit.

Thank you Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company for being you!

You can find this coffee shop at:

3965 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201

For more information and other locations, check out their website www.greatlakescoffee.com

Loving Lately

I’d like to tell you I’m loving decorating my spring-themed porch. Hahaha. I’m more like loving sarcasm. I can’t put flowers out on my porch. They would freeze- not just in the temperature dropping night, all day long. I could put out fake flowers. Of course everyone would know they must be fake. (Not like the fantastic blooms above from @misskatyenglish)

But looking at porch ideas got me kind of excited about flowers… just pretty pictures of random bouquets. They’re inspiring.

Courtesy of Pinterest

Yet, in this progression, somehow my inspiration always comes back to food and drink. Always. I was (slightly) surprised to see that the last 4 pins for my “Inspiration” board on Pinterest actually contained coffee or food or both.

Courtesy of @mezanin

Apparently that’s where my heart lies. Because I start with nature… then I just totally drift back to food. I mean, c’mon… these pies are as pretty as a bouquet of flowers. Come to think of it, I don’t know if they really are pies… or flowers? And I honestly don’t know which one I would be more excited about being surprised with.

Yes I do. Give me the pies. Are they pies?

Courtesy of Vue » Portfolio – Debby Lewis-Harrison

People keep crossing the lines of food and art. And I’m down. But I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I get confused. Like this season: Is it winter? Is it spring? We’ve got these beautiful breakfast egg tarts. They are so whimsy… in a rustic setting surrounded with herbs, egg shells, kitchen utensils, an apron, pine cones… Pine cones? Are they pine flavored? Are we supposed to eat the pine cones? Because I will. Just kidding- no I won’t. But I still like this picture.

Courtesy of Fotogrammi di zucchero

But I’m not just all about the food this spring. I mean yes, it is too cold to go outside. So, I spend a good portion of my time in the kitchen. Which means I probably need to spruce it up- give it a little spring makeover. Therefore logic says I should get a new copper hood for my stovetop.

Courtesy of baltimoreathome.com

It makes sense, as long as you don’t think about it very hard. But really, does copper say spring? Because, I’m feeling it.

Courtesy of @mademoisellepoirot

Is it more spring-ish if it’s used for a bouquet?

Courtesy of Pinterest

Okay, it’s possible I’m getting off track. Basically what I am saying is this: I’d like to be outside, decorating my house, but I’m not. The next best thing would likely be to brighten my day with a fresh bouquet.

courtesy of GREY AND SCOUT

However in reality, I’d be more apt to make a bouquet of Rainbow Roll-Ups with Peanut Sauce.

Courtesy of Pinch of Yum

And until it gets a little warmer out there… I’ll be keeping it real over here, dreaming about the possibility of spring and touches of copper while I eat and drink.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Coffee House Chat

My friend Roberta does these lovely little blog chats as if you were besties, sitting across from each other at your favorite coffee house with your drink of choice. I love these little posts, they’re so personal and friendly. So being that I haven’t really gotten creative in the kitchen or with my camera lately, I thought I’d give it a try. On any other given day I’d probably just order a small dark roast, but on such occasion with time to indulge I think I would order a mocha (that is to say chocolate in flavor- not regionally specific coffee beans) but of course with skim, because obviously calories matter. You probably noticed that I limped over to the table with a cane, trying to balance the purse on my shoulder and carry a coffee without trying to draw more attention to myself by spilling it. I still haven’t gotten the knack of making it all look smooth and seamless. You see, I still have a rather large lump on the left side of my backside from my recent fall down the stairs. It is rather obvious, so I’d probably try to crack a joke. Maybe ask to find a table for three? You, me and my hematoma. When we would go to sit at our café table I should probably squirm a little on the wooden chair. Ugh. Naturally, I wouldn’t want to bore you with the details of the fall, I’d want to know what was new with you! And you would be so gracious, I’m sure, going along like nothing was out of the ordinary. You would talk about life and the weather… how warm it’s been and how you’ve been spending the summer.

In turn, I’d tell you how great the summer started off, camping in our new travel trailer and visiting my parent’s cabin in Michigan’s upper peninsula. I’d probably complain about how I have no good pictures to prove any of it. I might share with you the exciting news that we purchased a vacation home off of Lake Michigan, but cry to you about not being able to spend any time there -since all I do is try and mend my aching bum. You would assure me that there is plenty of time for that ahead. And I would agree with you that I know you’re right… as I wince from the annoying pain from this darn bump that keeps pushing on my nerve endings. Then I would probably tell you about the frustration of finding the right pain medicine. You would already know, because you know me so well, that I hate relying on medicine (and perpetuating the industry) and loathe taking Tylenol let alone anything stronger. And I would express to you my joy that most days I can get through with Motrin, and my optimism about the night soon-to-come that I can sleep in comfort. I’d probably be disappointed in myself that the conversation turned again towards my inconvenient situation, so I’d ask you if you’ve tried any new recipes lately.

You would be thrilled to tell me about a new method you used to cook a recent meal, because you know how enthusiastic I get about food. I’d ask you to tell me every detail. We’d get lost in conversation for a few minutes, and it would be so nice to be distracted from my pain, not to mention to get away from the political discussions that are saturating all media. Next I’d ask you about your family. You would let me know what they have been up to and how they are all doing. I’d have to tell you how guilty I feel that my family has dedicated their entire summer to helping me… And I would realize that no matter how hard I tried my conversation always came back to my injury. I confess I am not good company, but I appreciate that you visit with me anyway. <3

Promenade Artisan Foods

Trenton, Michigan is a great town along the Detroit River with historic charm and a thriving trendy vibe. It contains downriver Detroit’s best kept secret of Elizabeth Park (unless you’ve been to Jazz on the River or had your wedding pictures taken over the bridge). It also just happens to be the home of the cutest café to ever open in southeast Michigan, Promenade Artisan Foods. If you are from the area you might have sampled their cookies, brownies, and pies etc., carried by many local markets, or maybe even placed a personal order yourself for a pie during the holidays. Of course, now if you are in the area you can visit the coffee shop/café/dessert place in person!

 

IMG_5891

 

IMG_5861

Promenade Artisan Foods is celebrating their Grand Opening to the public this week! The owners Jonathan and Chelsie Brymer are a husband and wife team that have a love of family and passion for serving their community. They put that same love and care into every baked good they make from scratch and cup of coffee they pour -over (that’s a coffee joke). And speaking of coffee you are certain to enjoy another Michigan favorite as they are serving Chazzano Coffee of Ferndale to ensure you get excellence.

IMG_5864

I have had the pleasure of sampling a few of their menu items and delicious creations. The strawberry tartine is a lovely light treat, an open-face style multigrain toast with a Mascarpone cheese, fresh strawberry slices and a drizzle of a balsamic reduction- really fantastic. Of course the kids loved the chocolate chip cookies, and a Nutella “pop tart” inspired pastry. But the biggest surprise was an Espresso Soaked Amaretti topped with pistachios, uh, genius! I think we should all have one every night after dinner.

IMG_5887

Also in all seriousness, don’t leave without a slice of tomato, feta, and bacon quiche. Because even if you’ve filled up on pastries and don’t have room for it when you are there, you are going to be so happy to warm it up for yourself for breakfast the next day. (And I know this to be true from experience.) For more information, store hours, and to see their seasonal offerings visit the Promenade Artisan Foods Facebook Page.

IMG_5857

Thank you Jonathan and Chelsie for sharing your culinary gifts and love of life with the metro Detroit area… And God bless you and your family with your new endeavor!

Love,

Sadie’s Nest

Loving Lately ☕

Loving Lately: Coffee

I cannot take credit for any of these photos which were found courtesy of Pinterest.

Now that that is out of the way…

I love coffee. I started drinking it at a very young age, a watered down version that would make an appearance every Sunday morning along side donuts, at a fellowship gathering we would have at church before services began.

I love it in the morning when the air is cool…

a397cd3248b57a4f6b3e34f71eebc8e2

 

I love to have a cup with my breakfast.

dffcb80ca94e1805fca02575c28d2f4e

 

And any time of day to accompany dessert.

9760a8c0e24ae7a6c10a8ab0c823ee02

 

I take mine black, but do not object to the creamy froth that (depending on the process) can accumulate on top.

9736bea930025d17439a178642f0b019

I love to talk with friends over a cup of coffee, at home or catching up at a café…

11519975779f21a3dfb64900c051e424

I probably have a dozen apparatuses for coffee preparation. As far as I’m concerned there is really no wrong way to prepare it (as long as it’s good, and done properly. ?)

fbcbdc08cb7dd5a1d0a4aeb66ad9dc10

I can even drink it cold…

2ace513f37e9ef92ff742734fb238543

And all by myself.

ce2f0386a21a0e9e618f4849b19a3cff

The moral of the story is…

ba1059a1979c736cd0392e2c2a6d14f5

Maple Raisin Scones

Scones, either you get them or you don’t. It’s like jazz. I love ’em both. I was trying to explain them to my kids, “They’re kind of like a cross between a cookie and a biscuit, a muffin-cracker…” I appreciate their dryer and less sweet nature. I love that you can load them with fun dried fruits and citrus zests. And of course I think anything that complements my cup of coffee is pretty fantastic.

As organic as possible:

1 cup Whole wheat flour

1 cup Flour

2 tsp Baking powder

2 Tbsp Sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup Butter (cold), cut into cubes

1/2 cup (rounded) dried Raisins

1 1/2 Tbsp Lemon zest

1 Egg

3 Tbsp Maple Syrup

3/4 cup Cream

 

Preheat the oven to 375°.

Whisk the dry ingredients; whole wheat flour, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt. Using a pastry blender or two table knives cut the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles pea sized crumbs. Add the raisins and zest, toss until evenly distributed.

In a small bowl whisk the egg. Add the maple syrup and continue to whisk until blended. Pour in the cream and whisk a little more.

Add the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until all is combined. Then place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangle. (An oval will do fine, just try to cut even pieces.) Using a dough lift or knife, cut the dough in half lengthwise and across the center width making 4 small rectangles. Then cut those small rectangles in half through the width (making 8 squares). Next cut diagonally from corner to corner (making 16 triangles). Use the lift and place the triangles onto a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes. Until the bottom is just browning.

Enjoy warm with cream… and a cup of coffee.

Adapted from Brown Eggs and Jam Jars Make Ahead Currant Scones

Coffee and a Quote

It’s a lesser known (or not) fact that I have wanted to be a barista for quite some time. I am really impressed the art of it all. And of course I enjoy a good cup of coffee as much as the next gal, or guy… who enjoys a cup of coffee.

A while back a blogging friend of mine posted a recipe for a Caramel Macchiato. (FYI, I enjoy caramel too.) I notified her that I was going to try the recipe on that particular day, and then I had an impromptu visit from some guests that changed my plans all together. So I had to contact her later, knowing she wanted to know what I thought, with the disappointing news that I had not come through with my intentions. Alas! That is until now. On a snowy afternoon it was a lovely warm and sweet treat. And you can find the recipe at Quirky and Wonderful as well as many other recipes and writings.

b76ec2b3069bd8d43f45a3d49a3942e3

Krista is a new blog friend over at From Food Stamps to a Future as well as the creator of Krista Kemp Designs on Etsy. Recently she nominated me for the 3 Day Quote Challenge. And not one to easily back down from a challenge, I accepted. (Actually it’s just a fun participation type of thing.) Thank you Krista!

Rules for the challenge:

Thank the blogger that nominated you.
Share one new quote on three consecutive days on your blog. They can be from anywhere, anyone, or anything.
On each of the three days, nominate three more bloggers to carry on with the fun! No pressure; nominees are free to decline.

My first day Quote Challenges are to the following:

Katie at Quirky and Wonderful

Anna at Life Bellissima

Lynn at Lynz Real Cooking

Loving Lately❤

Loving Lately #1: Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit

The concept of “barefoot shoes” has been around for a while; the idea that you want to feel as if you are not wearing a shoe. Except if you’re like me (and many others) you still want protection from rugged terrain- and pebbles. In my first edition of Loving Lately you saw my love of a “barefoot” sandal from Exodus. I really think I’ve become a minimalist in shoe wear since having children. I want something light weight, supportive and secure (the last thing I need while carrying a baby (and at least 2-3 bags at any given time) is a tripping hazard…) I’m more of a walker than a runner. But that won’t deter me from getting a “running” shoe. These are comfortable and cute, great to accompany jeans and an active wear, and perfect for around town from the post office to the grocery store and everywhere in between.

image

Loving Lately #2

A couple years ago we took a trip to Louisville, Kentucky. We have some great friends that live in Kentucky who recommended a trendy café called Please and Thank You. One of the most difficult things about traveling for me is finding places to eat that uphold our ethics when it comes to food. We really try to avoid genetically modified ingredients wherever possible. (Shout out to Chipotle, thank you for making strides in the fast food business!) Please and Thank You had some organic options and they served coffee from a local Louisville roaster, Argo Sons Coffee. As a souvenir I picked us this classic diner style coffee mug. Because I choose to use a dishwasher rather than wash it by hand, it is losing it’s print. So be it. But to preserve my fond memories, I am showing my love (of coffee, traveling and American nostalgia).

Double Chocolate-Almond Biscotti

I can eat biscotti all day without guilt. Maybe because its called biscotti (Italian for a twice baked cookie), it doesn’t register. I think I’ve tried it all. There hasn’t been one variation I didn’t like. Besides, that second round in the oven probably got rid of anything bad for me, right?

As organic as possible:

1/2 cup Butter, softened

3/4 cup Sugar (rounded)

1 tsp Almond extract

1/4 cup Cocoa powder

2 tsp Baking powder

1/8 tsp salt

2 Eggs

1 3/4 cup Flour

1/2 cup Milk Chocolate chips or pieces

1 cup Semi-sweet Chocolate chips or pieces

1 cup Sliced, slivered, or chopped almonds

Preheat oven to 375º. Lightly grease a cookie sheet, set aside. In a stand-up electric mixer or in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer or with your mighty hand, beat butter, sugar and almond extract. Add cocoa powder, baking powder and salt, mix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add eggs, one at a time. Add flour, a third at a time, until combined. Remove bowl from mixer. Add milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate and almond pieces, gently fold until incorporated.

Separate dough into to halves. Taking one half of the dough portion into your hands, shape into a log about 9″ long. Place onto the baking sheet lengthwise and gently press down to lightly flatten. Repeat with the other half. Place into the oven and bake 20-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 325º. Place cookie loaf onto a cutting board and cut diagonally with a serrated knife. Place cut side down and bake for 8-9 minutes. Turn the cookies over and bake for an additional 8-9 minutes, until crisp. Let cool. Serve with coffee or hot cocoa for dipping or all alone.

Roast Your Own

In the recent years of American coffee enlightenment, the flavor advantages of freshly roasted, freshly ground, and freshly brewed ‘Joe’ have become common household knowledge. Not only have we come to learn the difference between Arabica (the superior bean, even advertised to be sold at McDonald’s) and Robusta (the inferior) coffee beans, we are learning to appreciate the fruit behind the bean; the climate, soil and shade etc. its grown in, likened to grapes used for wine. Let’s be honest, whether you like them or not, Starbuck’s can be credited for opening the gates for many of the micro roasters we love today. And opening the eyes of many coffee drinkers, who didn’t grow up in cities like Seattle, that now know the difference between a crappy and a good cup of coffee. Because of local roasters and the variety available in most town grocery stores, we now refer to the names of coffee by the regions of origin, i.e. Kenya, Brazil, Hawaii (Kona), Jamaica (Blue Mountain), Guatemala, Columbia, etc. rather than Folger’s or Maxwell House. More importantly, the coffee craze has brought awareness to fair trade practices world-wide where farmers, harvesters and the like can receive more fair earnings for a hard day’s work (we still have a way to go).

What you may (or may not) know is that about half a century ago major coffee manufacturers added things from saw dust to brick dust to bulk up the quantity of product in their cans. True story, but that’s not what I was going to say. I was going to inform you that coffee in it’s green bean (un-roasted) form lasts a lot longer than when it’s brown and roasted, years even. Most retailer’s have gone the extra mile to equip their pre-packaged coffee bags with systems that let out the gases of roasted coffee beans without letting in oxygen, that will start to deteriorate the quality of the bean. Once you open it of course it’s only a matter of days, about 7-14, until your coffee will turn into dirt. Well not really, I’m exaggerating, but it might taste like it. You can freeze it, but I’ve actually heard experts say that if you plan on using it regularly that’s not the way to go either.

So what is a coffee lover to do? Roast your own.

Keep your green coffee beans in a clean dry container at room temp, (or a chic burlap sac) and roast in batches. People around the world do this many different ways. Some cook their beans on a stove top in a pan, others have made their own drums and rotating devices similar to a spit on a grill. You can bake them in the oven. One day I will own a professional grade roaster. In the meantime I use an air-popper, the kind used for popping corn. The air gets heated quickly and stays at a certain temperature (unlike doing it over an open flame). It is built to keep the kernels (or beans) in a constant state of motion for even heat distribution, much like a rotating drum. Depending on your roast, if you did find a bean that was really dark or extra light, you can remove it from your batch. I mean I’m not selling it commercially, it’s for my own personal use. And it’s as freshly ‘“roasted” as you can get! (Although I usually wait about 24 hours before I actually grind and brew it.)

Obviously there is an art to coffee roasting. Experts can go on for hours about the sound, smell and look of perfectly roasting the bean, depending on the type of bean, etc.; but I’m referring to home roasting. I don’t have a thermocouple or heat probe measuring the internal temperature of a coffee bean. I don’t roast low then turn up the heat, blah, blah, blah. But I do enjoy my coffee and especially doing things myself. The system is based on listening for 2 different “cracking” sounds. The “crackings” have to do with letting out moisture and gases. Also beans expand in size when roasted so keep in mind what looks like a normal brewing amount of green beans will be more when roasted.

It’s relatively easy. It’s about listening for the two cracks, and you will know if you are listening. Times aren’t exact, so I can’t tell you precisely when it will happen, but let’s say on average you will hear the first crack somewhere between 4-7 minutes, the second crack about a minute later. If you like a light roast remove the beans from heat shortly after the second crack (some people even do it before the second crack, but not the majority). If you like a medium roast, wait maybe another 30 seconds to a minute, and for a dark or espresso type roast maybe another minute yet (don’t burn ’em). The longer you let them “roast” the darker and shinier the beans will appear. It all happens rather fast after the second crack. And for a beginner I recommend getting the beans out sooner than later. It is also recommended that you do this in a well vented area, I place my popper on the stove top and keep the vent on. Some people I know like to do the whole process outside.

What is important to know is two things, one the beans have chaff, a paper-ish flake it gives off. (Which to be responsible, I should warn you is flammable, but I’ve never had a problem) Using my air popper I let the air blow into a kitchen strainer. Then I quickly dump it into the garbage and pour my beans into the same strainer and shake them fervently, while blowing on them. Because the second thing you need to know is that the beans will continue to cook, so you want them to cool quickly. Some people also use a fan, but I don’t want to clean chaff that’s blown all over the kitchen. I could see this if you are outside I guess.

It may sound like a lot, but it’s really not. Making biscuits could sound hard until you do it. Just remember this is for fun! Experiment with different beans and blends! Most people start keeping a chart of blends and roasting times, then you can remember what you enjoy the most. My favorite part is serving my husband and guests my own brew!

…Now if I only lived at a certain elevation on a location within a particular distance from the equator, I could actually grow my own!