Mocha Latte Syrup
Air Date: 8/1/08

------------
Mocha Latte Syrup
About 1 cup (enough for 16 lattes)

3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/4 cup instant espresso
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, espresso, and cinnamon. Whisk in the water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 1 minute, stirring often.

Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool then pour into a jar, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Use to make Mocha Latte (below).

Mocha Latte

1 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Mocha Latte Syrup (above)

Place the half-and-half in a microwave-safe mug and heat in the microwave until hot.

Add the Mocha Latte Syrup and stir until well combined. Serve immediately.

-----------

POPULAR COFFEE BEVERAGES

Espresso is a strong, robust, Italian-style black coffee. Prepared by forcing steam through roasted dark coffee beans, espresso is traditionally served in a preheated demitasse cup. When made correctly, espresso has a top layer of golden foam, called crema. Its rich flavor is the perfect pick-me-up and makes it an ideal after-dinner beverage.

Cappuccino is a coffee beverage made with one-third fresh espresso and two-thirds frothy foamed milk. It has a frothy cream top, and is typically served topped with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and/or ground cinnamon. Cappuccino is often served iced as a hot-weather refresher.

Caffé Latte is a milky coffee beverage that is lighter in texture and flavor than straight coffee or espresso. It is made with a single shot of espresso and steamed (not frothed) milk. Steaming the milk gives the drink a smooth texture. Latte is great anytime and is also often served iced.