Today’s simple solution is a little different than usual.  This recipe involves no cooking; in fact, it isn’t even a recipe.  However, it is a kitchen hint that I think is worthy of sharing with my fellow coffee lovers.

Working from my home office, I consume at least four cups of coffee during the morning.  If it’s a particularly cold day, such as today, I might make a second pot late in the afternoon.  I like my coffee to be strong, preferably a dark roast of some sort, and I like it to be piping hot.

Sometimes I enjoy flavored coffees, but I detest the syrups used at most coffee shops.  I find the sweetened syrups to be tooth-achingly sweet and the sugar-free options to have an aftertaste.  So, what’s a girl to do when she wants coffee that has a little flavor?  Obviously, she could buy flavored coffee beans, but most of those are made with light or medium roasts.  So, I have found my own way to add flavor to my coffee: my spice rack.  Depending on the flavor you prefer, you can add the appropriate ingredients.

As I watch the snow pile up outside my window, I am grateful for insulation, heat, and a steaming hot cup of vanilla coffee.

Vanilla Coffee

9 scoops freshly ground coffee

1 tsp. vanilla extract*

Fill coffee maker with enough water to make 12 cups of coffee.  Place ground coffee into filter, and pour vanilla over the grounds.  Start brewing!

*Other flavor options include ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and almond extract.