Coffee and Dessert Pairings: Elevate Your Coffee Experience

There's something magical about the combination of coffee and dessert. Whether you're starting your day with a cup of joe or ending a delicious meal, the right pairing can elevate your coffee experience to new heights. In this blog post, we'll explore delightful pairings of coffee with various desserts and even share a cherished recipe from Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s beloved grandmother, Nona.

1. Classic Coffee and Donuts

Let's start with a timeless pairing – coffee and donuts. The rich, robust flavor of coffee complements the sweet, fluffy goodness of a glazed donut. For an extra treat, try making your own donuts at home. Here's a simple recipe:

Homemade Glazed Donuts

Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a donut pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the donut pan and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Allow the donuts to cool before glazing with your favorite icing.

Pair these freshly baked donuts with a cup of Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s House Blend for a delightful morning treat.

2. Espresso and Tiramisu

For a more sophisticated pairing, consider the bold flavors of espresso with the creamy richness of tiramisu. The robustness of espresso cuts through the sweetness of the mascarpone, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Here's a quick tiramisu recipe to try at home:

Homemade Tiramisu

Ingredients:

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
• 24-30 ladyfinger cookies
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
2. Add mascarpone cheese and mix until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture.
5. Dip each ladyfinger into the brewed espresso and layer them in a serving dish.
6. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers.
7. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of mascarpone.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Dust with cocoa powder before serving.

Pair this homemade tiramisu with a shot of Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s Italian Roast for an indulgent dessert experience.

3. Grandma Nona's Pecan Pie and Medium Roast Coffee

As a special treat, let's honor Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s favorite recipe from their beloved grandmother, Nona – Pecan Pie. The nutty sweetness of pecan pie pairs wonderfully with a medium roast coffee. Here's Grandma Nona's cherished recipe:

Grandma Nona's Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in pecan halves and pour the mixture into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until set in the center.
6. Allow the pie to cool before serving.

Brew a cup of Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s Breakfast Blend to enjoy alongside Grandma Nona's Pecan Pie for a heartwarming and nostalgic experience.

Coffee and dessert pairings offer a delightful journey for your taste buds. Whether you opt for the classic combination of coffee and donuts, the sophisticated duo of espresso and tiramisu, or a cherished family recipe like Grandma Nona's Pecan Pie, each pairing is an opportunity to savor the moments and create lasting memories. Experiment with these pairings, and don't forget to explore Mt. Nona Coffee Co.'s diverse coffee profiles to find the perfect match for your favorite desserts.