I recently received the following query and thought is was important enough to make sure Miss Mixer was heard from again.
Dear Miss Mixer,
I do not like getting up in the morning. I have small children who wake me and lots to do every day. How do I get up early and get going?
Sleepless in Seattle
Dear Sleepless,
There are lots of ways to approach this. Many people would tell you that you should make sure you are going to bed plenty early so that you can be the early birdie getting the proverbial worm. We all know that life doesn't always work that way. Might I suggest this handy system that seems to work for me.
A) Buy an espresso machine (pet peeve: please note, no "x" in espresso). I have a Starbucks' model from many years ago that rocks my world (kind of like this one). We call it "The Daymaker" at The Mixer House. Make sure you know how to use your machine. It will change your life.
B) Buy some espresso roast coffee ground properly for your machine or pods that work in your machine. Starbucks is my favorite, but Stumptown is making a fine showing these days. Do not accept crummy coffee.
C) In this order: Prime your machine, steam your milk (frothing first, then heating though to about 150 degrees), pull some shots (do not let your shots sit around for any amount of time). Finally, put your milk and espresso together.
D) Drink in deeply.
E) Seriously, you are now having a semi-spiritual coffee experience at home. You do not need to go to a coffee shop for an escape and pick-me-up. You have exorcised the exhaustion and you're ready to start the day.
It's not hard to start your day right.
-- More baking challenges and advice coming your way. I think.
