Spotlight
What’s Brewing? Coffee Love!
Coffee. Lattes. Espresso. Hot Chocolate. Macchiato. I don’t discriminate, I LOVE it all. This love is a powerful kind of love, a passionate, and “I can’t live without you” love, an addicting kind of love. Not only do I enjoy all types of coffee, I’m also a real sucker for the beautiful latte arts on my drinks as well.
When it comes to my daily cup of coffee (and when I mean cup, I mean like five cups) it's the fuel for the day.
The rich, creamy, sweetness of my daily drinks is what helps me survive a busy day at the Youth Services department here at Des Plaines library.
Kids are so much fun to work with but can get very exhausting to chase while a one- year-old is trying to climb a mountain of stairs to get to the third floor of the library. I observe parents on a daily basis that try to keep up with their children.
I can definitely advise that if you are a parent or a babysitter of a small child, you will most certainly need the coffee to survive the day. Coffee can seriously save your tired soul from these tiny human beings.
Also, with all the crazy holiday madness going on, I’m sure coffee is the one thing you’ll be in search for.
Here are a couple of my quick coffee run recommendations to help you get the day started:
Tis the Season: Starbucks Hot Caramel Brulee Latte (If you don’t like caramel, the peppermint mocha OR White Chocolate Mocha is just as good
The Doughnut Vault Dollar Coffee (P.S. - Be sure to try their amazing doughnuts)
B’s Sweet Bites: This is their Pumpkin Spice Latte (Don’ forget to grab their fresh baked goods! They’re delicious)
As a member of the Youth Services department, I like to lead story times. Storytimes involve lots of goofy stories and not to mention the crazy singing and dancing that come along with reading it to our tiny human friends. The energy mixed with some reading often bring happiness and education to a child’s mind.
After a long day of being an “Adult-child”, a coffee shop is my place to relax and refuel.
There is just something about coffee shops that brings comfort to my soul. Not to mention the feelings it brings to my belly with the breathtaking smell of fresh coffee beans, the coziness of the environment, and calming flow of the music that puts a long stressful day behind me. In addition, coffee shops are a great place to read your favorite books, socialize, or simply to drink a delicious cup of coffee.
A few suggestions to some of highly rated coffee shops include:
Intelligentsia - Wicker Park Location
Bow Truss Coffee Roasters: You won’t regret their “Signature Special” Gibraltar (4.5 oz) with cayenne and cinnamon, rimmed with pomegranate
The Wormhole- Some suggestions are to get their Peanut Butter Koopa-Troopa,The Flannel Fall Signature drink, or their Honey Bear Latte
The holidays can make one very lazy. But don’t give up yet, another option to get your coffee when you want it is by brewing up a creation in the comforts of your own home.
Check out these books at the Des Plaines Public Library and discover your inner coffee creations.
I Love Coffee! : Over 100 easy and delicious coffee drinks
By: Susan Zimmer
In this book, coffee connoisseur Susan Zimmer shares expert advice and techniques, from how to brew the perfect cup and how to make a basic cappuccino without a machine to a World Barista Latte Art Champion's tips for making masterful latte art designs.
Gourmet coffee, tea and chocolate drinks : creating your favorite recipes at home
By: Matthew Tekulsky
Your favorite coffee or tea shop will miraculously appear in your own kitchen with these wonderful recipes for gourmet coffee, tea, and chocolate drinks.
Coffee Drinks
By: Micheal Turback
Recipe contributors include notable coffee purveyors and a highly competitive cadre of award-winning baristas. Each one of the fifty recipes is sure to keep your senses alert and percolating.