Fall Flavored Iced Coffee

As the east coast gets a generous dusting of snow and here in the Mitten I'm averaging two long sleeves shirts several hours a day, today is probably one of the last socially acceptable days to post about iced coffee. Just in time for cold temperatures, I may have found the best method for making iced coffee at home (well, the New York Times found it and shared).

Mix a 1 1/2 cups of water with 1/3 of a cup of coffee grounds. Stir together grounds and water, and let them sit together at room temperature for 12 hours or overnight. After sitting, pour the mixture through a coffee filter, fine mesh strainer, etc. You will be left with a coffee concentrate. To enjoy as iced coffee, use a 1:1 ratio of coffee concentrate:water (obviously adding ice, milk as desired). This recipe should make two large glasses of iced coffee.

Look Mom, no condensation! Special thanks to Tervis and Foodbuzz for the opportunity to try out their tumblers. 

Perhaps, equally as exciting as the new iced coffee method was the coffee grounds I used. I received two pounds of flavored coffee - Caramel Pecan Bark and Pumpkin Spice - from Godiva as part of the Foodbuzz Tastemakers Program. I don't buy flavored coffee often but I liked the subtle flavors in these coffees when hot, nothing too overwhelming. When I prepared the Caramel Pecan Bark as iced coffee the caramel flavor stood out much more which was a pleasant surprise, very smooth. Side note, these coffees both get an A+ for smell. I noticed Godiva has a $2 off coupon for coffee on their website as well for all you clippers.

I think I've found my cool weather coffee experiment - Cappuccino in a French Press!

P.S. You can now receive Munching in the Mitten in your inbox. Subscribe over on the left under "RECEIVE NEW POSTS IN YOUR INBOX." ;)

Butternut Squash & Cranberry Maple Millet

I've had the recipe for Butternut Squash & Cranberry Maple Millet on my brain ever since I saw it on Daily Garnish last Friday.

Last night when I should have been writing a paper for Urban Planning and figuring out my vermicompost research project, I was cooking instead. Getting that recipe off my mind. I did the other stuff eventually too. Sort of. But if not last night, when? I'll be writing papers the rest of the week, and before you know it will be time to go home for Fall Break. Plus, now I have leftovers.

The recipe couldn't be easier. Roast butternut squash, cook millet, make dressing and stir together. Maple, squash, and cranberries - tastes like fall.

Caffeinated

Stuff gets done when you drink cold brewed coffee. Grounds in water for 24 hours, buddy!

After two trips to the bank (I forgot my debit card the first time), I had my sights set on one thing when I arrived at the Farmer's Market this morning - coffee. It was found in the form of RoosRoast and listed on the menu as ice bomb, or ice monster, err something like that. After all, it was upwards of 70 degrees here today. Later finds at the market included: radishes, butternut squash, brussel sprouts, apples, tarragon encrusted goat cheese and a mini pumpkin pie. Market eats after the coffee jitters set in: pork tamale and curtido salad (don't worry I had to Google it too) from Pilar's Tamale Cart.

Attempting to do my Spanish workbook proved difficult for the next few hours, as my hands jittered away. I sent a lot of texts quickly in those few hours. I settled for some computer work instead, applying for graduation and finishing up a form I have been putting off for my major. The coffee convulsions continued and I decided to try and run it out. That's something that wears me out quickly. :)

I ended my run at the food co-op to grab a lemon for the spinach pesto I was planning to make. I'm sure the sweat running down my head as I cooled off in the store was really attractive.

Eventually I made this spinach pesto, however using a food processor. It was later enjoyed atop a half of yesterday's lentil burgers (only seven more left to eat!) with goat cheese. The other lentil burger half was topped with goat cheese and American Spoon Tomato Relish (buy this!). Both were winning combos. 

P.S. That pumpkin pie? It no longer exists. 

Eastern Market (food) Truck Stop

I've been spending an awful lot of time in Detroit this week. I'm not complaining. Tuesday night my former Detroit roommate, Maureen and I went to Eastern Market for their last Tuesday market and Truck Stop event. The Eastern Market Truck Stop welcomed several Michigan food trucks, carts and eateries to Shed 2 including: Trailer Park'd from East Lansing; El Guapo Grill, Good Girls Go to Paris Crepes, and Urban Grounds from Detroit; San Street and Debajo del Sol from Ann Arbor; and Treat Dreams from Ferndale to name a few. We arrived around 6PM and it was standing room only for a while but we managed to find the line for Trailer Park'd. 

Everything on their menu looked great and was slowly being crossed out because they were selling out fast. I ended up with the Ballin' A$& Tacos which were made with chorizo, queso fresco, mole verde, cilantro and lime. Maureen got a sandwich with rabbit, brie, homemade mustard and apple cider which was unbelievably delicious.

It was a hard decision to skip out on pork buns from San Street but I figured I would try something new since I can get San Street in Ann Arbor at Mark's Carts. Note to self: pork buns soon. 

For dessert I went with Salty Carmel Ice Cream from Treat Dreams. It was as good, if not better than it sounds. Fad or not, that flavor combo rocks. 

Given the turnout, it seemed like a great event for both vendors and the Market. I hope this becomes an annual (or even seasonal) event! Additionally, I hope it gave Detroit and other Michigan cities a head's up that people want these businesses on the street. 

For more pictures from the event check out Eastern Market's Facebook page.

Tour de Troit

On Friday night my Mom, Dad and I set out for Detroit to ride in the Tour de Troit on Saturday. We stayed at a hotel and woke up early Saturday morning to head to Roosevelt Park in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood.

Tour de Detroit is a 22-mile bike ride (62 miles for ambitious folk) through the historic areas of Detroit. This year's event attracted 4,300 bike riders and benefited the Southwest Detroit Greenlink. The areas we biked through included Woodbridge, New Center, Indian Village, Belle Isle, Downtown and obviously, Corktown. After completing 17 miles, including the 5 mile loop of Belle Isle, there was a rest stop for riders on Detroit riverfront with water, apple's and granola bars. Perhaps, the most exciting part of the rest stop was this tent with a logo designed by my summer roommate, Maureen!

Following the rest stop was a leisurely 5 miles through downtown back to Roosevelt Park. And then of course the post-ride festivities began - food, drink and music at Roosevelt Park. I enjoyed an Ethiopian vegetarian plate from Traffic Jam & Snug and pulled pork chili from Slow's BBQ - all delicious. Twenty-two miles and lunch later it was still only 1:00 so we drove to Eastern Market so that my parents could experience it on a market day. :)

The bike ride was such a fun experience. It was so nice to share what I love about Detroit with my Mom and Dad. I think they enjoyed it as well. My dad noted three firsts of the day: first time riding a bike in Detroit, first time visiting Belle Isle and first time visiting Eastern Market. My mom was talking about next year's ride on the car ride home. We'll be starting recruitment in a few months, friends. Here are a few photos from the day:

Helmet hair. 

M & D. Aren't they cute?

Approaching downtown. RenCen to the left. 

My favorite photo of the day. I took the photo blindly by holding my camera above my head as I rode away. I didn't realize until later that I caught two smilers on the right. 

Ambassador Bridge.

Post-ride party. 

Apple @ Eastern Market. Part of the Michigan Apple Trail.

Tour de Troit Post & More Coming Soon

Hey friends! Sorry for the delay on the Tour de Troit post. My computer charger died on Sunday (about the same time my computer did). And of course my photo's on my dead computer. Have no fear, a new charger is on its way. . .

Happy Tuesday! If your in or around Detroit today stop by Eastern Market's last Tuesday market and their food truck celebration this evening.

Nectarine & Pear Breakfast Crumble

Thursday night I experienced an abnormal amount of productivity. After finishing up class at 1:00, I drove to Detroit to pick up my packets for a biking event this weekend. I grabbed some of my favorite Detroit grub (Goodwell's Famous Pocket Sandwich and Sea Salt Chocolate Chip cookies from Avalon Bakery), drove straight back to Ann Arbor and headed to "the other D" (or the library). I stayed there for a few hours, spending minimal time on Facebook and Twitter, before going back to my apartment and doing homework until midnight. Soon enough it will be normal to stay up this late but I hadn't mustered the energy to do so before yesterday.

By midnight, I must have hit my second wind and decided to make my breakfast for the next morning. I had several pieces of fruit from the farmer's market, bought almost two weeks ago, that were looking pretty sad. I decided to make a breakfast-y fruit crumble. 

I made a quick crust out of flour, flax seed and oats moistened with a little bit of water and butter and pressed the "crust" onto the bottom of an oval ramekin. Then I layered slices of nectarine and pear that were lightly tossed in flour. For the crumble top, I hand mixed a little cold butter, flour, oats, cinnamon and a little bit of brown sugar and salt. I spread the crumble mixture on top of the fruit, wrapped up the ramekin and put it in the fridge overnight. Next time I make this I'll pay closer attention to the amounts of each ingredient and report back. 

Yesterday morning, I put the ramekin in our "Toast R Oven" at 350 degrees (F) for about 20 minutes while I showered. I turned the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes or so, and voila! A great use of fruit I would likely not eat otherwise and a fun change in my breakfast routine.

Tour de Troit post coming tomorrow. I have big plans to do homework and take advantage of the People's Food Co-op Member Appreciation Day today. What are you doing this weekend?