new syrup season!
You already know what time it is.
IT IS TIME FOR FALL!
Despite being excited every year for my favorite season, I’m more excited than ever to dish out and celebrate the season! I think it’s from having the busiest summer of my life, I’m craving to wind down and enjoy this time.
Ironically, one way I’m enjoying it is…at work??
Little storytime!
I’m barista-ing once again and have found joy in the slower moments and environment at the shop I’ve been working at the past year.
One day (not at work) I was craving something similar to a sweet latte I get at a favorite shop David and I go to called Ema.
Ema is a gorgeous cafe in The Heights! Their menu is inspired by traditional Mexican dishes exuded through an eclectic/Houston lens.
Being a creature of habit, I typically stick with their conchas (truly the BEST I’ve ever had) and one of their signature lattes reflecting the flavor and ingredients of Cafe de Olla.
Warm hits of cardamom and star anise mixed with the richness of piloncillo, it 100% WORTH TRYING!
Feeling inspired and using what I had, ten minutes later, I had a fall syrup.
Differing from Ema, I made my primary flavor to be fresh ginger, bringing warmth and punch to my coffee, along with some freshly grated nutmeg, cardamom, and black pep!
Using fresher ingredients is a luxury, as it does involve more time and may not be as accessible, but makes a HUGE difference.
I brought this syrup to work the next day, giving out samples to all my coworkers…
A week later, Chef Chris (hi Chris) has it batched and ready to taste test.
It’s a cool feeling to see something that started as an idea into a potential menu item! Collaboration and inspiration are the main players, but it’s still a great feeling to see fruition in what was just a thought.
The recipe is still in the works, but we had some regulars taste-test the initial batch to see if it needed anything, along with the sweetness ratio, what read, and what didn’t.
One of our regulars upon the first sip was IMMEDIATELY hooked and gave us his praises.
The same man came in yesterday and the first thing he asked was if we had the fall syrup and that he had been “dreaming of it” all week.
LIKE. HOW. SWEET.
Truly, one of the nicest and most encouraging things I could’ve heard from a customer.
Moral of the story: if you like something at a restaurant or a coffee shop, LET ‘EM KNOW!
Anywho, I am not one to believe in secret recipes, so here’s my “dreamy” fall syrup for you to make at home to ring in the new season.
(also if you’re in Houston, check out Ema, for real)
I’m excited to hopefully share some more fall bakes and recipes (hello soup season, once again). I’m also excited to have more breathing room and have time to actually write!
I’m incredible grateful for this time in life, praise God, truly.
ALRIGHT RECIPE TIME!
That’s all she wrote, folks. Enjoy!!
With Love,
Cara