Recipe - Cappuccino Mousse Trifle

Here's a cool and refreshing dessert that I love to make, especially for large crowds.

Cappuccino Mousse Trifle

2 1/2 c. cold milk
1/3 instant coffee granules (aka tasters choice)
2 pkgs (3.4oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (16 oz) frozen whipped topping -- thawed and divided
2 loaves (10 3/4 oz each) frozen pound cake -- thawed and cubed
1 square (1 oz) semisweet chocolate -- grated
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, stir milk and coffee granules until dissolved; remove 1 cup and set aside. Add pudding mixes to the remaining milk mixture and beat on low speed for 2 min. or until thickened. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Place 1/3 of the cake cubes in a 4 qt. trifle bowl. Layer with 1/3 of reserved milk mixture, 1/3 of pudding mixture and 1/4 of the grated chocolate. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and chocolate; sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover & refrigerate until serving. Yield = 16-20 servings.

Even the mighty St. Arbucks struggles

Dear Starbucks executives,

I just heard the news that you are closing 600 locations in the next year. According to this source, specific locations have not been revealed but the closings will most likely be stores opened since 2006. Also at risk are locations that are close to other Starbucks locations. I must say, I wondered why you built 6 locations within a 5 mile radius of my house. But, I knew that you did it cause you cared about my caffeine lovin' needs. Every time I went by for a fix, there were always plenty of other addicts around so I figured you knew what you were doing.

Please know that I am quite a fan of your product. However, your prices make it a "splurge" item as daily consumption would not make our wee budget. And... well, I guess it's time to fess up... I even have resorted to McCafe for a iced coffee or two. How embarrassing. I'm so sorry to have been unfaithful.

Just a suggestion -- Would you even consider lowering the prices a little?? It would draw me in for more mocha lattes!

And, if you have to close one near me, I beg you not to close the 2 drive-thru locations.

Sincerely,
BridgeMom

Coffee and a cause

Mike recently posted on this fabulous coffee, and I couldn't resist doing the same. It's from Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee. I recently had the privilege of sampling MULTIPLE cups of this coffee and it is really good stuff. Really good.

The coffee comes from Rwanda, which is not typically associated with coffee. Rwanda is more known for its horrific genocide wars that killed almost 1 million not too many years ago. However, this company is helping to bring life and hope back to this country. Growing and harvesting this coffee is, in fact, helping reconciliation, as the Twa, Tutsi, and Hutu widows of genocide are working together. We recently heard about this (and sampled it) from the guys running this organization and it was fascinating.

The prices are comparable to any good coffee here in the States. Read more about their story and order this coffee here.

Another reason to love fall...

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE. Holy Cow. I'm addicted.