Many people enjoy gourmet coffees, especially the rich, tasty blends served at places like Starbucks and the little shops tucked away in the corner at Barnes & Noble. However, as you might know, these coffees are not only quite expensive (or should I say very expensive?), but also quite high in calories and fat. Many places today offer coffee made with low-fat milk. While using low-fat milk reduces the caloric content, it does nothing to reduce the price. So if you’re both weight conscious and cost conscious, try brewing your own gourmet coffees by using these tasty recipes.
Tips for Brewing the Perfect Cup of Coffee
In order to make the perfect cup of coffee every time, follow these guidelines:
- Always store ground coffee in a container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Never use a dirty coffee pot or carafe. Clean the pot or carafe after each use. Use warm, soapy water, but never use an abrasive pad. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning an automatic coffeemaker.
- Measure the coffee accurately, depending upon the number of servings you want to make and the strength of the brew. On average, one tablespoon of ground coffee will make a medium-sized cup, not a large mug.
- Use cold water when making coffee. Never use warm or hot water unless you’re making instant coffee.
So if you enjoy flavored coffees, but don’t want the extra calories or extra expense, the answer is to brew your own. You'll not only reach your weight-loss goal but also save money in the process.
Low Calorie Café Au Lait or Cappuccino
Adjust ingredients accordingly depending on the number of servings you wish to make. This same recipe can be used to prepare cappuccino; just add 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to the coffee before brewing.
Makes 6, 3/4 cup servings
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup ground coffee
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for cappuccino
- 3 cups skim fat-free milk
Directions:
- Prepare the coffee and add water to the coffeemaker according to manufacturer's instructions. If preparing cappuccino, combine ground cinnamon with ground coffee before brewing.
- Place milk in a saucepan over medium heat and heat until very hot, but not boiling.
- Pour the coffee and milk simultaneously into serving pot or individual cups.
Calories per 1-cup serving: 40
Chocolate Mocha
Adjust ingredients accordingly depending on the number of servings you wish to make.
Makes 6, eight-ounce servings
Ingredients:
- 6 cups hot coffee
- 6 level tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 to 6 packets sugar-free sweetener, to taste
- 3/4 cup skim or fat-free milk
Directions:
- Brew coffee in coffeemaker according to manufacturer's directions.
- Pour coffee into a serving pot or other heat-resistant container.
- Add cocoa powder, desired amount of sugar-free sweetner to taste, and milk.
- Stir mixture just until ingredients are combined.
- Serve hot.
Calories per 8-ounce cup: 50
Carol Rzadkiewicz - Carol Rzadkiewicz has taught college English for over 14 years and is the author of three published novels and numerous short stories.
