Coffee Cravings

I love coffee. During the dozen or so years I worked in morning radio, I depended on it for survival, often times being forced to drink whatever swill was in the break room.

Then one day, my morning show co-host began roasting his own beans. That opened up a whole new world for me, drinking coffee from freshly roasted and ground beans. Even though I'm not on radio anymore, thank goodness I can still get that great coffee from my former partner and owner of Bennett's Fresh Roast.

That being said, I was recently sent some samples of some non-traditional coffee to review for some projects I was working on, including New Mexico Pinon Coffee.

Pinon Facebook Photo

A family owned business in Albuquerque, roasting beans for more than 20 years. You might be thinking "I didn't know coffee beans were grown in New Mexico." They're not. This coffee is make from a combination of roasted piñon nuts (grown in the local dessert) with Arabica coffee beans.

The regular blend smells a bit sweet. I kept checking the bag to see if it was flavored but it's not. The coffee is mild with low acidity while the pine nuts add a pleasant, nutty flavor.

The Biscochito is named after the New Mexico State Cookie. It has hints of sugar, cinnamon and anise. I'm not typically a fan of flavored coffee but this a nice accompaniment to sweet scones.

I was especially interested in trying Javazen, a blend of ground coffee, loose teas and super foods such as acai and goji berries. Coming in three flavors with different intentions it works in traditional brewers but it tasted best to me in a French press.

The Javazen blends are Balance (mild, my favorite), Boost (strong in flavor and caffeine) and Relax (smooth and slightly fruity). If you like the flavor of tea you will enjoy this.

I prefer the flavors to be separate. I did, however, enjoy Javazen in a new gadget that speeds the process of properly preparing iced coffee. The HyperChiller makes it possible to have a good iced brew much faster than traditional methods and without diluting the flavors.

It literally cools freshly brewed coffee in one minute, bringing the temperature to a level that when poured over ice, doesn't melt immediately. Iced coffee lovers will understand why this is important.

Cheers to you next cup-o-joe.

Bennett's Biscoff Latte

My favorite coffee shop is unveiling a sinfully delicious, new hot beverage this week. I admit that I got to sample the Biscoff Latte at Bennett's Fresh Roast in Fort Myers, FL, as he was perfecting it a couple of weeks ago. But I didn't blog about it because the photo I took was pretty crappy and I just couldn't post it. Yes I could've bragged about tasting it before anyone else, sans photo, but distractions ruled the day. Thanks Melinda Isley for this shot!

Biscoff cookies are typically served alongside of coffee, not in and on top of it; unless you are a "dunker". Owner Bob Grissinger starts with a couple of shots of bold espresso, steamed milk, then adds a rich, buttery Biscoff flavoring to complete the latte. The finishing touch; whipped cream and cookie crumbles. WOW! That's good stuff for only $4.60 a cup.

I'm not sure I could handle both the Biscoff Latte and one of Bennett's infamous made from scratch, hand cut donuts. So I ordred a great big bowl of oats and more steamed milk on the side. Try thenew latte for a special treat this week. Hopefully it will stay around for a long time

Pumkin Pusher

I have friends who encourage me, love me, hug me and feed me....Bob Grissinger, owner of Bennett's Fresh Roast, does all of those things, then insults me; to keep me grounded. I expect it and in a strange way even look forward to it. After all, I put up with it for 15 years as his morning show partner on 969-9 WINK FM. But that's another story.

I shared that background so you will appreciate the torture I was put through today during my almost daily visit to his AMAZING coffee shop in Fort Myers, FL. I was quite proud of my early morning run, getting back into a good routine of health and fitness.


He rolled his eyes, nodded to an employee and within seconds his new Pumpkin Spice Donut was in my face, taunting me. I stared it down, but eventually gave in to it's evil temptation. The reward, a mouthful of creamy, delicious pumpkin custard. The seasonal treat is topped with vanilla icing, then a sprinkling of nutmeg.

It's only around for a limited time so be sure to stop in and give it a try. Pair it with a hot, rich cup of his freshly roasted Columbian Coffee and you will be set. Heavenly.

Bennett's Fresh Roast

Bennett's Fresh Roast is definitely a place to see and be seen while getting a cup of the freshest coffee in Southwest Florida and handcut doughnuts that are "to die for"! I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon on my dear friend Bennett's outside deck sipping yummy Mimosa's made from Cristalino Brut Rose Cava. The color was a little odd and provoked a few strange looks, however, I have a new love for the taste of a Rose' Mimosa. Bennett's has splits of the Cava if you want to sip some sans the OJ.

But the REAL reason I'm writing about Bennett's today is to tease you! I was asked to be a taste tester for his new doughnut coming out in June. I stared blankly at the plate when he put it in front of me then thought instantly, "How decadent!" These flavors are classicly great together but I would've NEVER thought to put with a doughnut! Sorry but I am sworn to secrecy at this point. Let's just say everyone will be talking!