Tonight’s Uncommon Objects: Aberrant Holiday Yummies

There are 6½ weeks left before New Years. 

You’re welcome.  Now get on it.  Just in case you think you have more time.

Last year I kinda didn’t get through any real plans for the holidays.  This year’s gonna be different.  I’m already thinking on it.

The main thing I want to do right now is bake and make.  I’m pulling out my grandmothers’ recipes, I’m digging for ideas on Pinterest and I’m making up a list to check off – if I don’t lose it.  It’s not just Holiday time here – it’s also going to be hubby’s and my 19th anniversary.

Here are 4 things that have caught my attention or that are on my mind for this year’s celebration.

Bestest Coffee Ever.

1. Paulig Coffee – Juhla Mokka – Finnish Coffee

This is the bestest coffee on the planet.  Hubby’s and my absolute favorite.  We save this for holidays and special occasions, because the shipping more than doubles the price.  It’s not easy to get in the States.  And look, they’re out of stock at the Finn Store.

Great.  Lucky Finns.

I bet they stockpile it.

2. Pappy’s Sassafras Tea Concentrate

Sassafras tea concentrate is something I grew up loving on special occasions.  Most people haven’t heard of it.  I’ve walked into many a natural foods store asking for it, only to find no one knows what I’m talking about.  But let me tell you – you’re missing out.  Some say it has a root-beer flavor.  And they would be almost right.  Sassafras is actually a common ingredient in proprietary root-beer recipes.  But it is best enjoyed hot or cold as a tea.

My favorite is to blend it with my English Breakfast black tea with milk and a touch of honey.  Simply the best.

3. Chocolate Devastations (TM)

One of my little kitchen alchemy hobbies is chocolate.  And this Pinterest board right here…. has got to be one of the most astounding collections of gourmet, higher-end chocolate recipes I’ve seen. 

☛  http://www.pinterest.com/mimzi/chocolat  ☚

I feel like each of these could be displayed and sold at a high-end chocolatier.

I just want to lick the screen.

I’m totally making some of these recipes for the holidays.  If you like chocolate, you should follow that board too.

4.  Madhava Organic Agave – Flavored Coffee Sweetener

OMG, this stuff is the bomb.  They have lots of agave products that I have not tried.  But the ones I have are specifically the Hazelnut, Vanilla and Salted Caramel flavors.  My local HEB (grocery) store carries them.  They are amazing.

I love to mix them with my unsweetened coconut flavored soda water.  I know it sounds like I’m breaking the rules, but the coconut blends so well with the hazelnut! Refreshing.

That’s it for now.  Stayed tuned for future Uncommon Objects and Aberrant Things.