Healthy Peppermint Mocha: Elevate Your Holiday Coffee with a French Press
A healthy twist on the Holiday Favorite coffee beverage, Peppermint Mocha. *Disclosure* – I received an El Gato Malo French Press in exchange for my honest opinion of their product. All thoughts and opinions of this product are 100% my own.
Confession time: I am now a complete French Press devotee, and frankly, I’m still a little surprised by it!
My Journey from Convenient Pods to Superior French Press Coffee
For many years, I was a loyal fan of those single-cup, “just-press-here” coffee machines. Their undeniable convenience had me hooked. Back when I was teaching, I even had one at home and another at work, a testament to how much I relied on them for my daily caffeine fix. The idea of a quick, no-fuss cup of coffee was incredibly appealing to my busy lifestyle.
However, over time, a tiny seed of doubt began to sprout. I started to question the overall health and cleanliness of these popular brewers. A little research, a few quick Google searches, and my fears were confirmed. Tales of mold, bacteria, and a whole host of other “icky” things lurking within the internal reservoirs of these machines quickly turned my love affair into serious apprehension. It made me realize that while convenience is great, it shouldn’t come at the cost of health and hygiene.
Embracing a New Coffee Brewing Horizon with El Gato Malo
So, when the wonderful team at El Gato Malo reached out and sent me their Stainless Steel French Press, I was more than ready to explore a new method. Despite my initial intimidation by the French Press concept – all that talk of grind size, water temperature, and steep times seemed a bit overwhelming – I was eager to try something different, something healthier and potentially more flavorful.
The El Gato Malo French Press: Durability Meets Flavor
From the moment I unboxed the El Gato Malo French Press, I was impressed. Unlike many traditional French Press pots that feature fragile glass carafes, the El Gato Malo is crafted from high-quality stainless steel. As a mom with two little ones constantly on the move, durability is paramount. This stainless steel design is an absolute game-changer, offering peace of mind against accidental bumps and drops. It’s built to last, and this momma certainly appreciates that! Beyond its robust construction, I also loved the fact that it eliminates the need for any “sketchy” plastic cups or pods, common with other brewing methods. This means zero waste and no harmful chemicals leaching into my precious morning brew – a win for both my health and the environment.
Despite my lingering apprehension about mastering the French Press technique, I decided to dive in. I followed the simple instructions, added my favorite coarse-ground coffee, hot water, and waited. When I finally pressed the plunger and poured that first cup, I was genuinely shocked. The result was the most amazingly delicious, rich, and full-bodied cup of coffee I had ever made at home. It was a revelation! “Did I just make that?” I remember thinking. The depth of flavor, the smooth finish, and the lack of bitterness were truly astounding. It was a complete departure from my previous coffee experiences and solidified my conversion to the French Press method.
Crafting a Healthy Holiday Indulgence: The Peppermint Mocha
With the holiday season just around the corner, I decided to take my newfound coffee expertise and have even more fun this morning. After brewing a festive holiday blend in my trusty El Gato Malo French Press, I treated myself to a healthier rendition of a classic holiday favorite: a Peppermint Mocha. I mean, it’s Friday, right? What better way to kick off the weekend than with a comforting, yet guilt-free, seasonal beverage?
The Secret Ingredient: Coconut Oil for a Creamy, Healthy Latte
One of my favorite tricks for making coffee extra special and giving it a healthy boost is blending it with coconut oil. Have you ever tried it? It’s an incredibly quick and easy way to create a wonderfully creamy, frothy, and healthy latte right in your own kitchen. Coconut oil not only adds a silky texture but also provides beneficial medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are known for their energy-boosting properties and can help with satiety. Just a small amount transforms your ordinary cup of joe into something luxurious.
By simply adding the tiniest amount of peppermint extract and a touch of cocoa powder to my coconut oil-infused coffee, I instantly had myself a fancy, festive holiday beverage. It felt incredibly indulgent, yet I knew it was made with wholesome ingredients. Enjoying this delightful concoction at the bus stop this morning felt like a small, personal celebration, bringing a little holiday cheer to an otherwise routine moment.
Blending Hot Liquids Safely: A Crucial Tip
If you haven’t tried the coconut oil trick, you absolutely must! You need to experience the magic for yourself. However, it’s crucial to exercise caution when blending any hot liquids. An immersion blender is fantastic for this purpose as it minimizes splashes and pressure build-up. If you opt for a regular blender, remember to be extra careful. Always remove the small cap from the blender lid to vent some of the steam, and start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing it. This prevents pressure from building up and potentially causing the lid to pop off, which could lead to burns. Safety first, especially when dealing with hot beverages!
Elevate Your Coffee Game This Holiday Season
This holiday season, why not elevate your daily coffee (or tea!) ritual? The El Gato Malo French Press offers a superior brewing experience, bringing out the best in your coffee beans while offering durability and ease of use. It’s an investment in better taste and a healthier lifestyle, free from plastic pods and complex machines. You can get your own El Gato Malo French Press on Amazon. Don’t forget to use the promo code FitFoods at checkout for a fantastic 15% off your purchase! It’s the perfect gift for yourself or the coffee lover in your life.
21 Day Fix Peppermint Mocha {featuring the El Gato Malo French Press}
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder also yummy without this!
- Stevia I used 1 packet
Instructions
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Carefully blend all ingredients for 10-20 seconds or until frothy. Be sure to take care when opening blender.
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Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy your journey to better coffee and healthier holiday treats!