Christmas Morning Coffee

If you're anything like me,  morning coffee knows no holiday. I want my mug of piping hot coffee first thing everyday. Christmas morning is no exception. In fact, I think it's just a good excuse to kick that ordinary cup jo up a notch. So just because Starbucks is closed, (or at least I hope they are!) doesn't mean you have to settle for an ordinary cup of coffee on Christmas morning. Add a shot of this gingerbread syrup, a glug or two of warm milk, a spritz of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and you'll never miss Starbucks!

It would make a great gift as well!

Gingerbread Syrup

Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1(1-2 inch) piece fresh ginger root, sliced*
1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces
6 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
8 whole peppercorns
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine water, sugar. Stir in ginger, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, and nutmeg; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool then strain through a fine mesh sieve, or double layer cheesecloth.


*My sister introduced me to gingerbread syrup. I've made it a few times and like this recipe best. Feel free to add more or less of any of the spices to suit your tastes. You could substitute the fresh ginger with 1 1/2 -2 teaspoons of ground ginger or several pieces of crystallized ginger.  Don't just save this syrup for your coffee, it's also great on pancakes, yogurt, oatmeal, etc....

Merry Christmas!!!