Welcome to Recipe for Romance!
Each weekend, I share a snippet of a tale that either takes place in the current month (in this case, February) or is coming out in the current month, and a recipe that either goes with the tale or goes with the month.
Confused yet? Excellent! lol
Let’s get started. I’m sharing a snippet of IN PLAIN SIGHT, a Summit Springs Sapphic Romance novel. Triss Singleton works at Caffeine Ivy’s Coffee shop and Briona (the sheriff) stopped there for a treat. Lots of folks like almond milk instead of regular dairy so there’s an almond milk recipe after.
Available Now: In Plain Sight
“So, what can I get for you, Sheriff?”
Over Emily’s shoulder, Briona saw Triss smile at another customer, but it looked a little forced. Her gaze flitted away when she caught Briona looking, and she resumed her interaction with the customer ordering coffee.
“Uh, hm, I dunno. I usually make my coffee at home, but I wanted a treat this morning.” Briona shrugged.
“That’s because she doesn’t have the coffee snob gene. Come on and live a little, Sheriff.”
Briona looked over her shoulder to find Deputy Julieta Huertas, Latina Lover and sniper, had moved up behind her.
Briona snorted. “You’re right, Huertas. I leave the coffee snobbery to you. What would you recommend to treat myself?”
“Hmm.” Huertas tapped her chin with a perfectly manicured finger. “I’d say you’re more of a mocha kind of woman than a latte lover. My suggestion? Go with the Mint Chocolate Mocha—it’s like a Girl Scout cookie with kick.”
Briona laughed. “Are you trying to sweeten me up, Huertas?”
Huertas grinned. “Maybe.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll take a Mint Chocolate Mocha to go, please.” Briona pulled out her wallet from her back pocket and smiled at Emily.
“Good—oh, sorry, I have to take this.” Emily’s expression morphed into concern as she pulled out her ringing cellphone. “Triss, can you finish for me? I gotta take this call.”
I get to talk to Triss again.
The pretty woman with the short burgundy hair nodded before she wiped her expression to reflect bland politeness.
“Okay, it looks like you ordered a Mint Chocolate Mocha, is that right?”
Briona nodded. “Yes, that’s right. It’s good to see you again. How long have you been working for Emily?”
“I just started a couple weeks ago.” Triss didn’t smile back. “That’ll be four forty-five.”
Homemade Vanilla Almond Milk
This is an older video I did on Facebook during the Pandemic in early 2020, and I realized I hadn’t given specific amounts of almonds in the video. *eye roll*. I’ve gotten much better since then. Recipe below.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of raw unsalted almonds, soaked 4-8 hours minimum
3.5 cups water (filtered, purified, tap – up to you)
Spices Optional: 1/4 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp Stevia
Quart sized mason jar
Cheese cloth or mesh bags for straining
Large 4 cup measuring cup
Blender
Layer the cheese cloth or mesh bags into the 4 cup measuring cup. Set aside
Put almonds, water and spices of choice in blender and blend for at least a minute (60 seconds).
Pour the mixture into prepared measuring cup.
Gently but firmly squeeze the mixture through the mesh into the measuring up until all the liquid is squeezed out. Takes some effort and determination.
Pour the strained liquid into the mason jar and cover with lid.
Store in the fridge for up to 8 days. Be sure to shake the jar each time you use the almond milk.
Sweet! (in more ways than one!)
This was a fun snippet (and thanks for the recipe)