This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Natalie. Congrats!!
I love the experience of going to a coffee shop, ordering something fancy, and sipping it over conversation or a good read. My husband tends to be more of a no-frills coffee drinker and can drink a freshly brewed carafe without a sprinkle of sugar. Because I like my drinks with chocolate and whipped cream, I might splurge a couple of times a week as opposed to getting a daily fix like my husband. My ideal cup of coffee would be flavored, but not too sweet, bold but not too bitter.
Last week, celebrity chef and entertaining expert Paul McCullough showed off his culinary skills with an interactive summer brunch demo. The former Next Food Network Star owns a catering business in LA called Paul’s Kitchen where he’s prepared food for Kelly Clarkson, Lance Armstrong, and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. The menu, which featured several foods infused with hints of Starbucks new Natural Fusions Coffee, included the following dishes:
The Siren’s Scramble
Paul’s Popovers with Maple Bacon and Citrus Infused Butters
Starbucks Natural Fusions Maple Bacon
Chocolate Bowl as Edible Art with Fresh Berries
After sipping on fresh juices and Starbucks Natural Fusions coffee, we began preparing our Chocolate Bowls. Entertaining is as much about the presentation of food as it is the flavor. These bowls are very easy to make and particularly popular with children.
1. Melt 2 cups of dark chocolate chips in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, making sure to stir every 30 seconds (you could always melt chocolate in a double boiler but it takes longer). Be sure you use a bowl that will accomodate a blown-up balloon.
2. Blow up several balloons and spray them with a light coating of cooking spray. You can dab the bottoms with a paper towel so the excess doesn’t run into the chocolate.
3. Dip the balloons into the chocolate and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment (or wax) paper to prevent sticking. Paul had each of us drizzle some melted white chocolate into the dark chocolate before dipping which created an artsy design.
4. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until hardened and ready to serve
5. Pop the balloon and carefully pull away any balloon pieces that remain.
6. Fill with fresh, organic, seasonal berries.
Here is the finished creation:
Next we watched as Paul demonstrated Starbucks Natural Fusions Maple Bacon. I soo don’t eat bacon…but on Wednesday, I decided that I just had to try it. I think that if bacon were prepared this way all of the time, I might throw out the “I don’t eat bacon” rule. Here is how Paul created this dish.
1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Line a rimmed baking pan with parchment (or wax) paper and set a flat rack on top.
3. Lay down bacon strips on the rack with the edges touching (about 1 pound thick-cut bacon or 10 slices)
4. Sprinkle bacon strips evenly with 1 tablespoon of Starbucks Natural Fusions Vanilla ground coffee
5. Combine 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of real maple syrup and 2 tablespoons of freshly brewed Starbucks Natural Fusions Vanilla coffee in a small bowl.
6. Brush the bacon with half of the sugar mixture.
7. Add course fresh cracked pepper lightly over the bacon (to taste). Paul actually sprinkled some of the strips with Cayenne pepper which gave it a kick!
8. Bake for 15 minutes.
9. Turn bacon strips over and sprinkle with remaining coffee, brush with remaining glaze and pepper
10. Bake until crispy, approximately 10 minutes.
Because I love all-things bread, Pauls Popovers were my favorite dish. He complimented them with two homemade butters…bacon and citrus. They look elaborate but are super easy to make. Time to invest in a popover tin! : )
1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Place 5 eggs and 1 2/3 cups half and half in a large bowl and beat with a whisk until blended
3. Add 1 2/3 cups of flour and 1 t salt and mix well (some lumps are ok)
4. Coat the pan with cooking spray and fill each cup 3/4 full
5. Place on the middle rack of your oven and ensure there is adequate space for them to rise (because they will!)
6. Bake for 30 minutes (avoid opening the oven during baking time)
To make the maple bacon butter, Paul whipped 1/2 cup of finely chopped bacon (see recipe above) into 1 stick of softened, unsalted butter until fluffy. I actually preferred the citrus butter which included marmalade, orange zest, and lemon zest (YUM!).
The last dish Paul made was a scramble. What I liked about the dish was it’s versatility. If you sub pasta for the eggs you can serve this for lunch (or brunch since both breakfast and lunch items are fair game). I also want to attempt to make this as an omlette or frittata (stay tuned).
1. Mix one pound of sauteed spinach, one pound of browned and crumbled turkey sausage and one half cup of julienned sundried tomatoes and set aside.
2. Scramble one dozen eggs until almost done but soft.
3. Fold the spinach mixture through and sprinkle with eight ounces of seasoned feta.
Here is the omlette…
And the pasta variation…
With just a few tips from Paul on flavors and presentation, I can create an easy, inexpensive brunch that looks and tastes incredible.
Starbucks recently introduced their new Natural Fusions flavored ground coffees in Cinnamon, Caramel, and Vanilla. These coffees, which are available at grocers nationwide, are made with vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg ground and blended in with the coffee. The coffee itself is made with quality, ethically-sourced arabica coffee beans and roasted to complement each flavor (per the site).
There are times when I find the freshly brewed coffee at Starbucks locations to be a bit too strong (hence the fact that I stick with the more gourmet espresso drinks). One of the great things about brewing coffee at home is that I can decide how strong I want it. My favorite blend was the Vanilla and I actually don’t have to put sugar or chocolate in it! Just a little half and half and Voila! A perfect cup of coffee in the comfort of my own home.
You can find more tips on creating that perfect Summer Brunch here.
Win It! One of you will received all three flavor varieties of Starbucks Natural Fusions and a mini French Press. Simply leave me a comment with the flavor you’d like to try or your current favorite drink at Starbucks. Comments will close on July 19th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.
US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.
Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.
Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.
Like me on Facebook
Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.
Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.
Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!
No compensation was received for this post. I was invited to the workshop and was provided coffee samples which helped facilitate this review.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
hehe So many good pics! That was truly a blast, and we were so lucky to be part of the intimate affair. Lucky lucky us! Definitely making popovers now that it’s been proven you don’t need a special pan. 🙂 It was fun to meet you! Hope to cross paths again very soon.
I’d love to try the caramel.
It looked like you all had to much fun and everything looked delicious!
Great event! I love coffee so this would’ve been right up my alley. My favorite drink at Starbucks is the Caramel Macchiato. YUM!
I follow you and tweeted.
https://twitter.com/#!/susanlanai/status/87991797002932224
I Like you on Facebook.
I subscribe via email.
I clicked on the Google Buzz button.
My favorite starbucks drink is the skinny cinnamon dolce latte.
I’d love to try the caramel flavor. Thanks for the chance! 🙂
I follow you on twitter @deegee13 and tweeted https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/88096817367097344
I subscribe via google reader
I dugg as DeeGee13
My fav Starbucks drink is a caramel frappuchino with extra caramel and extra whip – yum! Just typing that makes me want some…now… 🙂
nlevdan3 at yahoo dot com
I like you on Facebook
nlevdan3 at yahoo dot com
My favorite Starbucks drink is an extra hot, extra shot caramel macchiato.
Follow you on Twitter: rhoneygee
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/rhoneygee/status/88140992779268096
love the caramel- ok want to try the caramel…loved your descriptions…looked like a blast
the caramel flavor
email subscriber
It’s a toss between the caramel and vanilla.
the vanilla sounds the best to me….thanks for the creative recipe ideas!
[email protected]
The Caramel sounds good.
Thanks for the chance.
[email protected]
My current favorite drink at Starbucks is the Iced Caramel Macchiato!
I like you on Facebook – my FB name is Amanda Moore
I follow you on Twitter and tweeted, I’m @AmberGoo: http://twitter.com/#!/AmberGoo/status/88397033739780096
I like this post on Facebook – my FB name is Amanda Moore
I subscribe to your RSS Feed with google reader
My favorite drink at Starbucks is the caramel macchiato.
my fave drink is a java chip frappy with whip – yum!
like you on FB
e-mail subscriber
i’d like to try the cinnamon
nannypanpan at gmail.com
e-mail
nannypanpan at gmail.com
I would like the vanilla
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am an email subscriber
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I want vanilla
I like on fb
I sub to email
i want the vanilla to try. I like caramel however I really don’t know how that would taste.
[email protected]
i follow you on twitter
@ashabutterflys
i tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ashabutterflys/status/88479754247880704
i like you on facebook
i get your emails.
i posted on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/ashabutterflys/posts/10150304790836280
I love seeing all the cool stuff you get to go do! This looks like so much fun, and that balloon chocolate idea is really neat!
Caramel is the flavor I most want to try!
rss subacriber
the caramel
e-mail subscriber
Would love to win 🙂
I would like to try the Cinnamon
My favorite drink is the Hot Caramel Macchiato
follow you on facebook
subscribe via email
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/88773768360632320
Caramel Macchiato
I would like to try the caramel flavor of Starbucks Natural Fusion.
supaflychikenpi2 AT gmail DOT com
I’d like to try the vanilla. Thanks for the chance.
I’m a subscriber.
I like you on facebook.
I would love to try the Starbucks Natural Fusions Cinnamon.
I always order a double iced mocha at Starbucks. Tastes SO good even if it’s not good for me! Oh well.
Thanks
I follow rockin mama on facebook. My fb name is A marie hj saver.
thanks!
When I visit Starbucks, it’s usually after work in the evening, so I order a Decaf Latte.
I would love to try the Carmel! Thanks for the chance
deb55106{at}gmail{dot}com
I would love to try the caramel. Looks delicious.
caramel would be good
http://twitter.com/cneiding/status/89884853142695936 tweet
facebook like you
email subscriber
stumbled it
Caffè Misto is my favorite drink-yum!
smchester at gmail dot com
Would like to try the caramel flavor.
Following on twitter @mindless1der
Like on facebook
I’d like to try the caramel
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
twitter follower & tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/90986989297467394
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
stumbled post (chelleb36)
http://www.stumbleupon.com/to/AGiuaU/rockinmama.net/2011/07/starbucks-natural-fusions-and-a-coffee-inspired-brunch-giveaway/t:4e1ce8c44440f;src:all
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
posted on fb
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=190725884318842&id=100000585237064
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
digged post (chelleb36)
http://digg.com/story/r/starbucks_natural_fusions_giveawayrockin_mama
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
email subscriber
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
like on fb (michelle b)
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
i’d love to try their cinnamon coffee
[email protected]
follow you and tweeted
https://twitter.com/#!/raggammuffin/status/91133968723869696
i like you on FB
i subscribe via google reader
I love vanilla steamers!
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/91504056215928832
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
i love the hot chocolate!!!!! hold the whip though, it has was too much fat and too many calories for me.
The Vanilla would be a must have! Thanks for the chance.
I subscribe 🙂
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/92050624165847040
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
my fave starbucks drink is the vanilla creme frap with java chips. sooo good. i mean, i LOVE coffee but that is my fave drink ever.
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
fb fan: xferriza2 (Danielle b)
ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
email sub: ferriza2(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to try the Starbucks Natural Infusions Cinnamon.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am a fan via Facebook as Jill Myrick.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
I am subscribed via email as jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com.
I’d love to try the caramel flavor.
Following on Twitter & tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/dancersmom69/status/92378125131976704
Already liking you on FB (leann brandner voyer)
Subscriber. LKVOYER at aol dot com
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/92420322443280385
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My favorite drink at Starbucks is the white chocolate mocha…mmmmm! Thanks for the giveaway!
My current fav starbucks drink is the mocha coconut frappuccino. Sooo good!!!
My pick would be caramel!
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I like you on FB: Alexadnra Herring
I subscribe via email
lexigurl_17 (at) hotmail (dot) com
My current favorite drink is their Mocha Coconut Frappucino!
caryn9802 at yahoo dot com
My favorite drink at Starbucks is Pumpkin Spice Latte when it is in season.
I would like to try the vanilla
fan on facebook
I get your emails
I’ll have a macchioto please.
ky2here at msn dot com
FB fan kyhere here.
ky2here at msn dot com
Twitter follower ky2here1, https://twitter.com/#!/ky2here1/status/92738612004798465
ky2here at msn dot com
Caramel is the flavor of Natural Fusion I would most like to try….maybe because I love Starbuck’s Caramel Machiatto’s. 🙂 Thank you.
I follow you on Twitter AND tweeted about the contest. here: http://twitter.com/sottovocerocks/status/92778025598459904
🙂
I like you on Facebook. 🙂 (Jaque Richards)
The popovers look divine…and amazing photos! My current favorite drink is the iced caramel machiatto!
wolverina401 at gmail dot com
The ultimate indulgent pick for me at StarBuck’s is the Mocha Frappichino!
I’d try the caramel flavor.
https://twitter.com/kittycardero/status/92829659888222208
Like on Facebook
email subscriber
I think I’d like caramel
email subscriber
My favorite Starbuck’s drink is White Chocolate Mocha.
I would love to try the Vanilla, thanks!
Email Subscriber, thanks!
Liked you on FB (AngelaWinesburg)
https://twitter.com/#!/Hotsnotty2/status/93037753964576768
I’d love to try the vanilla.
Google reader subscriber.
With it being so hot here in Texas, I love Zen Iced Tea, though I could drink it year round
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/93073910169481216
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Yummy-I would love to try the caramel
I would love to try the Caramel frappuchino
I follow and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/Jammie79/status/93090862824820736
I like you on fb Jammie M
I subscribe via email.
Would love to try Natural fusions Vanilla.
I love their carmel macchiatos!
I’d love to try the Caramel flavor.
I follow your Facebook page (FB name: Maddie Brubaker).
I subscribe to your RSS feed.
i like the vanilla
im a email subscriber
im a facebook fan
I’d like to try caramel
I would love to try the Caramel variety of the Starbucks Natural Fusions coffee. reejen at comcast dot net
I am loving their new Mocha Coconut Frappe
I would love to try the caramel flavor! Thanks for the giveaway!
Like you on Facebook Tiffany Hearn
Subscribe to your feed via Googler reader.
I’d like to try the natural fusions cinnamon.
Twitter follower @sarohioan
http://twitter.com/#!/sarohioan/status/93337246673010688
I love Starbucks! My favorite drink is the nonfat Mocha!
Following and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/annedoggett/status/93346323062984704
caramel!
[email protected]
venti white mocha! love the pics
My favorite is a tall nonfat latte.
I would love to try the Starbucks® Natural Fusions Vanilla.
would love caramel fusion
When I go to Starbucks, I always get their breakfast blend. It’s a little lighter on the caffeine, and I love the taste.
I’d like to try all of them but especially caramel!
I like you on facebook! stephanie a….
I subscribe to your emails!
I follow you on twitter and tweeted!
https://twitter.com/gnwg/status/93475440542494720
I submitted a digg! gnwg
I stumbled this post! gnwg
I would like to try the caramel flavor
i follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/JCoyne1031/status/93483519682150401
i like you on facebook
i’m an email subscriber
Ooh, the caramel sounds so good!
spcale at yahoo dot com.
email subscriber spcale at yahoo dot com.
feed subscriber spcale at yahoo dot com.
I like you on FB, I do I do! carol yerby lewis
spcale at yahoo dot com.
follow and tweet http://twitter.com/#!/dresdenrain/status/93486345468641280
spcale at yahoo dot com.
I’d try the Vanilla Natural Fusion!
Shared about giveaway on Facebook
Like RockinMama on Facebook
Subscribe to feed via email
Vanilla Please
tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/93514437947965441
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
id love to try the Starbucks® Natural Fusions Caramel
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/93522535471263745
like you on facebook kathy l pease
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com
rss google feed subscriber
kathypease(at)gmail(dot)com
stumbled klp1965
https://www.facebook.com/KathyLPease
I would love to try the Caramel. Yum!!
I follow you on twitter.
http://twitter.com/#!/angevege/status/93524889780236288
I like you on Facebook.
I love white chocolate mochas! Best thing at Starbucks
[email protected]
I would love to try the Caramel flavor.
Mocha Latte for me.
Twitter follower and I Tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/lizzieboo1961/status/93544578388467712
I “like” you on Facebook.
I “Stumbled”.
I shared the giveaway on Digg.
White Chocolate Mocha is a favorite around here.
I’m an email subscriber.
I would like to try the Caramel.