Category: food

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Espresso Milkshake

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The Buzz at Zizzo’s

I stopped by one of my favorite coffee shops the other day to see what was new, and I found my friend Eli making a customer an Espresso Milkshake. The coffee shop has completely changed up their look under the new owners, and they also added an ice cream fridge and feature a variety of flavors of Marianne’s Ice Cream. For those who know, this ice cream uses butterfat and is one of the richest and most decadent treats you could want on a hot summer day.

Ice Cream and Espresso for Lunch

I was in the mood for something delicious, and an Espresso Milkshake sounded like my kind of bad idea. I was on my way to help a friend move some things and then exercise by climbing hills, so I thought it would all balance out by evening. I chose the Chocolate Chocolate Chip ice cream, and added three shots to create a completely cheat day worthy concoction. Topped off with some chocolate whipped cream, it was as good as it sounds.

Brown Ranch Marketplace

To be completely candid, I do media for Brown Ranch Marketplace in Capitola, where Zizzo’s is located. However, my review of this rich chocolatey drink has nothing to do with work. It was sheer pleasure. I am also genuinely fans of Eli and Amy, the new owners, and the amazing makeover transformation they achieved. If you want to treat yourself to something extremely good this summer, go to Zizzo’s and ask for an Espresso Milkshake. Tell them Jake sent you.

Banana Bread Two Ways

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I based this recipe off of one I found in an article published by All Recipes. You can find the article, HERE: Joy’s Easy Banana Bread

Ingredients

1/4 cup melted butter
1 egg
3 mashed bananas
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

The only difference was I used regular sugar for the three riper bananas and brown sugar for the less ripe. Both were delicious!

Bake in a 9×5 loaf pan at 325 for about an hour

Riper bananas, cane sugar
Less ripe bananas, brown sugar

11th Hour Pumpkin Muffin Review

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Spring Buzzing

The best way to look at art is after a delicious baked good and a cup of coffee. Since this is undeniably true, I had to stop by 11th hour Coffee on Sunday before I set out on an art viewing extravaganza. This buzzing and stylish coffee shop is located inside the Santa Cruz Art Center, home to the Actor’s Theater, Full Steam Dumplings, and other visit-worthy businesses.

Frosty the Muffin

As I perused their baked goods offerings, I couldn’t help but notice the arrangement of Pumpkin Muffins each adorned with a worthy slather of thick delicious looking frosting. Life’s too short to skimp on the good stuff, and clearly the brilliant minds behind this pastry program agree. It was a busy day, but I received pleasant service and took my cup of coffee and muffin outside to the only available seating.

I’m That Guy

It’s often a little bit embarrassing when I pull out my rather hefty camera and begin an elaborate photo shoot of something I am going to eat, but as soon as I started to compose a shot I got lost in the sensuality of the frosting, in the exquisite fire touched crust of the muffin. I could smell the spice mingling with the aroma of freshly brewed light roast coffee. I undressed the muffin from its paper wrapper exposing more of the beautifully baked muffin bottom.

Taking a bite was not going to be elegant. There was no way to approach this task with manners. As such, I did my best impression of a lion in the plains and attacked my prey. The copious layer of frosting began to mix into the springy muffin, and I took a swig of the hot and bitter coffee making my mouth happy on so many levels. A couple of swift moves later there was nothing left but crumbs and a final swig of joe. Then, it was off to the Museum of Art and History to check out their exhibitions.