For many among us, an aromatic, freshly brewed cup of coffee invites us to face the challenges or successes of the day to come. This moment allows us to prepare, reflect on our daily lives, escape to our quiet place or share a light moment. As this morning ritual is so important to us, we have decided to share a list of our favourite coffee houses. Georgian Bay has an incredible number of engaging, knowledgeable and passionate business owners and their teams whose cafés rival those found anywhere around the globe. So, pour yourself a cup of your favourite roast and join us as we explore a selection of some of the amazing cafes to be found along the shores of Georgian Bay. These cafes offer take-away, curbside pick-up, follow social distancing protocols and many have online websites and delivery options. Café Kitty Hawk Freshly Brewed: 4 Robert Street West, Penetanguishene 705-355-2233 Baristas & Beans: We frequent this warm, inviting café on a regular basis and feel fortunate to have them as part of the GB community. The management and baristas are always extremely engaging, skilled and accommodating, offering a wide selection of take-out, coffee-based drinks, seasonal specialties and ground and bean coffees that one can prepare at home. Locally sourced freshly baked scones, muffins, croissants and breads, as well as a lunch menu, are available daily. The Café Kitty Hawk is always surprising us with new and delicious offerings such as the Cronut, a croissant/donut combination, and amazing charcuterie platters that are a feast for the eyes as well as the senses. During the warmer months, Café Kitty Hawk also offers classic cocktail and appetizer evenings. This is a perfect place for your catering needs as well as potted plants and an assortment of gifts. www.cafekittyhawk.com Mark 1V Brothers Café Freshly Brewed: 187 Nottawasaga Street, Orillia 705-325-7355 Baristas & Beans: The moment we enter this beautiful bike-themed, vintage-decorated, welcoming café, one can sense the cool, relaxing atmosphere that the local community celebrates. The amazing ambiance of this hidden gem, the extensive coffee menu, sweet treats, chill music and the friendly atmosphere ensure that we will be back soon. When we visited, it was refreshing to see people enjoying a coffee outside as the weather was unseasonably warm. We purchased some whole bean coffees from Pilot Roasters and De Mello to enjoy, until we return in the future. Gibson & Company Freshly Brewed: 93 Hurontario Street, Unit 3, Collingwood Baristas & Beans: This coffee shop, wine & whiskey bar is a “must visit” location in Collingwood. Gibson’s location, down an alley, off the main street of Collingwood, adds to the mystery and anticipation of this much beloved establishment. Their café and bar, serve a carefully chosen selection of quality coffees, both for take-out and dine in consumption, as well as ground and whole bean coffees to be prepared in the comfort of your home. This beautiful, open space is divided into areas that allow for in-house dining, purchasing wines from their incredible selection (ask the most accommodating and knowledgeable staff for recommendations) and buying coffee from the inviting coffee bar. When we visited, many guests were purchasing coffee “to go” from their extensive selection. www.gibsonandcompany.ca Severn Mills Trading Post & Coffee Cabin Freshly Brewed: 3270 Port Severn Road N., Port Severn (by the water at Lock 45) 705-346-4772 Baristas & Beans: What an amazing find! We visited this trading post and coffee cabin on a warm November afternoon and were immediately struck by the inviting and trendy northern cabin vibe. We were most fortunate to meet with business owner Anne Middleton, who was so gracious and friendly. It is the perfect café to be enjoyed throughout the seasons. The Coffee Cabin offers take-away prepared foods such as homemade soups, bagel sandwiches and Sunday Brunch bar items, just to name a few. We purchased locally roasted coffee beans as well as holiday gifts from their selection of quality clothing and gift items. Sitting outside, on their patio, enjoying the last rays of the sun, with a wonderful coffee was the perfect ending to the day. www.themerchantsgeneral.com Ashanti Coffee Thornbury & Collingwood Freshly Brewed: 39 Bruce Street South Thornbury 519-599-5615 • 510 First Street, Collingwood 705-293-3013 Baristas & Beans: We traveled to Thornbury to visit the flagship store of Ashanti Coffee, after having read about the interesting backstory of this coffee company and having also purchased their coffees in the past. This warm, friendly and inviting coffee shop, offers single source, farm to cup coffees, roasted in house. We purchased and have enjoyed both their medium and dark roast East African Arabica Coffees at home. www.ashanticoffee.com Grounded Coffee Co. Freshly Brewed: 538 Bay Street, Midland 705-527-5997 Baristas & Beans: Grounded has been a source for fine coffees and local foods in Midland for many years. Their roastery, café and shop is to be found near the picturesque town dock or you can simply observe the happy customers entering and leaving the front doors. Grounded offers Dark, Mexico Sierra Azul and our favourite the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Natural which is a great way to start the day. In addition to coffees, Grounded also bake butter tarts, scones, Pain au Chocolat and other sweet treats. www.groundedcoffee.ca Café Seoulista Freshly Brewed: 575 West Street S. #2A, Orillia (705)259-8990 Baristas & Beans: It was truly amazing to find a café that offers bubble tea and other Korean coffee hot beverages so close to home. At the moment, Café Seoulista have suspended their usual menu of delicious Korean desserts like bubble waffles, condensed milk or honey brick toast among many choices, but hope to resume these offerings when able. We were greeted warmly, as we asked many questions, and they enthusiastically described all of their delicious hot and cold drinks. We took away many drink choices, all of which were delicious, and would definitely go back. We look forward to trying all of their food and beverages choices in the near future. Good Grief Coffee Roasters Freshly Brewed: 28 Bruce St. South, Thornbury Baristas & Beans: Located in downtown Thornbury, this hip cafe has sliding doors that were open to the street and is obviously a local favourite of cyclists as well as those travelling on foot. The spacious interior is decorated with clean lines and inviting colours. In addition to their amazing classic coffees, “Good Grief” also offer drinks using alternative milks. When we visited, we tried, and really enjoyed, their mache and turmeric lattes. We also purchased Brazil Fazenda Primavera coffee, with dark chocolate and cherry notes and a Kenya Muranga, with its caramel, plum and mandarin orange flavours, both of which are truly delicious. It was great to meet, Jesse, the barista, who made our experience all the more welcoming and fun. He answered all of our inquiries, was kind and we definitely will return. Good Grief Coffee has great options for online purchasing of coffee and gifts. www.goodgriefcoffee.com Em’s Café Freshly Brewed: 16 Coldwater Road, Coldwater (705)826-9967 Baristas & Beans: This very inviting community focused café is located on Coldwater’s main street and offers a few tables on the street where one can enjoy their coffees and menu items, weather permitting. We had such a warm conversation and visit with the lovely people at this café. We learned how the community and café positively interact, support one another and how Em’s Cafe sources local foods, gifts and products and create delicious dishes, with their neighbourhood in mind. We were really happy to learn about the positive impact they are making locally. Mariposa Market Freshly Brewed: 109 Mississauga Street East, Orillia (705)325-8885 Baristas & Beans: A visit to this historic market, which is located in a turn-of-the-century building, is breath taking and takes one back to a by gone era. This charming café, has a welcoming and efficient staff, who create absolutely beautiful cakes and delicious sweet and savoury treats. As you enter the front doors, you immediately see the cappuccino bar where you can order a variety of coffees to go. www.mariposamarket.ca Apple Annie’s Freshly Brewed: 101 Mississaga Street East, Orillia 705-326-7778 Baristas & Beans: Apple Annie’s is a very charming café located in the historic downtown of Orillia. We were treated to excellent service and loved exploring the myriad of locally made jams, jellies, sauces, loose leaf teas and homemade chocolates. In addition to serving quality gourmet coffees, they offered pastries and savoury snacks. www.appleannies.ca Bakes by the Lake Freshly Brewed: 178 Mississaga St. E, Orillia (705) 350-0508 Baristas & Beans: This lovely café, which is decorated with local artwork for purchase, also provides a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan baked goods, which utilize no artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners. Their range of espressos, lattes and cappuccinos are made with Grounded coffee, a local coffee bean roasting provider. The attentive staff and welcoming atmosphere is really enjoyable to experience. www.bakesbythelake.com Vanilla Cappuccino Cookies
I love this recipe because it is so versatile and easy to work with. By changing the shape and the complimentary spices and flavours it is suitable for many occasions. Coffee and chocolate go well with nuts, peppers, cinnamon, coconut and a variety of liqueurs and spirits. One way to change up or add depth of flavour is to use a flavoured chocolate. Imagine a Day of the Dead cookie with Mexico Spicy Chili Chocolate from The Georgian Chocolate Company. You could make a delicious holiday cookie simply by adding warm holiday spices. The possibilities are endless! Always remember to use a good quality of chocolate, vanilla, coffee and cocoa for optimal flavour. I have included two versions that will please both the chocolate and the vanilla lovers. Ingredients for the Vanilla Cappuccino Cookie 2 1/4 cups cake and pastry flour + flour for rolling the dough (This can be substituted with all purpose flour) ¼ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon baking powder 2 tablespoons instant Cappuccino powder 140 grams white chocolate 1 cup butter at room temperature 1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 egg at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla Optional 150 grams dark or milk chocolate (like Ghana Milk Chocolate or the Ecuador Dark Chocolate from The Georgian Chocolate Co.) for dipping. Ingredients for the Mocha Chocolate version of this cookie Omit the following ingredients: 2 tablespoons of instant cappuccino powder 140 grams white chocolate 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 150 grams dark or milk chocolate for dipping Add 100 grams chocolate like the Ghana milk Chocolate or the Ecuador Dark Chocolate from The Georgian Chocolate Co. 1½ teaspoons of good quality cocoa 11/2 teaspoons instant coffee 150 grams white chocolate for dipping *Special Instruction- Add the instant coffee to the hot melted chocolate and stir in order to dissolve most of the coffee crystals. Don’t worry if it isn't completely smooth. Instructions: Line baking sheets with parchment paper. 1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda and instant cappuccino powder into a large bowl. 2. Chop the chocolate into chunks and place in a small microwave safe bowl. Heat the white chocolate in the microwave until most of the pieces have melted (approximately 1 and a half minutes, but microwave times will vary, so keep checking). * If you do not have a microwave oven you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler. Be sure to stir constantly and remove the chocolate as soon as most of the pieces are melted. 3. Cream the butter with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer. Add the egg and continue to beat until it is light in colour and well incorporated. Add the vanilla. 4. Add the white chocolate mixture to the wet mixture. 5. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. 6. Form the dough into a ball. At this point the dough will be very soft because of the amount of butter, however, if the dough is too wet and sticky, add a small amount of flour. Cut the ball in half and form each half into a flat disk. 7. Cover the disks with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. 8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and let stand for a few minutes. Work the dough to form a smooth ball. The consistency will be a bit like modelling clay. 9. Roll the dough to a thickness of ¼ to 1/8. Use cookie cutters to cut desired shapes and place on the parchment lined cookie sheets. If the dough gets too soft, place the cookie sheet in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes prior to baking. 10. Bake until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges for approximately 6 - 9 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of your cookie. 11. Allow to cool for a minimum of 2 hours before completing the next step. 12. Melt the dark chocolate in a small and deep bowl. Dip or drizzle cookies with the melted chocolate. Place the cookies on a cooling rack or (for smaller cookies) wax paper lined trays. Let the cookies stand for a few hours or until the chocolate has set. Store in an airtight container with parchment of wax paper between the layers of cookies. Tips: To keep my dipping chocolate smooth and thin I like to place my dipping bowl in a low profile bowl with boiling water in it. If the chocolate starts to thicken I simply replace the water. See you next time!
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