The Best and Sweetest Coffee Splurges

If you're a fellow caffeine addict, such as myself, you know that the morning stop to the coffee shop is the jumpstart that every day needs.  But the problem is coffee isn't free, and spending money on several cups a day can get expensive, especially if you're also a fan of the deliciously sweet drinks that almost don't count as coffee anymore.  Usually I try to stick to black coffee in the morning, saving me money and calories.  However, maybe after I get a paycheck, or any other silly reason I suddenly feel like I have bucket loads of money I always splurge on the sugary drinks.  Here are my absolute favorites, if you're feeling super crazy you could even try making some on your own!

1. Iced Caramel Latte

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It's a pretty basic order, but it's still one of my favorites.  Espresso, steamed milk, and caramel- yes please!  They're perfect for a hot summer day or pretty much anytime in my personal opinion.   

2. Café Mocha

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Pretty much just hot milk, espresso, and chocolate- so pretty much flat out amazing.

5. Cortado

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A Cortado is a delicious drink that consists of mostly espresso and mix it lightly with some hot milk.  Its super tasty and the word itself actually the past participle of the word cortar meaning to dilute.

6. Affogato

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Yes it's technically a dessert, but who the hell cares, it has espresso.  All you need is some vanilla gelato (or just regular ice cream) and a shot of espresso to make this uber dank dessert.
Bonus it has caffeine- so it's a tasty energy treat!

7. Coconut Oil Coffee

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2 cups of hot coffee, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and suddenly you have some seriously dank coffee.  Healthy, sweet, and delicious if you're looking to spice up your morning routine this is a great way to start!

8. Pumpkin Spiced Latte

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Once again, a little basic but crazy f**king delicious! 

9. Eggnog Latte

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It doesn't need to be the Christmas season for a delicious eggnog latte.  Sure this isn't you're typical Starbucks order but this amazing treat is actually surprisingly easy to make at home.  All you need is milk, eggnog, nutmeg, and espresso. 

10. White Chocolate Latte

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A great addition to the sweet treat cheat sheet, a white chocolate latte is delicious and caffeinated- pretty much the best of both worlds (unintentional Hannah Montana song drop).  For a great homemade recipe click here- it's simple and great!

11. Brown Sugar Caramel Latte

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This dank little drink only takes about 5 minutes to prepare and it's definitely worth the extra effort in the morning.  First pour the coffee into a mug and mix in the caramel sauce (consisting of brown sugar and caramel ice cream).  Then whip milk until frothy, then pour the frothy half-n-half on top and bon appetite!

12. Irish Crème and Coffee

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Just add Bailey's!

5 Desserts that Go Great with Coffee

Two of my favorite things in the world are Coffee and Dessert.  In fact I love the two so much that I often combine them, especially in the mornings.  Because coffee and dessert for breakfast is always a good idea.  Here are my personal favorites, they're all ridiculously dank:

1. Chocolate Cake

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Let's be honest, chocolate cake is chocolate cake and it's delicious no matter what you eat it with... but that being said it's majorly good with coffee.  My heaven involves beginning my morning with a large slice of chocolate cake and a never ending cup of coffee. 

2. Coffee Cake

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Coffee to me is quite literally nectar of the gods, so something called Coffee Cake is pretty much the most amazing thing ever.  And lemme tell you, it's just as good as you think it is.  If prepared properly coffee cake can be moist, delicious, mouth watering, sweet, and savory all at once.  It truly is one of the best breakfast desserts out there.  And everyone- everyone- must learn the art of creating such a wonderful treat. 

3. Brownies

Brownies are delicious it's just a fact. 

4. Chocolate Cream Pie

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Tasty and easy to make Chocolate Cream Pie goes great with coffee (mostly because of the chocolate) and it's perfect for the beginner (like me).  Pretty much add eggs, butter, vanilla into a baked pie shell, cook it and then top it with chocolate and whipped cream.  Super easy and crazy yummy. 

5. Dark Roast Crème Brulee

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Pretty much dark roast coffee meeting one of the greatest desserts of all time and them having a beautiful sweet child together.  It's awesome.  While I am not skilled enough to make this, maybe you are, for a great recipe click here.

Top 10 Truffles Everyone Needs To Try

1. Chocolate

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The traditional truffle, chocolate truffles, are delicious and classic.  It's usually made with a chocolate ganache center that's then covered in cocoa powder or chopped toasted nuts.  For a great recipe check out this one on foodnetwork.   

2. Cookie Dough

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Who doesn't love cookie dough?  Every time my friends and I bake cookies we make two batches of dough: one to eat and one to actually bake.  Cookie dough is delicious so just imagine how good cookie dough truffles are.  Probably a heart attack in a bite, but so totally worth it!

3. Chocolate Raspberry

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No matter what, chocolate and raspberries put together is delicious.   

4. Chocolate Peanut Butter

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It's pretty much a Rease's truffle- and since we all know that Rease's is one of the best candies out there, these truffles have to be amazing.  They only take about an hour to whip up, so next time you're craving something sweet check out this amazing recipe. 

Warning: you do have to leave them in the fridge for awhile, but trust me they're worth the wait.

5. Pecan Pie

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If you're a fan of pecan pie, you have to try these truffles. They are, quite honestly, to die for.  Dessert blog Shugary Sweets posted an amazing recipe that everyone should try.  They take only an hour and are a perfect treat for your sweet tooth. 

6. S'mores

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What's danker than sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and making s'mores.  Nothing- that's what.  But a close second are these great s'mores truffles.  So next time you're looking for a way to go camping without actually leaving your house try making these delicious truffles.  They're crazy good.

7. Apple Sauce

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I know it sounds weird, but trust me apple sauce truffles are surprisingly delicious.  So, if you're into somewhat weirder desserts try this great recipe.

 

8. Nutella

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Nutella is delicious- it's a fact.

9. Cake Batter

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Actual cake batter is delicious, cake batter ice cream is dank as f**k, and cake batter truffles are just as good.  Who doesn't love cake batter dough dipped in cake batter almond bark?  Crazy people that's who.  These truffles are amazing and are perfect for any type of get together, or if  you're just craving something sweet.  For a great recipe check out this one from one of my favorite blogs the-girl-who-ate-everything.com

10. Lemon Cookie

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Lemon cookie truffles are super sweet and super tasty.  For a super easy no bake recipe, check out this one, with only three ingredients it's so simple anyone could do it. 

Why Eating Dessert Won't Kill You

Desserts are often seen as these horrible treats that lead to weight gain and general unhappiness.  And while yes, too many desserts is a bad thing, but they can also be delicious and wonderful, and a great way to sweeten up a crappy day.

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I personally have a huuuge sweet tooth.  Brownies are my weakness, my ultimate downfall.  I will always say yes to a brownie, and if I say no, it may be a sign that the apocalypse is upon us.



In addition to being addicted to brownies, I am also a firm believer in the link between desserts and happiness.  After a long day, nothing makes you feel better than a warm chocolate chip cookie (or whatever your personal dessert preference is). 

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The trick to eating dessert is the same for practically everything: everything in moderation.  Desserts aren't something that we should be eating everyday for every meal- they should be seen as a special treat.  A brownie sundae every night will only lead to bad things, a brownie sundae once a week is not nearly as bad (maybe even twice a week). 

If you're trying to lose weight, stick to simpler treats like fruit, or even a cookie ("a" as in singular).  Try to keep the desserts smaller, 300 calories or less if possible.  Parfaits are a great simple, and healthy dessert to make.  Super easy, and tasty, they're a win-win.

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But even if you are trying to lose weight, don't cut out desserts completely.  That will probably lead to binging, and that never ends well.  Do what feels right for your body, but make sure to treat yourself every once in awhile- you deserve it! 

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13 Of the Best Healthy Desserts Out There

1. Sweet Potato Banana Bread

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If you're looking to spice up you're regular Banana Bread, you gotta try this.  Made with chickpea flour and fat free yogurt, this dessert is healthy and delicious!  For a great recipe check out this link to all the recipes, a great website if you're not sure what to make.  If you're feeling super crazy try adding some chocolate chips!

2. Vegan Almond Butter Cups

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Packed with sugar and maple syrup, even though they taste ridiculously good these little treats are barely above 40 calories each.  Not to mention they're super easy to make.

3. Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies

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I know vegan peanut butter cookies sound weird, but trust me they're still pretty good.  They're chewy delicious, and with just a hint of vanilla they're absolute perfection.  If you're looking for a recipe try this one, it's amazing and crazy easy, perfect for the first time/ infrequent baker. 

4. Baked Pumpkin Donuts

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Now, I LOVE donuts.  I can literally eat three or four at a time and still feel fine.  If you're like me and are always looking for some new delicious donuts, you have to try these pumpkin donuts.  They're crazy good.  Bonus, you can always add a maple glaze to make them even more amazing, for a great recipe click here.   

5. Pumpkin Pie

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An all American classic, Pumpkin Pie is always delicious and is one of the best comfort foods out there.  Plus, it's pretty healthy and not too difficult to make.  But if you're looking for a healthy treat, Pumpkin Pie is always a good choice. 

6. Molten Lava Cake

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Ok, so this one is definitely a bit of a stretch but a good molten lava cake actually has loads of protein.  So therefore it's almost healthy, which basically means it's healthy.  But even if it wasn't it's so delicious that one every once in awhile is totally ok! 

7. Zuchinni Brownies

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I was very skeptical when I first heard about these, mostly because I'm a brownie fiend and I wasn't so sure if you could make them out of zucchini, but this recipe proved me wrong.  Maybe they aren't quite as good as regular brownies, but they're pretty damn close.  And they're healthy, so you can eat three and not feel bad about it.    

8. Vegan Iced Lemon Pound Cake

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Who doesn't love Lemon Pound Cake?  It's moist, delicious, and it's a treat you can totally take on the go.  The vegan option is almost as delicious as the original, and it's pretty healthy too.  If you're looking for a great recipe check out this one on popsugar.com

9. White Bean Blondie

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Easy to make, super healthy, and delicious- what more do you need?

10. White Bean Coconut Cake

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If you like black bean chocolate cakes, you have to try it's white bean counterpart.  Adding a little bit of coconut makes the flavors pop.  It's healthy, delicious, and totally worth the calories.

11. Strawberry Shortcake

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It's a classic dessert that's super sweet, super tasty, and relatively healthy.  Strawberries and whipped cream is reliably good, mixing that with shortcake just makes it perfect. 

12. Frozen Peanut Butter Pie

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Believe it or not, but this treat isn't nearly as unhealthy as you might think.  You can easily cut down on saturated fat by using fat free dairy products, and if you use only egg whites you can lower the cholesterol too.  So basically it's healthy, delicious, and totally awesome. 

13. Vanilla Lemon Berry Parfaits

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They're fruity, delicious, and super easy to make.  Not to mention they're ridiculously healthy.  Vanilla Lemon Berry Parfaits are the perfect dessert to whip up quick whenever you're craving something sweet. 

A Week in Cupcakes

Monday: Chocolate Peanut Butter

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Mondays are always rough.  It's the start of the school week, you probably didn't get enough sleep, and maybe even you're already running late.  That's why you need something sweet like the deliciousness of chocolate and peanut butter mixed together- it's practically a Reese's in a cupcake- and that's awesome.  A chocolate peanut butter cupcake is the best way to sweeten up your Monday. 

Tuesday: Carrot Cake

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Carrot cake are sweet, delicious, and exactly what you need on a Tuesday afternoon.  They're the perfect study snack.  For me, carrot cake is reliably good and always delicious.  For a great recipe check out this cupcake from the cupcake project. 

Wednesday: Mocha

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- Wednesday is hump day, and it's a struggle for everyone.  It's halfway through the week, and all you can think about is the weekend.  Nothing else cures hump day blues like a good mocha cupcake. 

Thursday: Cookies n Cream

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Thursdays are when the weekend really begins, so, what better way to celebrate than with some dank cookies n cream cupcakes.  Fluffy white frosting and marshmallow crème are just two of the treats that make up this cupcake, for a great recipe check out this amazing Betty Crocker recipe. 

Friday: Double Chocolate

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Friday means the official end of the week, and therefore you're free!  There's no better treat to go with some delicious wine than double chocolate cupcakes.  They're small, delicious, and you can eat three and not feel too bad about it. 

Saturday: Red Velvet

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I have no good reason why, but you must eat red velvet cupcakes on Saturday.  Make sure to add some cream cheese icing for one of the best experiences of your life. 

Sunday: Cheesecake Cupcakes 

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Sunday is the day you finish, or maybe even just start, all your homework.  Therefore, you need a hearty treat, and cheesecake is definitely the thing.  These cupcakes are crazy delicious, super filling, and are pretty easy to make.  I will warn you they often take two days to make because you have to leave them in the fridge overnight.  But, holy shit they're delicious!

6 Mardi Gras Desserts You Need to Really Celebrate Carnival

Mardi Gras is a time honored tradition and beloved holiday.  While it's most famously celebrated in New Orleans, there are tons of easy ways to bring New Orleans to you. 

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Mardi Gras actually means "Fat Tuesday"- because the holiday traditionally stems from the Christian manner of preparing for lent.  And, let's be honest, what better way to celebrate fat Tuesday than to gorge on some seriously dank desserts.  So come this February check out these amazing Mardi Gras treats to help take you all the way over to New Orleans. 

1. Mardi Gras King Cake

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King Cake is the traditional Mardi Gras dessert, and for good reason.  Not only is it usually brightly colored, but it's ridiculously delicious.  It's the perfect end to any true Mardi Gras party.  For a great and easy recipe check out these link to myrecipes.com.  It's easy, colorful, and delicious!!!

p.s if you're really trying to be aunthentic, don't forget to put the tiny babies in!

2. Doberge Cake

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Doberge Cakes are layered desserts that are another traditional dessert of New Orleans, and they're another great treat for Mardi Gras.  The cake itself is a mix of layers of pudding and cake- traditionally either chocolate or lemon pudding.  For a great traditional 8 layer cake check out this recipe. 

3. Pralines

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All you need is nuts, sugar, and sometimes cream.  Either way they're a pretty dank and super easy treat.

4. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

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While you can really eat this at anytime of the year, why not whip out these delicious pie at possibly the best holiday of the year.  It takes only about an hour to make and then you're all set.  Use this great recipe for some seriously dank pie.   

5. Costas French Market Doughnuts

30 minutes for prep, 30 minutes to cook, and then you're done.  They're ridiculously good and you won't regret making them!  Try this recipe for a true New Orleans experience. 

6. Banana Foster

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Originally created in 1951 by Paul Blange in New Orleans, Banana Foster has become an all American classic.  But, it's a perfect dessert to eat in order to celebrate the Carnival season.  Butter, sugar, bananas, and rum?  Who could want anything more.  For some great recipes check out foodnetwork.com.