How to Make the Perfect Viennese Iced Coffee
Looking for a luxurious coffee treat? Viennese Iced Coffee combines the boldness of strong coffee with the indulgent creaminess of ice cream and whipped cream. Here's how to make this simple yet decadent drink:
Ingredients for One Cup of Viennese Iced Coffee:
1 cup freshly brewed strong coffee (espresso or dark roast recommended)
2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
2 scoops vanilla ice cream (add more for extra creaminess)
Fresh whipping cream (homemade, if possible)
Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Brew the Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using espresso or a dark roast for the best flavor.Sweeten the Coffee
While the coffee is still hot, stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.Prepare the Cup
Place 2 generous scoops of vanilla ice cream into a coffee cup or serving glass.Pour the Coffee
Slowly pour the hot coffee over the ice cream. The warmth will slightly melt the ice cream, creating a creamy, frothy layer.Add the Garnish
Top your coffee with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an elegant touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
Tip: Serve immediately with a spoon or straw to enjoy the delightful mix of warm coffee and creamy ice cream.
A Tête de Moine cheese curler is a handy tool primarily designed for shaving delicate slices of Tête de Moine cheese, but it works wonders for chocolate too. The curved blade of the curler creates thin, ribbon-like curls, which are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to desserts or hot drinks.
To use it for shaving chocolate, simply place a block of chocolate on a flat surface and hold the curler at an angle to the block. As you turn the handle, the blade will shave off delicate, thin curls of chocolate. These curls can be sprinkled on top of cakes, cupcakes, or even hot chocolate. It’s an excellent way to impress guests with a fancy presentation, and it’s also great for creating a rich chocolate aroma that fills the room—definitely a treat for the senses during the colder months!
It’s definitely a fun, visually appealing way to elevate your chocolate experience.
My Winter SKincare routine
Growing up, I always admired my mother’s radiant skin. Her secret? The simplicity and consistency of using Oil of Olay. Watching her care for her skin inspired me to develop my own skincare routine—a little more involved but equally intentional. Here's a look at how I care for my skin during the winter months, keeping it hydrated, glowing, and protected against the harsh cold.
Morning Routine: A Fresh Start
I like to kick off my mornings with a refreshing, nourishing routine using Obagi products. Here’s the step-by-step:
Gentle Cleanser – A soothing start to remove impurities without stripping my skin.
Toner – Preps my skin for better absorption and balances its pH.
Eye Cream – A must for hydrating and reducing puffiness around my eyes.
Vitamin C Serum – Brightens and protects against environmental damage.
Hydro Drops – My favorite! These add a burst of hydration for a dewy finish.
Moisturizer – Locks in all the goodness to keep my skin supple throughout the day.
Revisions Lip Replenisher – Because lips deserve love too, especially in winter.
Sunscreen – Always essential, even on cloudy days.
My Signature Scent – A spritz of Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile Eau de Parfum to feel polished and confident as I start my day.
Evening Routine: Reset and Repair
At night, I focus on repairing and deeply nourishing my skin while it’s in its natural restoration mode. My PM routine is simpler but just as effective:
Gentle Cleanser – To remove the day’s makeup and grime.
Toner – Balances my skin and prepares it for the next steps.
Eye Cream – Hydrates and smooths the delicate skin around my eyes.
Hydro Drops – Replenishes hydration and gives my skin a healthy glow.
Moisturizer – Seals in moisture for overnight repair.
Revisions Lip Replenisher – Keeps my lips soft and hydrated as I sleep.
Why This Routine Works 💚
Winter can be tough on the skin, with cold air and indoor heating stripping it of moisture. This routine ensures my skin stays hydrated, radiant, and protected. The addition of Vitamin C and Hydro Drops adds an extra layer of nourishment, while the simple act of applying sunscreen daily helps maintain healthy skin year-round.
indoor plants a snowy treat
Can you believe we got snow in Georgia this week? We had SO much FUN! It felt like such a magical surprise and truly made my winter season special! ❄️ It also got me thinking about how snow is more than just magical—it's nature's nutrient-packed gift! Snow is loaded with nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, making it the perfect winter boost for your indoor plants. Simply melt the snow and pour this "liquid gold" over your green beauties. They’ll thank you with vibrant growth and healthier blooms! 🌿💙
Nitrogen fuels lush, speedy growth.
Calcium strengthens roots and supports overall plant health.
Magnesium powers photosynthesis and encourages future blooms.
Bonus: I finally tackled organizing my plant table, and it’s giving me all the cozy plant parent vibes. 💙❄️🌱
XOXO, Carmen