Oh yes. This little shot of java will seep into your blood stream, tickle the tips of your typing fingers and flutter your heart with the greatest of ease. Coffee is an art.
 
No, seriously.
 
Coffee is an art. Check this out.
 

photo credit: antjeverena

 
And this.
 

photo credit: ~ggvic~

 
I was Stumbling the Internet last week and found this page, with over 100 Stumble Reviews (that’s a whole lot!) and 15 coffee art images. I’ll give you three guesses which of these three pictures I took.
 
Ahem.
 
Although in an online writing course I took last spring, I was encouraged to write 300 words about coffee. And writing is art, too.
 
So, here’s the snippit I wrote about a caffè bar in downtown Catanzaro, Calabria …
 
Enjoy.
 

Although it is only a three minute journey through the dark, humid tunnel that transports commuters to downtown Catanzaro, the pint-sized cable car pauses to rejuvenate and collect steam for the final upward battle. It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the brilliant sunlight, as I am ushered forward with the hurried steps of strangers speaking foreign words.
 
I take a moment to soak in my surroundings, and am drawn to the bar immediately to the right of the cable car station. The Condorelli Bar, one of two in the Catanzaro district, creates the creamiest caffe macchiato baci in the area, and the rich fragrance seeps into the street and tempts me with the delicate mixture of coffee and chocolate.
 
Although the area is closed to motorized traffic, I pause on the grey pebbled pavement to allow a young couple on a Vespa-like cycle to pass. Wind gushes through the cold street, and I stuff my hands further into my black wool coat to compensate for the drop.
 
My mouth begins to water as I enter the bar and am greeted with a friendly “buon giorno” from the barista. I look through the glass encasement and see freshly baked cornetti in all tastes and sizes … nutella, hazelnut, cream. Upon testing my will-power to the utmost degree, I order coffee, and wait at the bar with the locals. My miniature macchiato is topped with foamy, off-white cream and is sprinkled with powered cocoa and drizzling warm chocolate.
 
There is barely room for the spoon of sugar needed to complete the masterpiece. For a brief moment my eyes engulf the frothy liquid, until the aroma drifts upward and presses my patience. After thirty seconds, the coffee is gone, the chocolate is finished, and all that remains is a slightly stained porcelain cup and silver-plated spoon.
 
And now … on with the day.

 
Since we are on the subject of jumping java … what is your favorite? Do you prefer espresso Italiano or a tall mug of America’s mud?
 

 
I know … I know. Summer is ending, but is it really ever too late for an shaken iced coffee treat?
 
I didn’t think so.
 
As with many of the other things I’ve learned to create since arriving in Italy, this icy coffee beverage evolved out of necessity.
 
- It’s 100 degrees in the shade
- Italians are worried we’ll die if we activate the AC
- I miss Starbucks. (There I said it!)
 
So, today I present to you MY VERSION of the Caffé Shakerato. I love it. Il Cedro guests loved it. And I hope you will, too.
 
Ingredients:
 
>> One shot of espresso
>> 1/2 cup of milk
>> 8-10 ice cubes
>> Sugar
>> Cocoa
 
Preparation:
 
1. The basis of any good coffee drink is a hefty, flavorful espresso. I like Aiello. It is from Calabria.
 

 
2. In a cocktail shaker (who KNEW they could be used for non-alcoholic treats?) combine espresso, milk and ice.
 

 
3. Add slightly more sugar than you would for a hot cappuccino and sprinkle with cocoa. Sometimes when I am feeling frisky I add a spoon of vanilla syrup. Yum!
 
4. And shake shake shake … shake shake shake … shake your groove thing, Awe! Shake your groove thing. And, yes. I actually dance a bit and sing this song as I shake.
 

 
5. Pour into a glass, collect foam from the bottom of the shaker, add to the top of your glass and garnish with cocoa.
 
Eccola!
 

 
My recipe too basic for you? Here are few more caffé shakerato recipes you might enjoy.
 
Shakerato with Chocolate Syrup
 
Shakerato with Bailey’s Irish Cream
 
Shakerato with Ice Cream
 
Have you ever had a caffé shakerato? Do you have yours at breakfast or is it better as an afternoon or evening snack?
 
* Happy Labor Day to our US-based buddies and a big hug and prayer to our friends along the Gulf Coast. We’re thinking about you …