Coffee Pairings: Which Foods to Pair With Your Winter Coffee

 

The winter months can be a bit of a trial for us coffee lovers. The combination of cold weather and low light can do wonders for our mood, but it also makes getting out into the world with your mug feel like too much work. But don't you dare fall prey to cabin fever just yet!

The key to keeping yourself motivated when the weather turns cold is finding new ways to enjoy your favorite drinks—and no matter what time of year it is, we always recommend drinking more coffee. So here's our list of top pairing ideas for enjoying your favorite java in even colder temperatures:

Plain Butter Croissant

If you're looking for a classic pairing that pairs well with your Winter Coffee, look no further than the plain butter croissant. This buttery pastry is one of France's most beloved exports and one of the most popular ways to enjoy coffee in Paris. A croissant is made from a simple dough rolled into a crescent shape and then brushed with butter before being baked until golden brown. The resulting crunchy outside gives way to soft dough that tastes like heaven when eaten fresh out of the oven.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a great addition to coffee, as it adds sweetness, creaminess and richness. You can use chocolate as a way to add sweetness without adding sugar or milk (which can change the flavor profile of your coffee).

Dark chocolate works well with roasty coffees like French roast and espresso, but milk or white chocolates are also good options for sweeter roasts such as medium or light roast.

Caramel

Caramel is a great way to add sweetness and flavor to your coffee. It's creamy, rich, and has a texture that's similar to the texture of a latte. If you want something sweet and chewy with your coffee while still enjoying the flavor of the drink itself, caramel is an excellent choice.

While we're on this topic of caramel as a topping for coffee drinks—it's also great on its own! You can add it in small chunks or drizzle it over an entire latte for an added layer of sweetness without changing much about your drink’s fundamental taste profile.

Crepes

Crepe is a thin pancake-like snack that can be sweet or savory. It's made with flour, eggs and milk. You can buy them at the store in a package that you just put in the microwave or heat up on your stovetop to pop out crepes as needed. Or, if you're feeling particularly ambitious, try making them from scratch!

Crepes go well with any kind of coffee drink—black, cappuccino or latte (see our full list here). If you're going for something sweet and decadent like French Vanilla cappuccinos or caramel macchiatos (or even better yet - Nutella lattes), try adding some chocolate sauce or whipped cream to your toppings! For something more refreshingly tart like an iced mocha frappe or iced chai latte, try adding fresh berries instead of sugary syrups into your cup.

Cheese

Cheese is a great snack when you're eating vegetarian, and pairing it with coffee makes for an unbeatable combination. It's creamy texture complements the rich flavor of coffee in a way that some other foods might not be able to match.

· Goat cheese: This cheese is milder than feta or mozzarella, but still has a strong enough flavor to stand up against the intensity of your morning brew.

· Brie: Brie melts beautifully and has a soft texture that will blend well with any blend, roast level or origin you choose for your cup of joe.

· Feta: This Greek cheese will work well with any variety of coffee, but you'll probably want to avoid dark roasts if you're pairing them together (because we all know feta goes perfectly with olives).

· Cheddar: A sharp cheddar pairs perfectly well with most light coffees like medium roasts or espresso blends—but beware of too much caffeine! If you pair too much cheddar with a strong espresso blend then things could get messy very quickly!

Toast

You’ve heard it all before: toast pairs well with coffee, and vice versa. But what does this mean, exactly? It means that toast is the perfect food to pair with your winter-time brew. Toast is infinitely versatile and can be made from a variety of breads, each producing a unique flavor profile that pairs well with different types of coffee. And did you know the best part about making some toast at home? No one else has to know you made it, so no one will judge you if they find out!

Roasted Chestnuts

Roasted chestnuts are a great winter treat and make for an excellent snack. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamin C, making them a healthy option to enjoy during the colder months. If you’re looking to eat roasted chestnuts plain, they can be eaten directly out of their shell or with some butter or sugar on them. However, roasted chestnuts can also be used in recipes such as soups and stews or even added to salads!

Roasting your own chestnuts is simple—you can do it at home with just an oven, or you can purchase already-roasted ones from stores.

Conclusion

Coffee and food are a match made in heaven. You can find a pairing to match almost every kind of food, from simple sandwiches to elaborate desserts. Try some of these recipes for your next coffee break and let us know how they turn out!