I realize it is the end of January and the Holiday Season has come a gone and perhaps with the roundness of our bellies, best be forgotten.

However, a dear friend of mine gave me a well-appointed holiday present over our ritual cup of coffee: a book of 50 recipes for hot drinks. Which was quite fun, since when I am craving a steaming drink I usually just make hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps or coffee with Irish cream.

But that is all about to change.

And the funny thing is, I read through the whole book, and instead of making one of the drink recipes listed, I began playing with my own ideas for hot drinks. Go figure.

I find that sometimes while reading a recipe, I am taking in all the flavors and imagining the outcome, but also making mental adjustments. Sometimes, it means I am cutting out unnecessary steps, or short-cutting a method (is impatience a virtue when it comes to cooking? maybe sometimes?). Other times I have a miniature light bulb flash (indiscreetly) over my head and another seasoning or flavor add-on or substitution tempts my curiosity.

Needless to say, I will probably make a few of those book recipes one day… but was quite happy with my own, easy-to-make drink:

Orange Cinnamon Coffee
Serves 1.

Strong, full-bodied coffee (I use/love French Press)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
1/2 oz Grand Marnier

Place cinnamon and liquors in bottom of mug. Fill to top with coffee. Top with whipped cream and orange zest, if desired.