Morning!
Last night marked two nights in a row where Matt and I didn’t get to bed until midnight. I did end up clearing up my inbox and we had lots of dishes to do. I begged Matt to set the alarm later than 7, but he insisted, as crew member #1 of the Great Harvest home office arrives early this morning! I’m feeling a bit tired in my head + eyes – tonight I will be in bed by 10:26!
When you’re tired, do you reach for coffee? How about CHOFFY! [ <—read all about it there]
When I gave up coffee in April to try to rid myself of a caffeine dependency, Choffy emailed me to see if I wanted to try it. So far the closest sub for coffee I’ve found is PERO, which is not really all that much like coffee. It’s thick and dark and easy to mix into hot water, but I don’t really care for it in the mornings. It’s better after dinner on a cold winter night.
If coffee is made from roasted coffee beans, then Choffy is made from roasted cacao beans. It’s “brewed chocolate.” Have you had cacao bliss or cacao nibs? You know their bitter dark chocolate taste? That’s what Choffy is like!
The coolest part is you can brew it in a french press or a regular coffee maker! Since we still don’t have a french press,I brewed it in the coffee pot. I added just a splash of 1% organic milk to cream it out. I don’t like my coffee sweetened, but I think this would be really good with a little sugah.
It really is like liquid chocolate. It’s bitter – like the most delicious Scharffen Berger 72% dark chocolate that I love so much – and has notes of chocolate throughout. It was not too much like coffee, and very similar to an unsweet hot chocolate. But it did remind me of coffee. It didn’t go as well with food as coffee does (I like coffee with my breakfast so much because I think it enhances food and food enhances it – just like wine). I liked it! And I bet it’s even better made in a French press. It’s the perfect thing to try for those who can’t have caffeine but enjoy a robust drink with breakfast or after dinner. I tried the Ivory Coast today, so I’m going to try the other in a few weeks.
To go with the choffy, I had a big bowl of cottage cheese oats! I haven’t been craving oats as much now that it’s warmer out, but I just bought cottage cheese and had to have it! Topped with muffin + granola no less.
It’s-Almost-Summer Oats
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup milk
- Half banana
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese, stirred in at end
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 Blueberry Oat Bran muffin top
- Few tbsp granola
- Sunflower butter
Love my new bowl!!
Time for another day of sandwich school!!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
That pink mug is darling – I haven’t tried choffy yet. The taste sounds great but I *need* the caffeine from my coffee. Maybe it would be good with a shot of espresso! 😉
Cait's Plate says
Mmm I can TASTE that choffy. I definitely want to try that – having the dual french press/coffee pot brewing ability would be super nice!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I saw Choffy on another blog and thought it looked really interesting! I’m hoping to try it at some point.
Your new bowl is adorable!
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
Choffy…that’s a fun name. I’ve drank Pero before and it was ok, I put a lot of almond milk to make it creamier.
I do like Teecino though, love all the different flavors.
Lisa Fine says
I’ve never heard of this before, but I’ve been seeing a lot of tea-coffees on the market lately.
I have yet to try Pero or the other grain-based coffee alternatives out there. While I don’t need a coffee alternative, I’m always looking for a great hot drink to have on hand any time of day, especially after dinner in the colder weather, when I don’t want caffeinated coffees to keep me up.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Choffy sounds so good! I’d love to try it. Questions though: Can it be found in WF? Are the nutritionals similar to coffee (no sugar)? Chocoalte has caffeine… I’m guessing that occurs on the journey the cacao takes to becoming chocolate?
KathEats says
I don’t know where you can buy it – check their website? It’s 20 kcal per 8 ounce serving (I think brewed?) No sugar!
Amanda says
Interesting. I’m actually not a coffee drinker, but it is neat to see the other alternatives out there. I prefer hot apple cider 🙂
Anastasia says
Choffy sounds interesting. Not really sure if liquid chocolate sounds appealing or just strange. haha! I tried Caffix when I was cutting out coffee but it’s really not the same. Teeccino was one brand I was looking at since it can be brewed in a coffee pot as well, but I never ordered any. I’m still on the hunt for a good coffee alternative!
Megan says
Liquid chocolate? Yep choffy is now on my list of things to try. But I doubt it will replace regular coffee for me.. I love it too much!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
between your new bowl and that mug, it’s like an ad for Anthro and summer living, all in one….so pretty!
“So far the closest sub for coffee I’ve found is PERO, which is not really all that much like coffee.”– any pregnant woman who all of a sudden rids herself of coffee in her 1st trimester would agree I think. lol
seriously when I’ve tried other coffee substitutes over the years, they are substitutes. some are fine. some arent. but i never close my eyes and say oh yes, this is coffee. not quite. 🙂
thanks for the choffy review. Liquid sharfen-b. Ok, I am totally down with that!
RhodeyGirl says
Good luck today! Try and take a quick 10 minute cat nap after lunch- that always works for me!
Natalia - a side of simple says
I can’t wait to tell my mom about Choffy. She’s been cutting back on coffee because she hates how dependent she gets on the cafeine, but she’s also not a fan of the decaf coffee/muddy water. Thanks for the review!
Heather says
I tried the choffy and wasn’t the biggest of fans – maybe I should try it again.
Hopefully you will be able to get to bed a little earlier tonight – I hate being up late! Good luck at the bakery!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Love the name of your morning oats! Too cute 🙂
Brenda says
All your oatmeal creations look so amazing and mouthwatering!
Michelle says
I have SO enjoyed reading your experience of opening your bakery … it’s like living vicariously through you as this is a “dream” of mine despite the fact that I have no business background, or baking, or anything related to opening a coffee/sandwich shop! 🙂
The GH in Kirkwood, MO opened last Friday and I’m dying to give it a try…will have to wait until after my vacation, but I hope to get there soon!
KathEats says
Give my best to the Kirkwood crew!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
That sounds really interesting…but I just don’t think I can give up my coffee!!! 🙂
Sarah says
I see you are using your new bowl! Love it!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf says
I’ve heard of roasted cocoa beans before, but in a different brand. I’m DEFINITELY interested in trying it since I LOVE chocolate, but am not an enormous fan of coffee (I say that as I sip a mocha from my bodum thermos). One question, though. Doesn’t cocao still have caffeine?
KathEats says
It says it doesn’t have caffeine…
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Good luck today Kath! Your breakfast looks like perfect fuel!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
I haven’t heard of Choffy until now but it sounds delicious!! I managed to give up coffee in November, with the motive that I wanted to keep myself more hydrated (and since coffee is a diuretic it wasn’t really helping me reach that goal!) but every once in a while a whiff of it really makes me crave some!
Felicia (Natural + Balanced) says
i love anthropologie dishes 🙂 that one is beautiful!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
That sounds really tasty! I think I’m developing a caffeine addiction, so I need to stop it before it starts!
SquatLikeALady says
Your mug is adorable!!!! I have not tried Choffy yet but have heard of it…I think on meals&moves? Maybe? That sounds right.
Courteney @ Not a "Diet" Blog says
I’m a serious caffeine addict. Last Christmas when I attempted to get off of the stuff, it was misery. I was good for about a month after, but when school creeped up on me I found myself going back to my old ways. I am interested to try choff to see if it is a good sub so that I can get off this caffeine kick.
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
Hmm… I’m intrigued by the Choffy! I love the taste of coffee though, so not sure how I would feel about it. I suppose I could just not think of it as a coffee, but a dark chocolate drink? Sounds fun 🙂
kate says
I lovee that bowl its so pretty! Enjoy sandwich school 😉
Khushboo says
I love Matt’s attitude! It makes such a difference to worker motivation levels when your boss is on doing it too!
Alyssa says
That bowl is beautiful!! Where did you get it??
Alexandra says
What about that cute lime green french press you used to have? Or am I making this up? I might have to give Choffy a try because I can’t drink coffee anymore. good luck in the bakery today 🙂
KathEats says
I crushed it with my bare hand!!
https://www.katheats.com/iron-grip
Melissa says
I just love coffee so much that I don’t think I could ever find a suitable substitute! I give you credit for trying!
Your new bowl is so pretty! Makes me want to go to Anthro and pick up some fun goodies!
Val @ Balancing Val says
Are you worried that you guys wont see each other much during the week since you will be working opposite?
Or do you have a day where the bakery is closed?
KathEats says
We’re closed on Sundays and we’ll see each other every evening – and at the bakery!
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen says
How cool! That stuff sounds really interesting.
Grace @ Healthy Dreaming says
I love that mug! Food looks so yummy and healthy! 🙂
Ellen says
Hi Kath! This is probably a silly question – but are all of your oatmeal recipes for one or two people/servings? Thanks
KathEats says
One!
Tori (Fresh Fruition) says
That choffy sounds so good! I’ve never seen that anywhere before. I’m quite the chocoholic 🙂
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says
That Choffy sounds awesome! Seriously.
You think you could host a giveaway of it?
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
That choffy sounds SO good!! A giveaway would be awesome! Maybe?? 🙂
Hope says
Choffy sounds delicious! I love the name! 🙂
Those cottage cheese oats sound so tasty. I have been obssessed with eating cottage cheese lately. So this would be the perfect breakfast for me. 🙂 Have fun at sandwich school!
Amy says
I still need to try the cottage cheese!
Did you see this today???
http://www.foodbuzz.com/recipes/3705391-biscoff-swirl-gelato
KathEats says
Oh man!!!
cory: eat and {relish} says
oh my gosh!!! i am so intrigued! this is the second time in 2 days you have posted about a product i want to try (btw, soap nuts….ordered on amazon!!! will report back). my fiance LOVES (i mean LOVES) dark chocolate, and this sounds really good.
i have a french press (makes the best coffee. you really need to bite the bullet and get one. ive seen them on giltgroupe before too!) and i think instead of straight ‘choffy’ i would mix this in with regular coffee, to make a chocolately coffee…..what do you think? would it work?
KathEats says
🙂
Yes, I think it would taste great!
lynn @ the actor's diet says
the new bowl is beautiful, indeed. i wonder if choffy tastes like teaccino? that’s how i got myself off of coffee a few years ago
Mom says
Gorgeous bowl!
Namaste Gurl says
I had a yogurt- muffin bowl inspired by YOU 🙂
Greek yogurt, crumbled carrot raisin muffin, carrot puree, chia seeds, buckwheat groats, cinnamon, almond butter and a sprinkle of maple syrup…
Yes, it was heavenly and I dug RIGHT in!
Katherine: Unemployed says
foreign coffee; ohh lala
Michelle (The Runner's Plate) says
Sandwich school sounds like so much fun!! I would love to go! 😉
Lauren says
I saw that someone else mentioned Tee-cino- I’m a big fan of that as well (the vanilla nut is my favorite). They also have hazelnut and chocolate… and maybe a few others.
My big addiction is Dandy Blend! It’s more like an instant espresso powder- but without the caffeine. It’s made from dandelion (amongst other things) which has a lot of health benefits. A friend turned me onto it over a year ago, and I haven’t gone back to coffee since!
I live in Frederick, Maryland and can find it at the co-op I belong to and at M.O.M. stores. I’m not sure if Whole Foods carries it or not. You can also check out their website: www.dandyblend.com
Oh- and I mix mine with 4 oz water, 4 oz almond milk. Yum!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I like how your bed time is 10:26. Not 10:25.. not 10:30 .. byt 10:26
Mary Frances says
Well, to Kath, I bet that is one of her favorite days of the year!
Kristin says
I bet that choffy would be good with some honey to sweeten it. I may have to go find some to make.
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out says
That Choffy looks interesting. I’ll suggest it to my sister who doesn’t drink caffiene. I’ll stick to my coffee.
Casey says
Is there a reason you don’t just drink decaf coffee? The Choffy sounds yummy though!
KathEats says
I really don’t know! Matt doesn’t want to use decaf, but I would prefer that we drank 100% decaf. I guess I don’t want to run the coffee maker twice so I’ve been looking for alternatives
Leila from Cali says
Kath, I notice you eat oatmeal… a lot! Do you ever want a savory breakfast? I can’t do sweet breakfasts very often. I love nothing more than eggs right when I wake up. So if you DO eat eggs, how do you make them and how many do you eat?
KathEats says
I actually have zero desire for savory breakfasts!! They almost turn my stomach – the thought of an onion + pepper+ salsa omelet in the morning makes me want to gag. I dunno why because I love eggs any other time of day!
Lesley Lifting Life says
Choffy sounds so interesting, I never knew it existed but it sound like something I would love! I’ll have to get a hold of some.
staceyhealthylife says
choffy, huh interesting, sounds delicious.
erica says
verrrrrry interesting! i have never heard of choffy before! i think i may need to try this as a coffee alternative. i always think i need to break my coffee dependency…those headaches are BRUTAL!!!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
mm your b-fast looks super yumm!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
Hm, that Choffy sounds interesting… i might have to check it out. thanks for enlightening me!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
I’ve never even heard of Choffy before. I’m interested to try it!
Meaghan O'Connor (My Spoonful of Inspiration) says
I will have to try it out one day instead of my morning cup of coffee! 🙂 You have great dishes- where do you find them all?
Ellen says
I have that bowl too! It’s so cheery. Love your blog!
Hannah says
High five for french press coffee!
hemp jogger says
sounds like an awesome product…i cant wait to try!
Molly @ RDexposed says
I need to make granola stat-my oatmeal and yogurt have been feeling naked lately.
Sam Johnson says
I am a huge coffee nut, but after reading about the health benefits and trying this delicious brew; I am converting to choffy. It helps that I love chocolate too! 🙂
Ashley says
You can buy it at www.drinkchoffy.com/thegoodlife
Ashley says
I heard about Choffy through my mom – She gave some to her employee at work that was complaining about a migraine and she said five minutes later, it was gone. My sister has constant migraines as well and has had several visits to the doctor – Choffy is suppose to increase the oxygen going through your body – So we are going to see if it works for my sister!
You can buy samples here!
www.drinkchoffy.com/thegoodlife
Jen says
I don’t know about Choffey, but good ‘ole plain water works to keep away migraines and “increase” oxygen to the brain 🙂