My love affair with coffee began around grade 10 when I set my sights on attending the University of Toronto. Since then we’ve stuck together through all night study sessions, last minute essay re-writes, many a boring 3 hour lecture, and even the odd relaxing Sunday morning.

Being together for over a decade now, our relationship has gone through many changes and evolutions. In the beginning, just spending time together was enough. It took nothing to impress me but a little sugar and maybe some milk, straight up black coffee was even enough to keep me en rapt. But as the years went on, things got, well, boring. I shamefully have to admit that I began going outside the house to get my caffeine buzz. At first the Canadian classic Tim Horton’s, then Second Cup, then the ultimate bordello of the coffee world, Starbucks. My dalliance with the corporate coffee world didn’t last long however, my wallet and guilt soon brought me back to my Masters Collection Van Gogh mug and favorite brand of coffee.

I remained faithful to my 1 to 2 cups per day changing only from sugar to sweetener, and cream to 2% and then skim milk. Then in the early 00’s I stumbled again as I noticed myself being enticed by the new carbonated energy drinks. The thrill I received from my first Red Bull was glorious. Soon I was trying every energy drink I could get my hands on, finally settling down with Monster for the whole of my 4th year of school.

I thought I had found my new match, a taste I never seemed to bore of and the energy boost I needed to maintain my G.P.A.. The only problem with energy drinks is that they rival many of the flashiest coffee drinks of Starbucks. I soon found myself spending my valuable Petro Points (previously reserved for car washes) on my new caffeinated paramour. I realized that things were getting out of control and that I was setting myself up for an unhealthy lifelong relationship with a beverage that just wasn’t right for me. All the while coffee faithfully stood in my cupboard awaiting my return.

While brewing my first new pot of coffee in over a year, I was nervous, would I still like coffee, would it make me feel the way Monster did? With that first whiff of rich dark liquid I remembered why I had fallen in love with coffee in the first place, because coffee is wonderful! Calming yet invigorating, bitter yet easily sweetened, fresh yet familiar.

Some could argue that our relationship has gotten stale, based on routine; the timer is set to the same time every morning to the same dark, fine grind, and then freshly ground raspberry chocolate on weekends and special occasions. Admittedly I indulge in the odd cup of tea, but basically I’m faithful to that same coffee from over 10 years ago.

Recently to shake up the flavour of my coffee I’ve been sprinkling cinnamon and nutmeg into the grounds so the flavours get brewed right along with the coffee. It works so much better than adding the spices after. A dash of vanilla or your favorite liquor is also always a great way to add an extra punch to your favorite brew. Slashfood has a great post by Joanne Lutynec about making your own flavoured syrups, it’s worth checking out.

As for coffee and I, sure you could say our relationship is boring, but I say it’s comfortable. I’ve been around and seen what’s out there, but I think that good old reliable coffee is definitely the best fit for me.

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