A couple of months ago I was sent three sample boxes from Caza Trail and Grove Square to review. If you follow my blog, then you know that I love coffee and cocoa (especially during the winter months). While I have been trying to cut down on the number of cups of coffee I have daily -- I still need at least one very early in the AM when the girls get up, to help get me through the mornings. And, thanks to these samples, I was able to not only get my caffeine fix, but each and every cup of Dark Coffee and French Vanilla Cappuccino tasted like I had gotten it from a local coffee shop. It was that good! This surprised me, as I have had my Keurig machine for a couple of years now, and the different k-cups I have purchased from brand named vendor and coffee shops never taste like they do when I purchase them from the coffee shop. Maybe it is because of all the preservatives or sugars they add into these k-cups, that the flavors always seem off. But, this was not the case with the coffee, cappuccino and even hot chocolate samples I was sent.
While I need my coffee each morning, as soon as the leaves start falling off the tries, I find myself reaching for hot chocolates packets, or making my own homemade hot chocolate to enjoy with the family. There is something comforting about a cup of hot chocolate (with or without marshmallows or whipped cream) that not only warms your insides, but puts a smile on your face. And, while I can't enjoy a cup of coffee with my kids, it is nice to end the day with a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies. :-)
And, with the recent snowfall we have had over the past few days here in New England, we have been enjoying more and more hot chocolate. While I love to make my own hot chocolate, I have to say that after sampling the hot chocolate variety pack from Grove Square, I can't make a mix that tastes as good as this brands. Prior to receiving the samples, I wouldn't have said this, as the other k-cup hot chocolates I had purchased and tried never tasted good. Either they substituted the sugar for a sugar alternative, or the additives and preservatives added to keep the mixes fresh left you with a funny aftertaste.
Do you find yourself making for hot chocolate for you and family during these cold winter months? If so, do you use hot chocolate packets, k-cups or make your own? If you have a Keurig machine and love making yourself a single serve cup of cocoa, coffee or even cappuccino, then you will want to check out the Caza Trail & Grove Square product line. Being a busy mom to two toddlers, I am never able to predict how the mornings will be. Sometimes I will brew up pot of coffee after having been up most of the night with the girls, only to be able to drink a partially warm cup of Jo halfway through the morning. And, the thought of microwaving a cup over and over again not only gets tiring, but is less appealing, as the strength of the coffee seems to dwindle with each reheating that I do. So, I have found that making a single serve cup of coffee, cocoa or other hot flavored beverage in the AM works well for me. While on my feet most of the AM, I can wander into the kitchen and take sips here and there of my morning pick me up, and not have to worry about drinking a cold beverage, that should have been hot.
While the hot chocolate was my favorite (I loved the dark chocolate flavor the most), I have to say that the dark roast coffee had a bold flavor tasted great on the palette, but could also be smelled as the cup of coffee was brewing. As for the french vanilla cappuccino, I am not usually a fan of cappuccino (usually I prefer espresso or Chai tea at coffee shops), but I was impressed with the rich flavor and smooth texture of the cappuccino. The vanilla flavor lingered on my tongue, and I found myself wanting another cup -- it was that good. And, whenever I had friends or family over, I would be quick to offer to brew them up a cup from the three sample boxes I was sent. Everyone who sampled the Caza Trail coffee was amazed at how rich and bold the coffee was, and that they didn't need to add a sweetener or cream. They found themselves drinking it as is, and loving it...me included.
I wanted to give you an idea of how rich and creamy the hot chocolate was, as it put the competitors to shame I feel, not only on the thickness of the hot chocolate, but even the rich dark color. Other hot chocolates always look watered down, or are not creamy chocolaty looking -- but, this one was. Here is a cup of milk chocolate hot chocolate from Grove Square I made the other day for the girls and I --
Mmm, I am getting hungry just thinking about this irresistible hot chocolate. I guess I have to end here, so that I can go make a cup and have some raisin bread the girls and I made, put my feet up, and watch some television, after a long day. What a way to unwind after a busy day! :-)
To learn more about Caza Trail and the products available for purchase,
click here: http://amzn.to/19fseZK.
To learn more about the Grove Square product line,
--24-HOUR FLASH GIVEAWAY--
Want a chance to win a 1-box product sample of Donut Shop Coffee from Caza Trail to try for yourself, and serve up to family and friends visiting this upcoming holiday? Then, email me within the next 24 hrs. (ends at midnight on 12/19) and let me know how you like to enjoy your favorite cup of coffee, tea, cocoa. Do you like to read a book while sipping your drink, enjoy it with the company of others, have a family hot chocolate treat after dinner or time out in the snow? Shoot me a quick email at rmccoy1234 at gmail dot com letting me know. Then, I will randomly choose one entry from all received, and that person will win a box off Caza Trail Donut Shop Blend K-cup box to sample. Good luck!
Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Sturm Foods, Inc. I received a promotional item and product samples as a thank you for participating.
I love coffee!! Cream and sugar but some days, I'm not picky!
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