11/27/2006 - A Much-missed Seasonal Treat Makes a Comeback

  I haven't exactly had the best time of it all last week and I was in need of something seriously rich and, in Nigella Lawson's words, treat-y.  (If you had to deal with the stupid hints of a piggish suitor, a frozen shoulder, lack of sleep, and the fact that your officemates are a bunch of giddy-gaddy busybodies who keep poking their noses into your personal life, you'd need a treat, too. )

Thank God for gingerbread lattes!  I haven't seen this particular seasonal offering from Starbucks for the past couple of Christmases, but it's been a major favorite of mine since it was introduced to the Philippine market in 2000.  Essentially, it's just a standard-issue latte with a shot of gingerbread syrup, whipped cream, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of cinnamon.  I can't begin to tell you how soothing I find this particular combination; the aroma alone is enough to lift sagging spirits and it's like drinking liquid comfort.

Oh, and with gingerbread latte goes Starbucks' Holiday Spice Loaf.  Basically, it's a shortening-based cake flavored with honey (or molasses), cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.  It's not too rich and none too spicy.  The cream cheese frosting gives it a welcome tang and the bits of candied orange peel make for textural interest. 

With this particular treat in hand, I can just sit back, relax, and everyone who's currently causing me grief can join the Guy in the Red Suit (the bad one down there, not Jolly Ol' Saint Nick).