Bertrams Brew Colombian Coffee Recipe: "Café de Cartagena con Panela y Canela" (Cartagena Coffee with Panela and Cinnamon) (S1E7)

Discover the essence of Cartagena with this authentic Colombian coffee recipe that captures the rich tradition and unique flavors of Colombia's renowned coffee culture. Colombian coffee is celebrated worldwide for its smooth, mild flavor and well-balanced acidity, making it a favorite among coffee enthusiasts. This recipe, infused with the traditional Colombian preparation method, brings a piece of Cartagena's vibrant coffee scene to your home. Follow the steps below and enjoy this lovely coffee with your sweetheart. But first, the adventures of Bertram and Beatrice…

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“First Adventure”

In a quaint corner of the world, nestled between the whispers of the trees and the murmurs of a distant city, sat Bertram and Beatrice on a weathered park bench. The sun dipped low, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Suddenly, the world around them darkened as if the sun had been swiftly plucked from the sky. In the engulfing darkness, a familiar, soothing voice emerged – it was Beatrice's Grandma emanating from the glowing locket.
"Dear Bertram and Beatrice," Grandma's voice echoed in the void, "you've activated the ancient Locket of Latte-tudes. This enchanted amulet can whisk you away to the farthest corners of the earth on a quest to discover the world's most extraordinary coffee recipes and concoctions."
The darkness seemed to listen, the air holding its breath as Grandma explained. "To activate the locket, one must simply think of a place where coffee is cherished, and you shall be taken there. However, the journey is not without its rules. You must always remain together; your bond fuels the locket's magic. Use it with pure intentions, for selfish desires will lead you astray."
"Moreover," she continued, her voice a gentle caress in the dark, "the locket will guide you to learn and understand, not merely to see. Each destination holds a lesson, a secret of the coffee it cradles. You must immerse yourselves in the culture and traditions of each place, respecting their customs and savoring their flavors regardless of their uniqueness."

“Cartagena, Colombia”

As Grandma's voice faded, a new light dawned, and Bertram and Beatrice found themselves no longer in the familiar comfort of their park but in a place far removed from anything they had ever known.
They stood in the heart of an ancient city, its cobblestone streets winding like streams, buildings painted in vibrant colors, and the air rich with the aroma of spices and, unmistakably, coffee. People bustled around them, their faces alight with the joy of everyday life. Beatrice clutched the locket, a sense of awe washing over her.
Bertram's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We're in Cartagena, Colombia!" he exclaimed, recognizing the historic city's architectural style and vibrant atmosphere. They wandered through the streets, following the tantalizing scent of coffee until they reached a small café, its walls adorned with murals depicting the journey of a coffee bean.

“Luis”

Here, they met Luis, a barista with a smile as warm as the coffee he brewed. He taught them the art of making traditional Colombian coffee, explaining how each step, from picking the beans to the final pour, was steeped in history and passion. Bertram and Beatrice listened, enraptured, as they sipped on the rich, smooth coffee.
As the day turned to night, and the stars began to twinkle in the foreign sky, Bertram and Beatrice realized the depth of the adventure they had embarked on. With each sip of coffee, they weren't just tasting a beverage; they were experiencing a story, a culture, a life different from their own.
Their journey had just begun, and the world was their canvas, painted in shades of coffee. From the mountains of Ethiopia to the streets of Vienna, each destination awaited its unique brew and tale. With the Locket of Latte-tudes as their guide, Bertram and Beatrice set off to weave a tapestry of coffee stories, one cup at a time.

Ingredients

- 2 cups of water

- Two tablespoons of freshly ground Colombian coffee beans (medium roast)

- Panela (unrefined cane sugar), to taste

- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

- Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Directions

- Boil the Water: Start by boiling the water in a medium saucepan.

- Add Coffee: Add the freshly ground Colombian coffee once the water is boiling. Reduce the heat to a simmer.

- Sweeten with Panela: Add panela to taste. Panela, a traditional Colombian sweetener made from unrefined cane sugar, adds a unique caramel-like sweetness that complements the coffee's natural flavors.

- Simmer: Allow the coffee to simmer for about 5 minutes. This method, known as "tinto," is a popular way of brewing coffee in Colombia and helps to extract the coffee's rich flavors fully.

- Add Optional Ingredients: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy note. For a refreshing twist, you can also add fresh mint leaves.

- Serve: Strain the coffee into cups using a fine-mesh sieve or a traditional cloth strainer called a "colador." Serve hot.

This Colombian coffee recipe offers a delightful experience that showcases the depth and richness of Cartagena's coffee culture. By using freshly ground Colombian beans and incorporating traditional ingredients like panela, you'll enjoy a cup of coffee that's not only aromatic and flavorful but also deeply rooted in the heritage of Colombian coffee-making. And don’t forget to check out our other coffee recipes on our blog. Happy brewing!

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