Connecting Over Coffee & Cinnamon Muffins with Maple-Oat Streusel #loveyourcup

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client.

Being the parents to 4 kids (under the age of four), my husband and I need to make a conscience effort to have moments of connection - or else they just won’t happen. It’s not only important for our marriage that we have these little moments, but it’s vital to our family. We can only run like a well oiled machine if we have the same goals in mind and understand where the other person is standing emotionally. {You can have a car with GPS, but if you are driving blind there is going to be a crash!} In order to have this time alone together we wake up earlier than the kids and sneak in a bit of conversation over a cup {or three two} of coffee. I’m a lucky girl to be able to start each morning off with a couple of my favorite things – my husband and coffee!

There are 5 topics that we discuss practically every morning over coffee: upcoming plans, money, our kids, current events and our work schedules. By discussing each of these subjects and staying on the same page with each other, it results in a more open and loving relationship. We are able to quickly resolve disputes because everything has already been put on the table. We don’t agree on everything, but that’s not the point of our discussions – the point is to stay connected and informed of what’s going on in our lives.

Perhaps the most vital to these morning talks is the coffee – the caffeine is a must! Not only do I need a boost to get my day started, it’s also important to perk up a bit before discussing things like money or schedules. I don’t always remember to set the coffee pot auto-brew as I am usually exhausted by bedtime and only have one thing in mind – my pillow. On these mornings, it’s all about the instant coffee. {Some people may be able to wait for a pot of coffee to brew, but I have a history of falling back asleep while waiting! haha} In these moments of need, I turn to Nescafe Taster’s Choice.

Nescafe Taster’s Choice is quick, tasty and comes in 5 flavors: House Blend, French Roast, Vanilla, Hazelnut and 100% Colombian. There is also a Decaf House Blend for those times when you don’t want caffeine, but are craving that delicious coffee!

Although my husband is usually a black-coffee-type-guy, he can’t resist the seasonal flavors of Coffe-mate: Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint Mocha and Eggnog Latte. Back in the days, before we had kids, we would just jump in the car and take off to a coffee shop for these flavors – but things are a bit different now. I have become a connoisseur of store bought coffee creamers to say the least. If it’s out there, I have probably tried it. I like to have a couple powdered coffee creamers on hand because they have a LONG shelf life and it’s nice to have a variety without worrying about expiration dates. {The less for me to worry about, the better!}

The other morning I surprised my husband with one of his favorite coffee creamer flavors, Pumpkin Spice, and a couple Cinnamon Muffins with Maple-Oat Streusel. The flavor of the coffee and muffins together was perfect, and a delightful way to start the day. I love our morning talks and cherish the small moments of connection we have together - just the two of us.

Cinnamon Muffins with Maple-Oat Streusel
(PRINTABLE RECIPE)
yields 12 muffins
Ingredients
(Streusel Topping)
1 cup oats
½ cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
(Muffins)
1 cup milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400. Grease muffin pan or line with liners.
2. In food processor, blend together oats, walnuts, brown sugar, melted butter and syrup. Set aside.
3. Whip together milk, butter, vanilla extract.
4. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
5. Combine flour and milk mixtures together until just blended.
6. Divide half of the mixture over 12 muffins. (it will be about 2 tablespoons for each) Top with half of streusel mixture and then remaining muffin mix and then the rest of the streusel topping.
7. Swirl with knife or skewer or chopstick, etc.
8. Bake for 15 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.