Yep, I give in to “legal stimulants.” It may even be an addiction! Indeed, I am sipping my drug of choice as I write this: a dark, hot espresso poured slowly into a tiny lusterware cup I bought at an antique shop.

Since I have an espresso maker at home, it’s easy to brew a rich cup of joe. It’s not one of those gorgeous, brushed metal units that I lust after at high-end culinary stores, but it’s a real, pump-drive espresso maker. I bought it when I was pregnant with my son … when I gave up my legal “drug of choice” (wine) but was allowed by my doctor to sip the occasional cup of coffee.

These days, I’m so busy that I never have time to brew—or drink—a full pot of coffee, so a quick “shot” of espresso is a great option.  In these tough times, making myself a silky cappuccino is an affordable luxury – a decadent treat that helps me feel less deprived.

In fact, my regular coffee-maker now sits on a high shelf in my laundry room, next to my deep fryer. That’s my appliance “retirement” shelf; the place I stow rarely used items for which I retain a certain fondness. As I write this, I can’t quite relegate it to the appliance “graveyard” – a large metal shelving unit in my basement that holds 3 ice cream makers, a fondue pot, an old toaster oven and some “Made in Taiwan” chopping device that never really worked properly.

I’m sitting at my breakfast table planning tonight’s dinner. Saturday is the one day of the week I always have time to cook a great meal and I look forward to a leisurely stroll around the supermarket to find what’s fresh and beautiful for dinner.

Ah…there’s nothing like the dark bite of a good espresso on a cool, fall morning.

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