STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 42
Banana Sweet Cream Cold Brew
There is a specific kind of magic in a slow-steeped cold brew that a standard drip machine just can’ t replicate. While most morning routines are a race against the clock, this recipe encourages a slower pace by shifting the heavy lifting to the night before. By allowing the coffee to steep and the bananas to macerate while you sleep, you’ re essentially doing a serious solid for your future self. You wake up to a refrigerator full of bold, smooth concentrate and a natural, floral fruit syrup. It’ s the ultimate morning reward that is ready to pour the moment you walk into the kitchen. Because cold brew relies on time rather than heat, a steep of at least 12 hours is essential to extract the coffee’ s deep flavors without the bitterness sometimes found in hot-brewed batches. We apply that same patience to the fruit through a process called maceration. By tossing sliced bananas in sugar overnight, we draw out a clear, intense nectar that provides a clean sweetness. Unlike blended fruit, which can be pulpy and heavy, this macerated syrup incorporates perfectly into a silky, cloud-like sweet cream. We love how this recipe puts the work of Not Your Average Joe in the spotlight. Their mission is to inspire our community by including students and adults with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in the creation of incredible coffee. Using their beans means every glass supports an encouraging, inclusive atmosphere. When you combine these high-quality local ingredients with a little bit of overnight patience, you get a drink that tastes as good as the mission it supports.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 42