I've never had an actual Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks or some other fancy coffee house, so it might seem odd that I would make caramel macchiato truffles. I once, however, had a plain macchiato while living in Italy. It was right after I got fired for the first (and only) time in my life.
At the time, I was a straight-up espresso type of gal, but I guess, in that moment, I was so bewildered that I forgot. Or maybe I felt that the occasion called for something more than just and espresso. Frankly, I don't remember anything except stumbling into the nearest cafe, mumbling something to the man behind the counter and sitting down at one of the few tables. I was the only person there. I was wearing my running clothes, because I had planned on going running after what was supposed to be a quick and easy task that morning. I was physically shaking, but felt relieved. I sat there for what seemed like an eternity, but it was probably only 20 minutes, tops. To be honest, I don't even remember what the macchiato tasted like.
I should back up a bit. I've spoke before about my nightmare of a job as a nanny in Florence. Shortly after the terrible weekend at the "country house in Todi," Genevieve told me that she didn't think it was going to work out, but I could stay for two weeks or until I found a new place to live. That's actually a very nice way to describe how that conversation went down, considering half the conversation was just me telling her to please not yell at me because I was certainly not yelling at her. The next day, Genevieve told me that Nina was very sad about me leaving and that I could stay until I went home for the holidays if I liked. I told her that I would rather not stay in a place where I was not wanted, and would continue looking for a place to live. The day after that however, shook me to my core.
Instead of trying to describe that morning, it's easier for me to share from my blog/journal that I was keeping at the time so I've included excerpts about that day:
8:15am- Nina is still not out of bed. Genevieve informs me “Nina is not going to school today. I have an appointment at nine, and then I will meet you and Nina at 9:45 in front of this church.” She pulls out a map and points out where I am supposed to meet her. Then she tells me to take the C line bus, and get off at the stop before San Marco square (which is where I get off to take Nerina to the dentist every week), and meet her in front of the church there.
9:15am- Genevieve has left and I have gotten Nina ready and we are headed out the door to go catch the bus.
9:30am- The bus picks us up, and I am slightly annoyed at the bus driver for talking so loudly on his cell phone while he is driving.
9:40am- I am even more annoyed because the bus driver missed our stop because he was too busy talking on the phone.
9:42am- we get off the bus, and backtrack to the stop we were supposed to get off at and are standing in front of the church by 9:45am, but there is no sign of Genevieve.
9:45am- I call Genevieve, and she yells “Where are you? I am waiting here and I do not see you!” I tell her where we are, and she says “No! I told you to meet me at this church! I ask you to do one simple thing and you can’t even do that!” I say “I am so sorry, Genevieve. Please stop yelling at me and tell me where you want me to bring her.” She yells at me to stay where I am and that she will come to me, then she hangs up.
9:50am- Nina and I are standing where she told us to stand and Nina is asking me repeatedly “Why did you say ‘I’m sorry’ to Mommy?” Genevieve calls again, screaming “Where are you?!” I tell her again, the name of the plaza and the street name. She begins to go on again about how incredible it is that I would venture out into a town where I am unfamiliar (untrue) without a map, with a five-year old, and not being able to speak the language enough to ask for directions (I know very well how to ask for directions in Italian and I understand directions in Italian, not that it really matters because the area where we were is a very touristy area and everybody speaks English anyways). “How stupid and irresponsible can you be?” she yells before she hangs up on me again. I am frustrated because the place where she wanted us to meet is only two blocks or a five minute walk from where we are, and I could have easily walked there to meet her, but she found yelling and screaming at me a far more effective way to solve the problem.
9:55am- She calls me again, screaming “You said you were on Gia Copone and I do not see you!” I told her to not yell at me again, that we were on Gia Capone, in front of the church she told us to stay at.” We walked 5 steps towards the street, the entire time Genevieve is hurling insults at me through the phone. As soon as we arrive (five steps closer to the street), she hangs up and we see her charging down the street like a maniac. She rips Nina’s hand out of mine and begins screaming at me, while we stand in the middle of the street “I can’t believe how incompetent you are. I ask you to do one simple thing, and you put my child’s safety at stake because of your idiocy. You are completely unsuitable to work with children.” I tell her I am very sorry, but she goes on: “Whatever made you think you could take care of children? You should never, ever, EVER work with children again! I want you out of my house by Sunday!” Nina is just standing there, on the verge of tears, watching this whole thing. I tell her, very calmly, “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone by the time you get home.” And I turned and walked away.
10:05am- I’m sitting in the nearest café, unable to even sip my macchiato (why did I order a macchiato?) because I am too much in shock at what had just happened, and sick that I was not going to be able to say goodbye to Nina.
You're probably wondering why I was inspired to create a treat based on something I drank on that awful morning. Well, the reason is this: That macchiato marked the beginning of a new chapter for me. For the next month, I spent all of my time teaching myself to love Florence and my life, in general, again. I visited museums and went to nearby cities to juste to taste their wine. I wrote like crazy, I ate a lot of pizza, I ran by the river every day, I danced until sunrise, I spent 48 hours watching a Sex and the City marathon with my roommate. When I returned to the US after that month, I continued to live like that- just doing what made me happy. If it wasn't making me happy, I changed it. That's how I ended up moving to LA. That's how I ended up starting Keepin' It Kind.
Now I am encouraging you to do what makes you happy. If you're doing something that doesn't make you happy, stop. Take a walk. Read a book. Hug your dog. Watch a Doris Day movie (ok, that one might just be for me). Make these caramel macchiato truffles because caramel + espresso + chocolate = super happiness. Get even happier when you realize that these guys are sugar-free because the caramel is made from medjool dates, almond milk, and cashews. And have seconds. And heck, because these truffles are so ridiculously delicious and the little sprinkle of salt on top is blowing your mind, have thirds. Whatever you do, though, just be sure it makes you happy.
Ingredients
- 10 medjool dates, soaked for at least 1 hour
- 4 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 teaspoons espresso grounds
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 1 hour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 cup chopped vegan chocolate or chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, process the dates until smooth. Add the almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Process until smooth, scraping the sides as necessary. Remove 2 tablespoons of the mixture and place in a bowl and save for later.
- Add the espresso, cashews, and oats and continue to process until smooth, scraping the sides as necessary. This may take several minutes.
- Once smooth, transfer the mixture to a pastry bag, or a resealable plastic bag with about 1/2 inch cut from one of the corners. Use the pastry bag to pipe the mixture into little blobs on the baking sheet. (I made 36 little blobs, but then later doubled them up and rolled them into 18 balls. You can start off with 18 little blobs, but it will take longer to firm up in the fridge).
- While the blobs are firming up, take the reserved caramel mixture (the 2 tablespoons mentioned in the 2nd paragraph) and use a fork or a small whisk to stir in 2 tablespoons of milk. Set aside. Rinse out your pastry bag and have a smaller tip handy to apply the caramel coating at the end. If you used a plastic bag, you may want to get a smaller bag and clip a tinier hole in the corner.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and let the blobs firm up for about 30 minutes (or if your impatient, like me, you can place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes). Remove, and very quickly (before they get soft again) roll each blob into a ball. If you need to double up the blobs now (see note at the end of last paragraph), then do so. You should have about 18 balls total.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for another 15 minutes. Before removing, heat the chocolate and the coconut oil in a double broiler until melted. Once melted, remove from heat. Alternatively, you can melt the two together in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each increment.
- Remove the baking sheet from the fridge. One by one, drop one of the balls into the chocolate and use a spoon to completely cover it with chocolate, scoop it out and place back on the baking sheet. Once they are all coated in chocolate, transfer back to the refrigerator and let chill until set, about 5-10 minutes.
- Use the pastry bag, with a tiny hole tip attached, and pipe the caramel topping onto the top of each truffle. Top with a bit of sea salt, if desired. Chill for another 15-20 minutes before serving. Keep chilled until ready to serve. Will keep in an air-tight container for 3-4 days (if they don't all get eaten before then). Enjoy!
What do you do that makes you happy?
Photography by Chris Miller
Somer
It's hard to believe that people can be so incredibly unhappy that they treat another human being the way Genevieve treated you.I'm so sorry you had to go through that experience. I am glad though that you didn't let her destroy you and found happiness and your center instead. Loving these truffles Kristy, I think if everyone made some we could have world peace and eliminate all unhappiness!! xx
keepinitkind
Thank you, Somer. Wouldn't that be something? If the key to world peace was through chocolate? How awesome would that be?!?! 🙂
The VeganCookie Fairy
Chocolate and yoga always make me happy. And cats. And really furry dogs.
I'm glad you turned that experience into something positive. It's a really inspiring story!
keepinitkind
All of those make me happy too! Especially dogs. 🙂
And thank you very much. 🙂
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan
I so needed this reminder today, thank you for putting it so well Kristy : ) As I work towards making vegan baking and cooking my life, I will be reminded of your words and lovely chocolates!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Abby! 🙂 I love that you're making your life's work something that makes you happy!
Caitlin
thank you for this post. it is exactly what i needed to read.
i'm so happy that you finally shared your story about getting fired from that HORRIBLE woman. i've been on the edge of my seat since october! do you ever look for genevieve or nina on facebook? i totally would.
these truffles look delicious and chocolatey and caramelly, and everything wonderful in the world.
i'm so glad you started doing things that made you happy and started keepin it kind 🙂
next story i want to know is where you meeting chris and getting married is in your timeline of life?
xo
keepinitkind
Thank you, Caitlin! You know, I never have looked for them, but as soon as I saw your comment, you bet that's the first thing I did! I couldn't find them, but honestly, I'm glad because just the thought of that woman gives me chills.
I'll have to keep in mind that you want to hear our "how we met" story and work it in there somewhere for you. 🙂 You've got to share how you and Dayve met too, though. xo
Ashlae
WHOA NELLY! What a nightmare. I've been nannying for five years and have never had an experience like that - if I did, you can bet your bottom that lady would have gotten a few punches thrown at her. Ha, just kidding.. kind of.
What a terrible experience but I am so happy it ignited your flame this little space 🙂 The truffles sound delicious and I am absolutely loving the photos, lady.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Ashlae! Trust me, when I didn't react with yelling back, I knew I had grown up a little. 😉 And I like these photos too- I think they're some of Chris's best. 🙂
Annie
Every time I read one of your posts about this horrible woman, my blood pressure soars! I want to throttle her!
On a much happier note, your truffles are...oh my...I want to pop them right into my mouth! I've never had a macchiato, but I want these!
keepinitkind
Haha! Just thinking about her gives me the chills. She's worse than any Disney villainess. And thank you. 🙂
narf7
I am thinking of nominating you to be the next pope (popess?) after suffering graciously through what could only have been the crazed megalomanical mental gymnastics of an overly wealthy self obsessed psychopath! I know that after the very first day I would have been long gone and her car would have born the evidence of my anger but I am NOT you, and you are a saint! That is proved by this recipe. Saint Kristi! (Don't worry, I won't be excommunicated for my rantings, I am not a Catholic and am thus doomed to eternal life slaving in the coalmines of someplace not very nice apparently but hey, at least I can postulate? 😉 ). I adore this recipe and I absolutely love that you could dig yourself out of that pit of hades and make the most of the rest of your trip and come back armed with something in your arsenal that would give you a measure for the rest of your life..."It's not that bad...at least it doesn't involve ANYTHING to do with Genevieve!" ;). Hugs from Tasmania. I dare say I would be shaking with rage every time I thought of the woman, she will get her own kind of karma. What goes around comes around and these "around" (sorry...couldn't help myself 😉 ) delicious little morsels of happiness are now my go-to recipe when life hands me a massive lemon and I am forced to suck it. A reminder that NOTHING in my life could be as bad as the ubiquitous "Genevieve"!
keepinitkind
Hahaha! Thank you! I feel very bad for her because her anger and nastiness is only hurting her and her relationship with her daughter. I truly hope, for Nina's sake, that she has learned to just be happy too. 🙂 Hugs right back to you from California. 😉
Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack!
I'm with Annie, I can feel my heart pumping faster when you speak of that wretched woman! But, we can all be thankful that you got out of that situation and are doing what truly makes you happy.
Plus, without her and that cafe, we wouldn't have these gorgeous truffles! I am also in love with the styling, great job to you both!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Jackie! I still get pretty uneasy when I think about her, but I am extremely thankful for the experience. 🙂
Richgail @AstigVegan
Good for you! And I'd love to take up your challenge on finding happiness, which usually involves cooking or something creative. I've never had machiatto truffles before but I'd love to try these, especially with coffee.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Richgail! Cooking always makes me happy too. 🙂
Liza M.
I am so impressed by how you handled the situation with such pose. Although it sounds like a deeply awful situation at least we got these delicious (and healthier) truffles out of it.
keepinitkind
Thank you so much, Liza. 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I can't wrap my head around how horrible that woman sounds! And I KNOW you are simply wonderful with children, you and the twins just make me explode with happiness whenever I read about you 🙂 But the fact that such a good thing came out of something so bad it a testament to how wonderful you are!
And speaking of wonderful, these truffles look to die for!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Gabby! What's so funny about all of it is that I've worked with kids since I was 15. The reason I was hired as a nanny is because I had spent a month in northern Italy teaching English to Italian children. I've never run into a situation like that. But I'm thankful for it just the same- it's shaped who I am today and probably makes me appreciate my relationship with the twins even more. 🙂
Suburban Snow White
Cadry from Cadry's Kitchen raved about this post and I see why. What a story! That poor little girl, Nina, to have a mother like that. Despite everything that disturbed soul of a woman told her, I am certain that you hold a special place in Nina's heart and she will never forget you. You may have been the influence that keeps her from repeating the patterns of her mother. She may go on to do great things because of your time together. Just my two cents.
I love envisioning you in Florence making yourself happy. What a luscious picture! And how wise you were to turn things around as you did.
Thanks for sharing this with us all!
~Katrina
keepinitkind
Thank you so much, Katrina. I certainly hope that Genevieve has been able to let go of some of her anger and learn to love life too. And I hope even more that Nina is able to have a good relationship with her. 🙂
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your positivity. 🙂
Andrea
That was quite a story — Genevieve sounds absolutely insane. I'm so glad you were able to focus on the positive and recover from the abuse you endured in her employ. Poor Nina. I'm also glad you started Keepin' it kind! The truffles sound impressively delicious, though like you, I've never had a caramel macchioto to compare them to.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Andrea. Ultimately, I am so thankful for that time. I hope that Genevieve has been able rid herself of her anger towards life and that she and Nina can have a good relationship. 🙂
slywlf
Oh my! Boo hiss to that awful woman, yay for you deciding to be happy ♥ These truffles look luscious, and I can't wait to try them! Right now I am a recovering happy person; IOW I spent 30 years being someone I wasn't to keep my husband happy (it didn't work - he was chronically depressed), followed by 1 1/2 years doing a combination of grieving/ranting/healing after he died. Your comments about "If you’re doing something that doesn’t make you happy, stop." really struck home. That is exactly what I am working toward at the moment, and I so wish it was as easy as just walking away from what is making me unhappy. That will take time, money and lawyers. What I can do, however, is in the meantime I can stop let my circumstances dictate my happiness! Thank you!
keepinitkind
I totally understand. Sometimes, the process of changing things for the better does take awhile due to physical/emotional obstacles. Your last sentence rings so true, though. We do choose our emotions, not our circumstances. That's such a freeing thought, isn't it?! I am so glad to hear that you're working towards that goal, though, and I wish you much luck, happiness, and ultimately peace. xx
Yatee
Beautiful story. I sometimes get too lazy to finish blogposts (being honest here), especially when there are gorgeous pictures along the way, but I read this one through. Sorry you had to go through that experience, but good for you for enjoying the rest of the experience anyway! Go you! I need to try these truffles as well, they look delicious.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Yatee. I completely understand, an I know that my posts can get lengthy sometimes because I get carried away when I'm writing. 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed the post and if you try the truffles, I hope you enjoy them too! 🙂
Richa
I agree with Annie and Jackie.. i cant imagine how difficult it must have been dealing with her. I am so glad you are doing all that makes you happy!
these truffles would make me happy too.. now if someone can get tot he kitchen and make some .. i got vivek to make me some easy cookies from the mix in the jar i had made earlier(now that came in handy).. and i shall be happy with those for some time:)
keepinitkind
Thank you, Richa. I don't remember how I got by during that time. I really think I just accepted that life is going to suck for awhile, but now I realize that nobody should have to tell themselves that. 🙂
I love that Vivek is taking care of you like that. I certainly hope you feel better soon! xx
jodye @ chocolate and chou fleur
These look so so amazing! I'm a huge fan of date-based treats, and these are no exception. I'm going to make a batch today!
keepinitkind
Thank you! Enjoy!
Robin
You poor thing. There are so many unhappy people in this world. If only we could all realize how precious and short life is.
Can't wait to try this recipe! I'm sure it's another winner!
keepinitkind
Thank you, though, I don't feel poor at all. I am so thankful for this experience because now, whenever I find myself getting angry, thoughts of her bring those feelings to a quick halt. I have no room for anger in my life. 🙂 Enjoy the truffles!
Shira
Kristy! It's amazing the tests that come our way before we get to that place where we even know what happy is. This is such a beautiful post in so many ways - and these truffles? Seriously! You are killing me - and Chris keeps getting better and better all the time! xox!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Shira! That's so true. Everything does happen for a reason and I am so thankful for every test that has come my way. And I will let Chris know about your compliment. xoxo
Courtney Jones
Wow! These look incredible. And the photos are gorgeous!
And I cannot believe how horrible that lady sounds! Wow! I'm so glad you don't have to deal with her anymore! Life's too short to give time and energy to cranky people. *haha*
keepinitkind
Thank you, Courtney! I am quite thankful that my time there is done, and you're right: who has time for such negativity or anger? I prefer to fill my life with people who are positive and make me happy to be around. 🙂
Alaine @ My GF DF Living
Oh my yum. These look INCREDIBLE. I need to make these tomorrow! 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Alaine! Enjoy! 🙂
Ruby
That sounds like possibly one of the worst nannying nightmares I've heard! I am so sorry, but you're right. What's important is to rise above it and do things that make you happy. And I'm 100% sure that these truffles would make me the happiest person in the world.
keepinitkind
Thank you, Ruby! That's what every trial and test is for, isn't it? To learn from them and make your life better, right? 🙂
alvin
I can't wait to try this recipe!
And what an awesome and inspiring story...Live You Life..and Always love and enjoy what life gives you!!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Alvin. You are such a perfect example of that- you're always loving life and everything it throws at you. 🙂
Emily
Looks amazing and I am making this weekend. For the almond milk, can I the unsweetened version, or should I buy the regular kind? Also, I don't have a double broiler...any suggestions?
keepinitkind
Thank you, Emily! I actually used the unsweetened version, so that should be fine. As for a double broiler, you fill a pot with just enough water to cover the bottom, maybe a little more, and place a glass bowl over the pot (making sure it doesn't touch the water). Place the chocolate in the bowl and bring the water to a simmer, stirring the chocolate until it's melted. I hope that helps! Enjoy!
Alexandra @ Delicious Knowledge
Wow! These look delicious! I love truffles and I love anything caramel.
On a selfish note... I'm headed to Florence in a few months and am nervous about finding yummy vegan fare. Would love any restaurant recommendations if you have them!
Heather
I have never had an Macchiato - but it sounds like I need to start with these truffles and skip the beverage all together!
Every time I read about one of your Nanny Nightmare Stories I cringe - you are the sweetest person and she simply sounds like a big bully. Thank goodness it was a lesson learned early in life, obviously it led you to ensure your always achieve the utmost happiness in life!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Heather! Every negative situation is always a lesson in life. I'm so thankful for every single one. 🙂
healthycakes4you
Your post made me smile, because I also had similar experience while working in UK as nanny. It's amazing how these people who we worked for and loved their children (and the children loved us back) never understood how important we actually were for their kids sanity.
I also never contacted them, but wondered how they are, and what their children grew up to be. So glad you turned your story into something positive! We all have choice what to do when the brick wall arrives in front of us, we can jump over it or we can sit by it and cry, which will not take the wall away 😉
Thanks for inspiring story and thanks for awesome recipe too 😉
Love from South Africa
keepinitkind
Thank you! I am so glad to know someone who understands! 🙂 And I like your wall metaphor- I think I will use it! xx