Short of driving (rather, walking) to the nearest gas station for an English Toffee latte, my daily morning ritual is focused almost completely on making a good cup of coffee. The most recent recipe has come pretty close, but is certainly no rival to my gas-station favorite. I make the coffee good and strong (espresso would be ideal), then add 1/2 a packet of hot chocolate mix and1 or 2 tablespoons of hazelnut-flavored creamer. Voile! A somewhat frothy cafe mocha reminiscent of hazelnut–perfect for an early fall morning.
    And yes, autumn is beginning to creep into Hillsdale, Michigan. The temperature took a major dip, yesterday, reminding me what it’s like to be here for the advent of fall. Last year, I was sweating as I walked through the streets of Rome, Florence and Cortona. Fall there was much later in coming (later Oct.-early Nov.), and it was only once that we caught sight of flurried snowflakes. I hear Michigan is supposed to have a cold winter this year.