M Train

M Train by Patti Smith 

  

    In her second memoir, punk-poet Patti Smith weaves a story of her past, her present, and her dreams.   Smith's M Train is a mental train of thought, stopping here and there to reflect on far flung travels, the creative process, her relationship with her late husband, and the mundanities of everyday life.

   Smith spends a lot of time in cafes, writing and drinking countless cups of black coffee.  Reading M Train is sure to trigger some caffeine cravings, so grab your favorite mug and hop aboard the Midnight Express.  This warming drink from The PDT Cocktail Book combines coffee with with an easy to make infusion. 

Midnight Express

3 oz freshly brewed coffee
1 1/2 oz walnut-infused cognac*
1/4 oz Amaretto
1/4 oz simple syrup

Build in a preheated mug.

Garnish with whipped cream and grated nutmeg.

--Recipe by John Deragon and Don Lee

*To make walnut-infused cognac, toast 115 g raw walnuts in a small saucepan at 175 degrees Fahrenheit, turning every 30 seconds for 8-10 minutes until edges are blackening.  Allow walnuts to cool, then combine walnuts and cognac in a large, nonreactive container.  Stir, cover, and let stand at room temperature for 48 hours.  Fine-strain and bottle.