Dandelion Coffee, Book Giveaway & Sweet County Secrets

Dandelion Coffee, Book Giveaway & Sweet County Secrets
Friday, May 1, 2026 by Sally Jo Pitts

Categories: Books & Food / Recommended Books

Investigating Food Used in Novels

Investigator News Alert

Sweet Dare by Sally Jo Pitts-

Book #3 in the Sweet County Secrets Series

Coming Soon!!

And now this month's food scene and recipe from Karissa Ross's Space, Time & the Shopkeeper. (Karissa is offering a free signed paperback to a commenter! Read on for details.)

Arona, a bookstore owner, and her friend and co-worker, Kunda, have become addicted to not-so-addictive dandy lattes. Dandy lattes offer a bit of delightful enjoyment to break up the monotony of the day, or a wonderful dessert drink to finish off an evening.

Here is the Scene:

After her brother and niece left, Arona walked down the street to her favorite café and drink shop, Pâtisserie de La Santé et L’Amour, a quaint French-Canadian café that opened last summer. The full name was much too long and difficult for the locals to pronounce on a regular basis, so it had affectionately become known as Santé et Amour.

It hadn’t taken long at all for it to become an almost daily ritual for either Arona or Kunda to get dandy lattes for each of them. They were now hopelessly addicted to the delicious, not-so-addictive dandelion coffee alternative. Besides, the short walk provided a welcome break from sitting behind a counter on a stool for hours on end.

Arriving back at The Gilded Pages with drinks in hand, Arona found Kunda grumpily studying the computer screen at the front desk.

“What’s wrong?” Arona asked, afraid Kunda had forgotten to pay a bill.

Kunda sat up straighter and said something passionately unintelligible in Marathi, her native tongue from Western India. Arona learned early on to identify Kunda’s native language. From the sound of it, this time, it had been a string of curse words. Kunda switched to English. “I hate to read about those worthless, depraved, degenerate human trafficking slime,” and she slid into another string of probably-Marathi-profanities.

“It is awful, isn’t it?” Arona set down Kunda’s dandy latte on the counter.

Kunda grabbed her drink and the mail as she hopped off the stool and headed toward the rear of the store. “I hope they all repeatedly reincarnate as dung beetles and get stepped on—or rot in hell forever—whichever is more painful! Kasle ghanerade lok!” Her voice continued to rise, spewing Marathi venom, until she disappeared into the back office, slamming the door behind her.

Arona couldn’t be as passionate as Kunda against the enslavement of people. Arona didn’t think she could be as passionate about anything as much as Kunda. Part of that was because Arona tended to simply steer away from passion in general. Passionate feelings and their resulting actions had gotten her into heaps of trouble and pain as a child, like when she’d gotten mad and thrown something at a window only to have it bounce back and give her a goose egg on her forehead. Or when she’d tried to kiss a boy she liked in second grade, and he’d socked her in the eye. Or when she’d given a passionate report on the endangered Achalas Four-Eyed Frog the same year she got glasses, and for the rest of that year was called “Four-Eyed Frog.” Or when she was in 6th grade, and Mila, her cat she adored that followed her everywhere, was killed by a dog. No, passions and their consequences were things Arona had decided to best avoid. It had been safer that way.

Karissa says she enjoys Dandy Lattes often herself. This sweet, rich, and wonderfully cozy drink can be tailored and sweetened to your liking!

Dandy Lattes

For the recipe click here.

More about Space, Time & the Shopkeeper:

Arona likes to keep her life and emotions as ordered and tidy as the books neatly lining her shop shelves. But when Watson, a handsome stranger, starts visiting her bookshop, everything about her life begins to spin dangerously out of control.

When she wakes up one morning with a sprained ankle and another morning with a black eye, is it psychosomatic? Or is there a Divine Being somehow interrupting her plans with plans of His own? As Arona finds herself helping people in ways she never expected and can’t seem to control, she’s not so sure she wants to continue. But then there’s this handsome stranger who always seems to be involved.

Don’t miss this exciting, mind-bending, romantic adventure through space and time!

Book Giveaway Offer! Good through May 7, 2026-

For a chance to win Karissa Ross’s signed paperback book, share your favorite coffee drink. If coffee is not your thing, what hot beverage would you order at a cozy café? Share in the comments below.

About the author:

K. Ross loves living in the mountains of Colorado with her creative, adventurous, and pun-loving husband, where it’s peaceful enough to write, and adventure awaits around every curve in the road. Ross also enjoys hanging with family, friends, and their pawed companions, gardening, making miniatures, and taking off into the horizon with her husband in their vintage camper van. Visit her website to learn more about her books, read her blog, and explore downloadable goodies. www.KRoss.ink

Comments

K. Ross From Colorado At 5/5/2026 7:13:40 PM

I hope you get to try the recipe for Dandy Lattes! It seems a few are confused about it being coffee. There is actually no coffee or caffeine in it, which is one reason I love it so much! It's also quite delicious!! :d

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for stopping by, Karissa! A latte does make you think coffee, so thanks for sharing. This sounds like an excellent coffee replacement.

Christi Chirpich From MN At 5/5/2026 2:01:34 PM

I am not a coffee drinker, but I do like cappuccino and hot chocolate. A warm apple cider is also good on a cold day. Thank you for the opportunity to be entered in the giveaway.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Lots of nice choices. I love hot cider with a stick of cinnamon.

Miranda Summerset From GA At 5/3/2026 9:16:21 PM

Iced coffee with white chocolate creamer

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sounds lovely.

Emily C. From California At 5/2/2026 10:59:58 PM

Dandy Latte sounds delicious and easy to make. I love my caramel latte macchiato from my espresso machine. I usually put in: 2 teaspoon of caramel syrup 2 teaspoon of vanilla (bean) syrup Fill my machine milk canister with milk and a bit of heavy cream. The machine does the rest. I

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You own expresso machine. Sounds divine!

Jackie Wisherd From La Mesa, CA At 5/2/2026 10:03:39 PM

My favorite is Carmel Frappachino.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

This seems to be one of the favorites!

Deborah D From PA At 5/2/2026 7:52:19 PM

My favorite coffee drink is Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

One of those special holiday drinks!

Crystan Reed From Pennsylvania At 5/2/2026 6:34:31 PM

Chai Latte

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I haven't had one of those in a long time.

Kelly V. From Florida At 5/2/2026 12:02:08 PM

I don’t know much about coffee, but I do enjoy drinking warm green tea with a spoonful of honey.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I like tea in the afternoon.

Hope Wooten From NC At 5/2/2026 5:36:34 AM

I would love a Carmel Cappuccino or Hot Chocolate! Those are my two favorites

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Those sound good.

Jack Jones From OK, USA At 5/2/2026 5:14:42 AM

Not a coffee drinker, it upsets my stomach. :-( I would, however, take a nice hot cup of Mint Tea.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sounds soothing.

Diana Hardt From California At 5/2/2026 2:20:08 AM

I would drink a hot chocolate or tea.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Nice choices.

Saundra Bowers From NW Wisconsin At 5/2/2026 12:28:34 AM

I am a boring straight up black coffee for me. But, I love a great chai tea!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

My husband was a straight up black coffee drinker too.

Karen Hackney From Harrisburg, PA 17111 At 5/1/2026 11:50:27 PM

I love either a cup of flavored tea the flavor depends on my mood or a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I totally get that about the mood. Some days certain things simply sound better.

Kristen Cox From MI At 5/1/2026 10:22:37 PM

Starbucks: white mocha with caramel syrup and drizzle (caramel both ways) Biggby: "black forest" from the secret menu (blackberry, caramel, expresso, mocha & whipped cream) Tim Horton: caramel iced capp My local cafe: caramel dream macchiato (caramel 3 ways, chocolate & cinnamon)

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Boy. You know your coffee drinks!

Betty Allan From Kansas At 5/1/2026 10:14:51 PM

I like mocha frappucino

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Yup. I like it too.

Dixie Neitzel From Tomah,WI At 5/1/2026 8:16:23 PM

Winter it would be hot chocolate with whip cream and summer it would be a root beer float!!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Great seasonal drinks.

ile From Argentina At 5/1/2026 7:53:15 PM

caramel machiatto is my coffee drink :)

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

How sweet it is!

Lori Byrd From St louis mo At 5/1/2026 6:25:11 PM

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I am a tea snob. I go to this tea shop and get a bunch of different flavored tea. I brew them and enjoy. That's my deal.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sounds lovely. I have a pineapple flavored tea gifted to me from Hawaii that has a really nice flavor that I enjoy.

Anita Klaboe From PA At 5/1/2026 6:10:49 PM

I love a peppermint mocha.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Me too!

Nancy Brinks From Michigan At 5/1/2026 5:48:02 PM

Hazelnut cinnamon or Peppermint mocha coffee. My three year old granddaughter wanted to make dandelion jelly. So we made a batch. To make the jelly you make a tea from the blossoms. I will have to try coffee.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Interesting. I've never seen dandelion jelly.

Annie H From MD At 5/1/2026 4:57:48 PM

I am a big tea and hot chocolate (with cinnamon at times) person. If I do coffee it’s a mocha or vanilla latte I’ll do a chai at coffee places mostly, even if it isn’t “real” chai.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I'm with you on the mocha or vanilla latte!

JeanneK From Cuyahoga Falls, OH At 5/1/2026 4:47:11 PM

I’m not a coffee drinker, but my favorite go to drink is hot decaffeinated green tea with honey and a dash of turmeric. Thank you for the chance.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That sounds healthy!

Cindy From California City, Ca At 5/1/2026 4:46:29 PM

My first iced coffee has regular store bought hazelnut creamer to cover up: hemp protein, flax seeds beet powder,grass fed collegen,3 kinds of mushroom powder, moringa and magnesium, phew!!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Oh goodness. I often drink a moringa coffee with collagen but not all the other stuff.

Janis Rich From Ohio At 5/1/2026 4:30:02 PM

A Dunkin’ Donuts Vanilla Chai is to die for!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Good to know.

Grace Irelan From Dayton, NV At 5/1/2026 3:42:08 PM

I love the Blond coffee at Starbucks.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I've never tried it. Sounds interesting

sharon From ohio At 5/1/2026 2:45:24 PM

My beverage of choice in winter is hot cocoa. In summer it would be a milk shake.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Those are yummy choices.

Sarah Hackelton From Fleetwood, PA At 5/1/2026 2:20:48 PM

I drink dandelion coffee and it's a great way to get something warm and healthy in me when I'm craving coffee and avoiding caffeine. I have a real cup of coffee every morning and I've become quite loyal to Peet's Cafe Domingo.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Interesting.

Cheryll From Oregon, IL At 5/1/2026 2:01:14 PM

I can't stand coffee. If there is coffee in anything, I won't eat or drink it. However, I love a good hot chocolate or hot apple cider.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Nice substitutes.

Karen From California At 5/1/2026 1:51:33 PM

While I enjoy one cup of Peets or Tullys in the morning, my real addiction is to Classic Coke with plenty of ice!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You make me chuckle. I have a friend that likes a coke not coffee in the morning.

Anita Yancey From Georgia At 5/1/2026 1:48:19 PM

My favorite coffee drink is French Vanilla.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That's a flavor I like too.

Esther From Pennsylvania At 5/1/2026 1:39:53 PM

I enjoy cafe latte

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Nice choice!

Laura Adams From KY At 5/1/2026 1:21:58 PM

Love hot cocoa with marshmellos and a candy cane.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Especially at Christmastime!

Heather Swanson From Ontario Canada At 5/1/2026 1:16:40 PM

I like white hot chocolate

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Nice.

Kathryn Gritts From Saint Louis, Missour At 5/1/2026 1:14:56 PM

I am a rich, dark, black coffee girl - sometimes I sprinkle in a little cinnamon

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

A lot less calories than many specialty coffees!

Lisa Harris From Arnoldsville, GA At 5/1/2026 1:07:21 PM

I love caramello coffee.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That is a favorite of my daughter-in-law.

Karen Minter From NC At 5/1/2026 12:57:44 PM

I love hazelnut coffee with Italian Sweet Cream added to it. Delicious!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Lots of flavor.

Sandy Long From IA At 5/1/2026 12:48:14 PM

I like a Mocha Blender, a coffee drink made with ice cream. Love it!!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Oh wow. That does sound good.

Janice Gorman From MA At 5/1/2026 12:27:08 PM

I love a Maple Cappuccino!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That is a new flavor I have not tried.

Cara Sutton From Tulsa, Oklahoma At 5/1/2026 12:24:11 PM

Every morning I make Lemon Ginger Dandelion tea. It is so good for me and starts my day off right.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That sounds like a good, healthy discipline.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 5/1/2026 11:53:25 AM

You're very welcome

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Susan Brown From San Antonio, TX At 5/1/2026 11:50:02 AM

I always enjoy a chai tea latte.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I haven't had one of those in a long time. I usually drink coffee, but I may just try a chai tea latte real soon.

Becky Smith From Missouri At 5/1/2026 11:32:32 AM

I like a dark chocolate peppermint coffee.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

That sounds good. I love the peppermint flavored coffees at Christmas time.

Mary Garback From Ridgecrest, CA At 5/1/2026 11:27:04 AM

At Starbucks I usually get a Frappuccino Mocha. At home I'll add cocoa powder to the boiling water that gets instant coffee, honey and milk (unless I'm in the mood for tea: steep whatever flavors of tea you like then add honey and lemon juice to taste: drink hot or cold on ice).

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

All sound good. I also add hot chocolate mix to my coffee.

Karen Visnosky From NC At 5/1/2026 11:01:00 AM

Favorite Starbucks drink: Chestnut Praline Latte (Seasonal) Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew rest of year...Local Coffeehouse: Candy Cane Cold Brew (Seasonal) Emma Claire rest of the year

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sounds good!

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 5/1/2026 11:00:34 AM

While all the books ?? look like great reads even the mystery read I would love to read print copies of each book so I can review them. To enter contest: coffee isn't my thing I would get Hot Tea. Dandelion Coffee sounds interesting but would like to try Dandelion Tea ?? too. HOPE I WIN!!!!