If you are redoing your kitchen or just sprucing it up with new counter tops and some paint you probably noticed that some of your counter top appliances are looking out of date and a bit worn. There are some new offerings in the coffeemaker world that may be of interest to you.
If you stopped drinking coffee a while back because the acid didn’t sit well with you should investigate the Toddy Maker coffee cold brew system. The Toddy Maker uses cold water and a carefully designed filter system to produce an exceptionally pure coffee concentrate from regular ground coffee. Unlike hot brewed coffee the Toddy Maker eliminates the oils and acids that are only soluble at regular brewing temperatures. It takes about 12 hours to make the concentrate but it keeps for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.
If you’re an empty nester and that old 10 cup drip coffeemaker makes disappointing small batches then consider buying the Keurig single cup coffee maker. The Keurig machines, there are several models, brew a satisfying single cup of coffee (or tea or cocoa) using a prepacked blend. You get a big selection including exotic coffee from all over the world. It’s very easy to operate and clean-up is minimized.
Home Decorating Tips: Copy an Inspiration Room on a Budget
April 1st, 2008
Raise your hand if you know what an inspiration room is. Anyone? While it sounds like a place to meditate or quietly think, it’s actually an attractively decorated room from a magazine, showroom, or even a friend’s home that you admire but don’t have the budget to afford yourself.
Zojirushi Mr. Bento Stainless-Steel Lined Lunch Jar
List Price: $65.00
Buy New: $31.95
You Save: $33.05 (51%)
Features:
• Round jar with 4 food bowls for hot or cold lunch storage
• Vacuum-insulated stainless-steel construction keeps food warm
• Microwaveable bowls measure 15.2, 10.1, 9.5, and 6.8 ounces
• Easy-to-clean container washes quickly
• Includes convenient carrying bag for transport
However, with a few easy tips, you can achieve a similar look without the hefty price tag. The trick, experts say, is to draw “inspiration” from these examples and emulate the look and style with more affordable furnishings and decorations.
Here are a few tips from the experts at JELD-WEN on essential elements when emulating an inspiration room:
* Invest in dramatic differences.
* Focus on details.
* Focus on color.
* Bargain shop.
* Remember it doesn’t have to be exact.
* Look for overlapping features.
Sometimes national manufacturers offer similar features in both their high-end and more affordable products, so do your homework to see if these benefits are available across the board. For example, JELD-WEN offers on many of its window lines simulated divided lites (SDL), or a grid system, that divides the window into smaller sections and creates an interesting look.
Standing at the Front of the Coffee Line. . . .What’s Hot?
March 25th, 2008
Coffee is hot, in more ways than one. Every day, millions of people pick up their lattes or cappuccinos as they rush between tasks or when they need a moment to relax. However, have you ever paused to wonder “What’s in my latte?” or “What exactly is espresso?”
DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker
List Price: $140.00
Buy New: $94.61
You Save: $45.39 (32%)
• 15-bar pump-driven espresso machine with durable stainless-steel broiler
• 2 thermostats for separately controlling water and steam pressure
• Self-priming operation; accommodates E.S.E. pods and ground espresso
• Adjustable swivel jet frother; removable 35-ounce water tank; “on/off” switch
• Measures 7-1/2 by 9-1/2 by 11-1/8 inches; 1-year warranty
Ordering an espresso beverage should be fun, not intimidating. And you shouldn’t need a degree in coffee studies.
So what is espresso?
The term espresso was first coined in Milan, Italy in the early 20th century and literally translates to “quick” in Italian. While many of us think that espresso is a bean, it’s not. An espresso “shot” is pulled by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans in an espresso machine.
In a recent survey sponsored by Starbucks Coffee Company, only a third of Americans are aware of all beverages that contain espresso. Although many coffee house enthusiasts don’t know espresso is a flavor that they already enjoy, it has become the core of limitless beverages around the world. The popular coffee house Starbucks relies on the consistently dense, caramel-like sweetness and smooth finish that the Espresso Roast brings to keep the intense coffee flavor lingering once you take your first sip.
To help make ordering espresso simple, Dave Olsen, the creator of Starbucks Espresso Roast offers tips to ensure you know “what you drink:”
* Know the Beverages. The menu board can be vast at most coffeehouses, so keep these essential espresso beverages in mind as you order: caffè latte, caffè americano, caffè mocha, macchiato and cappuccino.
* Hot or Cold. Espresso doesn’t always have to be enjoyed warm. Perfect for the hot summer months, any espresso beverage can be ordered “iced” (or served over ice as most coffeehouses refer to their cold beverages).
* Add Flavor or Substitute. Not all beverages match everyone’s tastes. If you want a little more flavor in your beverage, simply ask your barista to add a “pump” of flavored syrup (think caramel, vanilla or hazelnut) or top it off with a little spice, such as nutmeg or cinnamon. Vanilla is the most popular item that espresso drinkers report typically adding when they drink espresso, according to the 2008 Starbucks survey. You can also substitute 2 percent milk for nonfat or even soy.
* Wet or Dry Cappuccino. For the cappuccino fan who likes a little more milk or a little more foam, you can ask for a “wet” cappuccino (more milk than foam) or a “dry” cappuccino (more foam than milk).
* With Room, Please. Eight in 10 Americans who drink espresso report that they typically add items to their espresso. If you like to add your own milk or sweetener from the coffee station bar but find your beverage filled to brim, ask for “with room” and your barista will gladly leave enough space in the cup for added extras.
* Ask a Barista. Still undecided about a beverage? Don’t be afraid to ask a barista for recommendations or suggestions. They will be more than happy to match your taste preferences with the perfect beverage.
One Cup Coffee Maker
February 26th, 2008
Making one or two cups of really good coffee is exceptionally difficult with a full-size coffee maker. Even the best coffee maker cannot do it consistently. The solution is a one cup coffee maker. The Senseo Single Serve Coffee Machine works for lots of people, if you are OK with coffee pods. The ProctorSilex 42114 Single-Serve Pod Coffeemaker is priced right and uses both coffee pods and ground coffee with its convenient permanent filter.
Senseo HD7832 Supreme Single-Serve Gourmet Coffeemaker with LCD Display, Silver
List Price: $139.99
Buy New: $109.00
You Save: $30.99 (22%)
The patented Senseo single-serve gourmet coffee maker lets you savor a single serving of fresh gourmet coffee at the touch of a button, in under a minute. The result is always a delicious cup of fresh gourmet coffee, with a frothy layer that only Senseo Brewing System can make at home. Now you can have one cup of gourmet coffee the way you like it, every time anytime. You choose the volume size! Multi-beverage system capable of brewing coffee, cappuccino and tea. Coffee volume selection for 3oz., 4 oz., 5 oz. cup and 6oz., 8 oz., 10 oz. Mug. Interactive LCD Display to highlight water level. Adjustable spout allows for use of your favorite coffee cup, from small cup to a mug. 33% Larger Water Reservoir (32 oz.) - dishwasher Safe.
If you are a no-holds-barred, buy the best available kind of person go with the Bunn MCP My Cafe Professional-Grade Single-Serve Coffee/Tea Machine. For pure value you cannot beat the Black & Decker DCM18S Brew ‘n Go Personal Coffeemaker. The Black & Decker DCM18S dumps the brew right into a travel mug. You don’t even have to be awake to use it.
If you think that a one cup coffee maker is beyond the reach of current technology then stop thinking coffee maker and start thinking microchip beverage system, Take a look at the Keurig B60 Special Edition Gourmet Single-Cup Home-Brewing System and the Braun Tassimo Hot Beverage System.
