Time for a Coffee Break
January 8, 2009 by Sharon Trombly
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Coffee FAQ
I realize that coffee is brewed, not cooked, however I consider it something I can cook in the kitchen! There is measuring involved, right? I’ve been through many brands of coffee over the years and I must admit Seattle’s Best is probably my favorite daily brew.
When I buy a new coffee I’m always confused by the different advice on the packaging. Some say store the coffee in the fridge, some say store it in a cool dry place. Is there such a place in Washington State? Perhaps a simple Coffee FAQ will help answer all of our coffee questions.
Related Coffee Roasters
Believe it or not, there are coffee roasters in my genes! I recently learned that I have distant relatives (back home in Wisconsin) that own and operate Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters. I have yet to sample their coffees and I would love to hear some feedback if you have already done so.
All Brains, No Braun
In addition to drinking coffee over the years, I have also worn out many coffeemakers as well. The one that lasted the longest was a Braun, however recently when I purchased a Braun it was pretty obvious to me that the quality was no longer the same. As I poured the water in I couldn’t see it rising in the panel, I thought that was strange and wondered where the water could be going, until I felt it on my feet! The coffeemaker was delivered to me with a hole in the bottom of the water tank! Thanks guys!
Java for One
Because I am the only coffee drinker in the house, I really liked the small space-saving design and concept of the Black & Decker Brew ‘N Go. We were living in a house at the beach for a couple of months when I owned this machine and I wore it out there! I loved the concept of brewing right into the travel mug so I could take it and walk on the beach. I still use that travel mug and I recommend this coffeemaker, just not for heavy use.
My Current Coffee Mate
I really do prefer a full size, 12-cup coffeemaker now because I mix 1/2 decaf with my leaded coffee so I can drink twice as much coffee. After the frustrating Braun experience I gave up on the highly-rated coffeemaker brands and decided to head to WalMart. There I found my current companion (sorry John), it’s a coffeemaker made by GE. Gee, I had no idea they made more than lightbulbs! Unfortunately, WalMart doesn’t sell it online (why they show it on their website beats me). The photo of this coffeemaker is with this post.
Coffee without Cream?
No way! I love the flavored coffee creams. I will use plain half and half as well, but nothing beats a sweet yummy flavor like caramel mocha or mocha almond fudge. Around the holidays I like to get the pumpkin spice and gingerbread flavored creamers. The two major brands I choose from are International Delight and Coffee-mate. So dear readers, tell me your favorite coffees and creamers, or even your coffeemakers.
I have a Mr Coffee 10-cup programmable machine that brews into a carafe. I’m an all-day coffee drinker and the carafe keeps my coffee hot!
Now I’m a coffee snob - I prefer to brew flavored coffee over the flavored creamers. And I get whole-bean most of the time. I grind my beans each night when I set-up Mr Coffee. (Yes I refer to the coffee maker all the time as Mr Coffee like ‘he’s’ a person and not an appliance!).
If you look in my cupboard, there is always a variety of flavored coffee - usually 5 to choose from. Plus I have variety of un-flavored coffee: french roast, kona, espresso.
As far as accessorizing my coffee, I’m a cream girl. Light cream with Splenda to be specific.
Fun and interesting post!
Wow! I’m starting to feel normal…you seem to have a relationship with “Mr. Coffee” like I do with my GE “Coffee Mate”. Sounds like you have a great system in place. A coffee grinder is definitely going on my wish list.