Monthly Archives: December 2012

Brewing Coffee in a Dolce Gusto Piccolo:

It may be small in size but it’s great in power.   The Delonghi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo Coffee Maker creates the most heavenly drinks you can expect, when using the Nescafe Dolce Gusto capsules.  Preparing your coffee in this machine is really simple.  Follow the easy steps below and voila your coffee is brewed!

1. Fill the water tank. 

2. Push the power button and wait until the light stops flashing.   (Around 30 seconds) 

3. Adjust the drip tray to the height of your drink. 

4. Remove capsule holder, pick your capsule of choice and insert it into the slot while locking handle is up.  Then slide capsule holder back into place and put the locking handle back down. 

5. Turn the lever to the right for hot beverages and to the left for cold beverages.  The beverage will begin to drip into your mug.  Move the lever back to neutral once the drink is to your liking. 

6. Wait until the light stops flashing.  (About 5 seconds).  Your drink is ready!

7. Pick up locking handle to remove capsule holder, and discard of emptied capsule.  Rinse capsule holder and return to its place.

8. Enjoy your drink! 

Shop: http://www.dailycuppacoffee.com/delonghi-piccolo-premium-single-serve-coffee-system-titanium.html

A perfect main dish to serve at dinner when you're having guests. Coffee is a wonderful meat tenderizer and enhances the flavor incredibly.

Ingredients:

1 4 lb beef chuck roast, trimmed of fat

1/2 tsp. salt

Pepper to taste

4 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil divided in 2

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced (or 4 garlic cubes)

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 tsp. onion soup mix

1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tbsp. cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp. water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

2. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tsp. oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, turning from time to time, until well browned on all sides, 5-7 minutes. Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker.

3. Add the remaining 2 tsp. oil to the pot. Add onion and red bell pepper. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until onions are softened and golder, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and onion soup mix; cook, stirring for 1 minute.

4. Stir in coffee and vinegar and bring to a simmer. Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker. Cover and cook until beef is tender but not falling apart, 4 1/2-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low.

5. Transfer beef to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for about 10 minutes. Pour the liquid into a medium saucepan and skim the fat. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

6. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, whisking until the gravy thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Season with pepper.

7. Carve the beef and serve with gravy.

Holiday Coffee Gift Guide

Holiday season has arrived and you are probably looking for that perfect gift to give your loved ones.  Coffee products fit the criteria as a great gift idea for almost anyone, coffee connoisseur or not.  Find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

Before you choose a gift there are a couple of things you will want to have in mind.  If the person has a machine, find out what kind of machine the person has, this way you can provide them with proper coffee (like pods for a pod machine.)  If they don’t have a machine, or you would like to get them an upgrade, before you buy a machine figure out your budget and what kind of drinks they would appreciate- espresso or good ol drip coffee.  There is a big price range for coffee machines so you are bound to find something that fits your funds set aside for gift giving.

I have compiled a list of a couple of great gifts for your convenience.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo Single Serve Coffee System

Delonghi Piccolo Premium Single Serve Coffee System, Titanium

You are the barista!  Prepare a fresh cup of café-style coffee whenever you want, with the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Piccolo Single Serve Espresso and Coffeemaker.  If you’re looking for something that goes beyond just black coffee options, then this is for you.  Customize each beverage’s strength with the custom control lever.  With the special thermoblock heating system, there is no preheating required.

The pods that work with the machine are made by Nestle - think about how creamy and delicious that is!  There is also a big variety of hot and cold drinks to choose from. The brew time is really fast-about 30 seconds! Espresso from this machine forms a really nice crema with a 15 bar pump pressure, and is truly a treat.  An adjustable drip-tray allows for all sized cups and mugs to fit under the spout. There is a safety stops that keeps the machine from starting if the capsule is not in place.  Instructions for the machine are very simple and clear cut, making for simplicity of use.  The water tank is removable, making it easy to clean.  An automatic stand-by mode after 5 minutes of inactivity is energy-saving.  The small, sleek design of the machine makes it a perfect addition to your kitchen.

Single Serve Machines are big on convenience, saving time and making clean-up as quick and easy as possible.  So the Piccolo would make a great gift choice for those that like a good latte or cappuccino, don’t drink too many cups a day, are short in time and want a machine with minimal learning curve.

The Dolce Gusto website offers a reward program. Each box of capsules contains a code in the box. Enter the codes online and store your points until you have enough for a free box of capsules for every 10 boxes you buy (regardless of where you bought them).

Some other great Single Serve Machines:

My Café Pour-over Commercial Grade Coffee and Tea Pod Brewer

Delonghi Circolo Single Serve Coffee System

My Café Single Serve Pod Pod Brewer

Bunn Phase Brew HT 8-Cup Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer

Bunn Phase Brew HT 8-Cup Thermal Carafe Home Coffee Brewer

Enjoy the best brewed cup of coffee or tea.  With the Bunn Phase Brew you will have a consistent brew every time.  It's a well-built machine that is pleasing to the eye and will look great in your kitchen. It makes a strong, smooth cup.

The Bunn Phase Brew heats and holds all of the water until it reaches the optimal temperature.  The water is then spray-released evenly over the coffee grounds for extracting the ideal flavor.  This method in contrast to the classic slow-drip, achieves a perfect pot of coffee with richer flavor (no more bitter taste!) and incredible aroma.  The insulated thermal carafe then keeps the coffee plenty warm, for at least two hours.

The machine is very user friendly with a programmable auto start, easy to read LCD display, time-to-clean indicator and warmer that shuts off after heating phase is complete.

In just 10 minutes your pot of aromatic coffee is ready.  There is a 6 minute heating time and then 4 minutes of brewing.  It does not require water to be held in a tank all day long like the other Bunn machines thus saving energy.  The carafe holds up to 8 cups of coffee (minimum is 4 cups).

The Phase Brew Thermal Carafe Coffee Brewer also has a manufacturers 3 year limited warranty.  Much longer than most other coffee machines which are generally just for a year!

The hotter water (brewed at 200 degrees) and the spray-release delivery method of the water to the grounds improves the taste of your coffee.

This machine will work best for small families and offices of up to 4-5 employees.  It is only good for solo coffee drinkers that love coffee, since the minimum of cups the machine will brew is 4 cups.

Bunn Three-Burner Pour-Over Coffee Brewer

Bunn Pour-O-Matic Three-Burner Pour-Over Coffee Brewer, Stainless Steel, Black

This Bunn Three Burner Brewer makes 12 cups of outstanding coffee in just about 3 minutes and 3.8 gallons (60 of 8 oz cups) per hour! Of course the right beans and grinding just before brewing is important, but this machine makes a big difference.  The three separately controlled porcelain finish warmers will maintain your coffee temperature.

Cleaning (just using a damp cloth) and maintenance is very easy.  A SplashGard™ funnel deflects hot liquids away from hands.  The low profile design of the machine fits on most counter tops.  The Three Burner Pour-over Coffee Brewer requires no plumbing and is therefore completely portable.  Just pour cold water through the top and the coffee brews immediately.  The sturdy stainless steel construction will last you a long time to come.

The Bunn Three-Burner Pour-over Coffee Brewer is great for large offices and for providing enough coffee at meetings in your business. Also a good purchase for hospitals with a lot of personal and recreation centers with lots of visitors. It can fill the needs of about 200 people a day.

Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine

La Pavoni Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome Base

La Pavoni Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Black Base

Control every aspect of pulling a shot.  In contrast to simply pressing a button, this aesthetically beautiful Lever Machine is perfect for people with passion for a professional quality espresso.   Correct use of the manual pump requires some practice, but the effort is worth it.  The Europiccola makes great espresso, with lasting crema and that superb taste that comes only from water held at exactly the right temperature.  Some things that are important for you to know in order to make a good shot with this machine, are fresh beans, quality grind, good tamper and patience. The sturdy all-steel construction gives the Europiccola a long life.  A tamper, 2 stainless steel filter baskets, and instructional video are included.

The conclusion: The Europiccola is a machine for you if you are willing to devote time and energy to perfect your pull.  Both for beginners, looking to venture into the world of espresso, and coffee aficionados.

Lavazza Qualita Oro - Espresso Whole Beans

Lavazza Qualita Oro Espresso Whole Beans, 8.8-Ounce Bags, 4 bags

The Lavazza brand is one of Italy’s most popular coffees.  Their coffee has wonderful flavor and aroma and makes a really nice crema.  The Lavazza Qualita Oro is probably among the top of the line if not the top! This is real Italian espresso, the best you can find on the market. Rich creamy flavor and sweet at the same time.  Has subtle chocolate undertones.  It is a medium roast that makes a tasty cup without any bitterness.

The Lavazza Qualita Oro is a winner for those that love a good espresso or latte. True coffee connoisseurs.

Starbucks Coffee, Caffe Verona

Starbucks Coffee, Caffe Verona, Ground, 1 lb. Bag

For those Starbucks lovers out there, now you can brew a cup of Starbucks coffee in the comfort of your own home.  Save time by preparing your Starbucks coffee on your own.  The Caffe Verona has a deliciously smooth and bold flavor making it a favorite choice.  Perfect to start your day and to serve in the office to keep you going.  The high-quality taste will have you savoring every sip.

Sencha Naturals Original Green Tea Mints

Sencha Naturals Original Green Tea Mints - 12 Canisters

A refreshing new idea for a gift for those that savor their cuppa tea.  Sencha Naturals has created the world’s first Green Tea Mint.  The proprietary blend of premium green tea provide antioxidant benefits.  Promote your health and naturally freshen your mouth.  Just 3 of the Sencha Naturals Green Tea Mints contain the antioxidant equivalence of one cup of green tea (without the caffeine!)

So now you have a starting point for choosing your gifts.  I hope this has been of help and wishing you lots of luck!