Perkdup

I called Catahoula Coffee this morning to ask if they had any more of Tim's special limited Jamaican Blue Mountain offering. The clerk said, "We have a pound and a half left." I said, "Hey, please hold a half-pound for me - I'm on my way!" While 40.00 per pound certainly isn't cheap for coffee, considering the quality of these beans and the rarity of the offering - it's too good to pass up. And after brewing up a pot and enjoying the "one-of-a-kind" flavor, I'd say it was 20.00 well-spent. After all, it's not going to kill me to eat a couple more days of Christmas leftovers and what's more important food or coffee? I think you know the answer.

I hope everyone had a good holiday - whichever holiday it is that you celebrate. I had a great time with family and friends. Tons of food and laughter, and of course, coffee. I thought I would share my two favorite coffee gifts with you this year. The first one I opened was from my niece who came home from Miami for Christmas. She is such a "crafty" devil. She made me this uber-cute wall hanging which reads "Dorothy, The Queen of Coffee." The detail is amazing, right down to the coffee cup stamps that she used for the background. I just have to find the perfect spot to hang it for maximum exposure! Love it. The next coffee gift came from my nephew and niece-in-law (that's a word, right?) which is a Bodum Santos Vacuum Stovetop Coffee Maker. Now, chemistry was never my best subject so I'll admit I'm a little intimidated by it. However, with a little help from "youtube" I should be able to figure it out. Can't wait to let you kno...

My book club held its holiday meeting the other night and had our annual "Kris Kringle" swap. And guess what your girl won? Yup, the cutest mug on the planet. This adorable and classy "Library Books" mug is by Lenox (Kate Spade Design). Does it get any more upscale than this? And everybody knows I (heart) coffee and books! And what girl in her right mind doesn't love Kate Spade? Kate Spade, Lenox, Coffee. . .oh, baby. This is SO me.

Flowers you can eat? From "The Feel Good Gourmet." Amber's creations can be ordered online and shipped anywhere! Aren't these poinsettas the cutest things ever? There's so much more at: www.thefeelgoodgourmet.com

Of all the coffee "apparati" I own, the one thing I don't have is a Keurig brewer. I've used one before and even had the pleasure of attending the " K-Cup" Festival in San Francisco last month, but I've never actually had one in my own home. I was thrilled when my daughter came home from college for Christmas break with her "Personal Keurig Platinum Brewer" in tow. She laid out a few ground rules. "One - don't break it. Two - don't use it if you don't know what you're doing and Three - Don't get used to it because it's going back to school with me!" The most thrilling part of the whole concept is that it comes in 200 different varieties! Since my daughter uses it mainly for hot chocolate and flavored coffees, the first thing I did was go out and get a box of Green Mountain "Nantucket Blend" K-Cups . Delicious cup of coffee. Bold. Just the way I like it. Can't wait to try the hot chocol...

Do you hear what I hear? It's the sound of the coffee dripping down into the carafe. What's that smell? It's gourmet coffee at its finest. I was first introduced to "Seattle's Best" Coffee in 1993 in -you guessed it - Seattle. I liked it so much that I would order over the phone from the company and have it shipped to my house. Today, I can have it any time I want. Seattle's Best is in a league all its own. This morning I'm enjoying a cup of "Sleigh Bell Blend." Not too dark. Not too light. Just right for this time of year. Actually, I could drink this particular roast all year 'round. Unfortunately, it's a limited roast so after it's gone, there will be no more and you'll have to wait until next year. If I were you, I'd get it now because who wants to take a chance of having to be good all year to enjoy Seattle's Best Sleigh Bell Blend? Because life is short and you should drink more coffee. www.seat...

I recently learned that Bigelow has a collection of holiday teas. Who knew? They were kind enough to send me this wonderful assortment to sample and here we go: Ginger Snappish: Caffeine free taste like - well, it's like a gingersnap in a cup with a hint of lemon. I had a cup after dinner last night. Perfection for digestion. Pumpkin Spice: My daughter likes this one. She loves pumpkin. (I'm more of a sweet-potato gal). Anyway, she said it's like "pumpkin pie." (Contains Caffeine) Apple Cider: Caffeine free. Simply delicious. Cinnamon-ney and smells amazing! And. . .drum roll. . .my personal favorite, Eggnogg'n: This one really surprised me because I don't like eggnog! But the combination of black and green tea gives you a wonderful lift and the cinnamon notes balance out the flavor. Really doesn't taste like eggnog at all to me. This will be my new mid-morning "snack." 20 tea bags per box. Each bag is individually wrappe...

I like to think like a lady and drink like a man ! Yeah, baby. This "Reindeer Blend" from Caribou is one of my favorites from the Minnesota roaster. It's rich and smooth with a fruity undertone and no after-taste. Perfect way to start my motor on a cold Friday morning. I guess I'll share it with my co-workers, although I'm thinking that I should keep it all for myself. But, it is better to give than to receive - except when it comes to Reindeer Blend . This is good stuff. www.cariboucoffee.com (This is a limited offering, so get it now before it's gone!)

Even if you don't believe in Santa, you can still enjoy the season. My daughter loves chocolate and peppermint (together). And since she's a "newbie" coffee drinker (not a pro, like her Mama), I picked up this Peppermint Mocha Coffee-Mate(R) in the grocery store. It will make her coffee go down just a little "sweeter." I found it at my local Lucky Supermarket for around 4.00 for a 15 ounce container. There are so many different flavors of Coffee-Mate these days. See for yourself at: www.coffee-mate.com

You will, after using the Capresso H20 Pro Cordless Water Kettle. This kettle is not just another pretty face. It's functional, efficient, easy to use, safe and will change your life. Honestly. It has changed mine. It's forced me to "dial back the caffeine." Instead of having one more cup of coffee at night, I tend to opt for a caffeine-free cup of tea instead. Remarkably convenient. Just fill it up with water. Place it on the element. Press the button. By the time you decide which cup to use, which flavor of tea or coffee (perfect for pour over methods), the water is ready! It's fast and reliable. If you want to make magic for someone this holiday season, this is the ticket. The Capresso H20 Pro Programmable Cordless Water Kettle with Variable Temperature Control . Available at select retailers or online at: www.capresso.com

James Lee Burke is one of the most descriptive writers alive. He's also one of the best writers in the world and one of my all-time favorites. His latest "Dave Robicheaux Novel," "The Glass Rainbow," ( Simon & Schuster ) will take you deep into the heart of Louisiana. Honestly, you will feel like you're there. That's why this morning, I closed my book and went into the kitchen to brew up a pot of my favorite Louisiana coffee, Community Coffee Dark Roast . It's rich and flavorful, just like a James Lee Burke novel. This duo would make a nice "gift pack" for the coffee and book lover on your holiday list. www.communitycoffee.com www.jamesleeburke.com

Here come the holiday blends! Over the next few weeks, I'll be featuring holiday blends from various roasters, big and small. First up, Starbucks Christmas Blend . Rich, nutty smooth with a good aftertaste. Perfect for a chilly morning like today. $6.95 for an eight ounce bag. (Goes well with the Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bar)

Everyone appreciates a hostess who offers a slice of cake with that cup of coffee, but what about the gal or guy who offers up a "Cake Pop" to go with that coffee? My niece in Miami turned me onto Bakerella's blog about a year ago. I thought, "this is the cutest stuff I've ever seen." But, did I have the nerve to try it myself at home? No way. Do I have the nerve now? Not yet. But, with the step-by-step technique offered in this recipe book, "Cake Pops," published by Chronicle Books , I plan to challenge myself. "Bakerella" (aka Angie Dudley) offers over 40 tips, tricks and recipes for mini-treats, each one a work of art. There's something for every taste and celebration from the basic cupcake bites and balls to more elaborate creations like reindeer and sheep and game balls and puppy pops. Perfect for the person on your shopping list who can appreciate a little "baking therapy." Angie Dudley is the creator of Bak...

What's Black and White and cute all over? These IMUSA Stackable mugs that's what! I saw these in a "youtube" video tutorial for the Keurig Brewer and just had to have them! They're perfect for smaller kitchens and dorm room use too. It says that they're for Capuchino use but it's just the rize size for a smaller cup of coffee. If you drink smaller cups you can drink more of them, right? IMUSA makes a bunch of different styles of colors of these guys and you can find them at retailers everywhere or online at: www.ChefLatino.com Perfect for holiday giving or getting.

Starbucks Holiday Cold Cups are Back!

"Copyright September 27, 2010, CareerBuilder, LLC - Reprinted with permission. One-third of workers need this to get through the workday! By Kate Lorenz on Sep 27, 2010 in Featured, Fun stuff, Job Surveys, Work As a rule, I hate alarm clocks. But there’s no alarm clock I hate more than the one that goes off on a Monday morning. This morning was no exception and hitting the snooze button was not an option; I had an 8 a.m. breakfast meeting with my boss. These are the times I’m most thankful for a hot, steamy cup of the coffee. What can I say? I’m just not one of those people who jump out of bed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for work every morning. Bing: Forget the coffee – take a nap In honor of the recent National Coffee Day, Dunkin’ Donuts and CareerBuilder released a study on the beverage that keeps the nation’s work force productive and energetic. Turns out that 32 percent of workers said they need coffee to get through the workday, and 43 percent of coffee drinkers reported t...

The AeroPress is an extreme coffee extraction device. With today’s use of the word “extreme” to describe Sports and Leisure activities; it is indeed the correct choice of adjective to describe how this method gives you the most from your two scoops of precious java. The AeroPress delivers an intense cup of Espresso like coffee. Dense, syrupy and sediment free is the final product from one firm and steady pressing via this duo-tubular, plunger effect, barista tool. The completely satisfying finish is a cup of Joe in customizable degrees of intensity. But, what I like about this piece doesn’t end at consumption. The easy sliding coupling is a breeze to clean. Unscrewing the screen holding the compressed coffee affects a simple cleanup. I like simplicity of use when employing a device to reach a desired effect and the AeroPress does it all for me. Realize the simplicity and intensity that is AeroPress .

Review coming soon. . . www.capresso.com

Any coffee that Stumptown roasts is going to be good. I'm convinced of it. This Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Tumticha by Stumptown is smooth with "nutty" base notes,completely non-acidic and tastes like heaven. From Stumptown: " Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Tumticha . Tumticha is the quintessential example of the classic Yirgacheffe flavor. It’s another offering from the famous Yirgacheffe Coffee Farmer’s Cooperative Union. The Tumticha Cooperative is composed of over 2100 farmer members. After careful cherry selection, these Ethiopian Heirloom varietals are depulped with McKinnon depulping devices, fermented upwards of 24 hours, washed in channels and dried carefully on raised beds in the sun. Jasmine, citrus blossom and black tea aromas find cohesion within a pinot-gris-like mouth feel with transparent flavors of huckleberry, raspberry, and white grape in this intensely sweet yet complex Yirgacheffe." I have so much respect for this coffee that I refuse to make it in an el...

Which makes my new Aladdin sustainable travel mug not only functional but trendy. It's called "ecycle" which means that its Aladdin's own proprietary mix of recycled plastics. This mug is made from 97% recycled food grade polypropylene containing 25% post consumer content and is recyclable where plastic is collected. On top of all that, it looks hecka cool and keeps my coffee piping hot. (BPA Free) Save the planet and look good while you're doing it! http://www.aladdin-pmi.com/

So good, it tastes like Christmas! (Limited offering) www.communitycoffee.com

It's Cafe Orzo (TM) , the Italian Caffeine-Free Alternative . "Made from organic roasted Italian barley, Care Orzo(TM) has been the traditional caffeine-free brew of choice for centuries in Italy." And because it's 100% caffeine-free , your little ones can enjoy it too. So, the next time you want something that's not caffeinated, there is another option. I made a pot for the folks at work and literally 9 out of 10 who sampled it said they would drink it again. It brews up just like coffee in your electric coffee maker, pour-over or French Press. What will they think of next? www.cafeorzo.com

What better way is there to say farewell to Fair Trade Month than to enjoy a cup of Alligator French Roast by Equator Coffees on the last day of October? I first experienced "Alligator French" about four years ago when an office mate brought some to work to share. She had purchased it from a fundraiser at her church in Marin County. I said, "this is like no French Roast I've ever tasted." Equator's Alligator French Blend is described by them as "Robust Earth Tones, Smoky Tropical Wood, Prunes and Walnuts." It's dark roasted from Ecuador, Ethiopia and Sumatra. It's no surprise that Roast Magazine named Equator the 2010 Roaster of the Year. And, of course, it's Fair Trade Certified by the C.C.O.F . Because Fair Trade coffee is not meant to be enjoyed only in October, but year-round. Equator Coffees & Teas 115 Jordan Street San Rafael, CA 94901 1-800-809-7687 Alligator French is just one of the many amazing roasts offered...

That's because there haven't been any new or exciting teas that have caught my eye lately. That is until I spotted " Two Leaves And A Bud." No, this is not a "Cheech and Chong" movie. It's a line of organic teas. And they're super fancy. They come in these little "sachets," not bags. And not only are they cute, they have the cutest darn names like, " Better Rest Blend," and "Better Morning Blend." And there are so many different kinds of teas to select from - traditional (like Earl Grey and Jasmine ) and "new-agey" ones like "Organic Mountain High Chai," "Alpine Berry," "Pomi Berry," and there's even an " Organic Tamayokucha ." I could barely pronounce that one. You get the point. They have a huge assortment of teas to choose from. Did I mention they're super delicious? And, they have loose teas too, and cute little bamboo gift boxes of tea and tea ...

By now, you've more than likely heard all about the Clover (R) Coffee Machine. It's this fancy-schmantzy (uber-expensive) machine that brews one cup at a time for ultimate flavor. You can find it in very "select" Starbucks and other coffee shops. Well, guess what? I've been brewing one cup at a time (with optimum results) for years. Chemex(R) thought of that decades ago. However, my Classic Chemex made more coffee than we often needed to drink. So, I was thrilled to discover that there is a new Chemex Pint-Size Model (handblown) which brews one to three cups. It works just like the classic model and the coffee is just as delicious. No sediment, no burnt coffee. Just a delicious cup o'joe (or three). Check out all the Chemex models and accessories at: www.chemexcoffeemaker.com (I received a free Chemex(TM) Pint-Size Coffeemaker for the purpose of writing this review, which in no way influenced me because I had been a "Chemite" for years)

It's a rainy day in the Bay today. So I played hooky. Stayed home from church and baked. I did watch Joel Osteen on television, so that sort of counts - doesn't it? Just poured myself a big cup of hot coffee and am sitting down ready to write - warm snickerdoodles as my muse. And, the San Francisco Giants are going to the World Series. Who could ask for anything more?

What: Fair Trade Coffee "E-Tasting" presented by Green Mountain Coffee When: October 26, 2010 Time: 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Cost FREE To join the call, go to: http://www.ustream.tv/GreenMountainCoffee www.greenmountaincoffee.com

I was reading a novel the other day by Carl Hiaasen entitled "Star Island" when it mentioned that someone had Sanka (TM) coffee in their pantry. When was the last time you've heard that brand mentioned? I mean we're so fancy now that we don't drink anything instant much anymore, unless we're stuck at a motel or visiting someone who just doesn't know what real coffee is, right? So, it got me to wondering if Sanka even existed anymore. Turns out it does. And then being my usual curious self, I wanted to know more and so I turned to our good friend, Wikipedia, and here's what it says about Sanka (TM) . "Sanka is a brand of decaffeinated coffee, sold around the world, and was one of the earliest decaffeinated varieties.[citation needed] Sanka is distributed in the United States by Kraft Foods. Decaffeinated coffee was developed in 1903 by a team of researchers led by Ludwig Roselius in Bremen, Germany. It was first sold in Germany and many ...

"Troublemaker" by Janet Evanovich and her daughter Alex Evanovich with art by Joelle Jones Reading this book reminded me of my appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between illustration and cloud text and the seeding of a fertile imagination which was my youth. Comics, now PC’d as graphic novels, could always occupy an otherwise calm and uneventful Sunday afternoon, with mental activity that took the place of dodge ball and marbles. Janet and her daughter Alex jump off to a great start in this piece with Voodoo, kidnappings and two self proclaimed gumshoes that show what the “bad cop-bad cop” relationship is all about. Alex Barnaby and Sam Hooker , individually and collectively, know how to gum up the workings of a freelance crime investigation. But for the grace of good “juju” the two keep the thrill moving to the point of “see you next volume.” As for the illustrations, Joelle Jones is indeed gifted and draws attractive figures with great detail. Her input to thi...

I'm definitely ready for takeoff this morning. Enjoying a cup of Rocketfuel (TM) Sumatra 44 blend . I must admit, I was a little afraid of a coffee with a name like Rocketfuel(TM) . I mean, what if I took off and didn't come back down. To be perfectly honest, this morning I couldn't care less if I did. Just kidding God. :) Seriously, this is great coffee. The Sumatra 44 blend is organic, fair trade premium Indonesian Sumatran coffee and Arabican Espresso. Bold and beautiful. But, I'm not going to try to find a bunch of adjectives to describe it because it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know or enjoy good coffee. Check out their site and see out what they have to offer for yourself: www.rocketfuelcoffee.com And while you're at it, learn a little about the company's owner, Lisa Rotenberg. She's pretty amazing in her own right. http://www.lisarotenberg.com/

Having three friends over for coffee! I set my Sunday morning off with "Three Amigos" Blend from Catahoula Coffee . It's a Mexican coffee and the beans were roasted at three different periods of time. Clever, huh? I've never had a coffee I didn't love from Timber. And if you're not near Catahoula, no worries. You can order online. www.catahoulacoffee.com Catahoula Coffee Company 12472 San Pablo Ave. Richmond, CA 94805 510. 235.0525

"We will forgive you. Your mug won't. Do you have beans for the weekend? You should think of your mug." Happy Friday!

I love guests who come bearing gifts. My sister dropped by this weekend (well, she's not really a guest), but anyway, she brought me a "red" bag of Community Coffee Between Roast Coffee. She said, "I've had this in my trunk for a week for you." What good is coffee in a trunk? So, I brewed up a pot for the two of us. It's not too light and not too dark. Perfect for any time of the day and especially Sunday afternoon gossip. Community Coffee offers these "Red Bag" sales from time to time, so you might want to add their website to your favorites. I did. www.communitycoffee.com

Peet's Turkish Coffee Recipe INGREDIENTS 8 oz fresh, cold filtered water 8 tsp coffee 4 tsp sugar ¼ tsp freshly ground cardamom (4 pods) Cinnamon (optional) Makes four, 2 oz servings Originally named "Peet's Coffee, Tea & Spices", Peet's has a long history of offering high quality spices, in addition to fresh roasted coffee and hand-selected teas. In honor of this heritage, we invite you to experience Turkish coffee. * Turkish coffee is prepared by boiling finely powdered coffee beans in a traditional Ibrik (a pot), often with spices and sugar resulting in a strong, flavorful cup. This method dates back to the 16th century and is common throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Caucasus, and the Balkans. Try this simple brewing method at home and discover the ancient tradition of Turkish coffee with the rich, strong taste of Peet's deep-roasted coffee and top quality spices. BREWING INSTRUCTIONS Grind coffee to a powder using the finest setting on your...