Perkdup

Isn't it funny how the things that we think about the least often mean the most to us? Such is the case with my "Texas Coffee Mug." I bought this mug at the airport in Houston so many years ago - well, actually, I know exactly how many years ago, but don't want to give away anything having to do with age ;0 The point is, when I'm driving and drinking coffee, which is way more often than I should, I find a certain comfort in the feel of this particular mug. It reminds me of a time long ago, when my cares were much less, and hopes were high. Memories of people and places that make me smile and make me feel "right at home." My mug makes me want to use Coffeemate instead of 2 percent. :) And whenever I bring my mug into a coffee shop and say, "Yes, coffee in this mug please," without fail, whoever is pouring will look at my mug and say, "Wow, that's a neat mug!" It wasn't until this past Saturday when I realized that part of

Starbucks debuts its new Via Ready Brew Instant Coffee tomorrow. I've tried two varieties (Columbia and Italian) and it's very good for instant coffee. Perfect for travel or when you don't want a whole pot. It's not cheap (seems to average about a buck a cup), but it is worth it. How many times have you been on the road or visiting relatives and been offered a cup of coffee, only to find out they're brewing something other than "gourmet?" Just bring along a box of "Via Ready Brew" the next time you visit Aunt Rose in Olympia and you're sure to be remembered as a thoughtful houseguest. TOMORROW IS THE DAY - 9/29/09 - STARBUCKS VIA READY BREW

I was pleasantly surprised this morning when my barista offered me a sample packet of Starbucks Via Ready Brew Columbia to go with my Greek Yogurt and Honey Parfait. Even though this product will not be available until September 29, it's already created quite a "buzz" (pardon the pun). This is my second sample - the first was an Italian Roast (rich, bold, excellent) and the Columbia is milder but still surprisingly good for "instant coffee." This is what Starbucks says about their new product: This is not instant coffee as you know it. This is rich, flavorful Starbucks® coffee in an instant. Starbucks has found a way to offer a truly great cup of coffee that you can prepare by just adding water. Other instant coffees taste flat and lifeless. Starbucks VIA™ Ready Brew is different – it’s full-bodied and flavorful, just like the Starbucks® coffee you know and love. It’s made with the highest-quality, ethically sourced 100% arabica beans. The magic is in a proprie

I've always considered good coffee to be like "Paradise In A Cup," and I guess I'm not alone. Check out the release below from the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers regarding their event this coming Wednesday evening. What a wonderful "coffee break" from the work-week. It's like taking a vacation without leaving the City! Coffee from Paradise Wednesday, September 23rd, 6 – 7:30pm San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers - Golden Gate Park (415) 666-7001 Join Pualani, Kaipo, and Maile Daniels, co-owners of Triangle J’s4 Coffee on the slopes of Hualalai in Kona, Hawaii for a quick (and very affordable) trip to Aloha land. The Daniels grow, harvest and roast pure organic Kona coffee. Pualani will take you through the growing cycle of the coffee, explain the various stages of preparing and roasting the beans, and of course, you will sample the luscious rich pure organic Kona coffee. Pualani, Maile and Kaipo will also entertain you with traditional Hawai

The recipe below is from Martha Stewart's "Cupcakes." I have not tried it, so please let me know how it turns out! TIRAMISU CUPCAKES Prep time: 1 hour, 45 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Makes 18 cupcakes Mascarpone frosting blankets sponge cake in this adaptation of a famous Italian dessert. Freshly brewed coffee or espresso would be a natural accompaniment, as would little glasses of marsala, a fortified Italian wine. Note: The prep time does not include the 30 minutes needed for the cupcakes to absorb the syrup. INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), sifted 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 cup milk 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise, seeds scraped and reserved 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces 3 large whole eggs plus 3 egg yolks, room temperature 1 cup sugar Coffee-marsala syrup (recipe follows) Mascarpone frosting (recipe follows) Unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting INSTRUCTIONS Preheat ov

Okay, so my day started out with a bit of a twist. And, as these things go, I was late for work. Sometimes it can't be avoided. However, I am pretty strict about my coffee regimen. So, after my cup at home and my cup in the car, I always tottle over to Starbucks on my way into the office, for my cup of the morning brew. But, now I'm on a budget - argh - so I'm not buying coffee every day. Only when I can't pass it up - like if it's Starbucks Anniversary Blend. But, I do buy oatmeal every day at Starbucks - oatmeal with everything - hot, stirred not shaken. So, today when my barista said, "Do you want coffee today or just yogurt?" ('cuz for weeks I was buying the Greek Honey Yogurt - but that's another blog for another day), and I answered "Just oatmeal," the manager, Adam at the Drumm Street Store(who rocks by the way), chimed in, "Hold on a second, I have something I want you to try." Well, I'll try anything even rem

I have yet to have a bad cup of coffee from Catahoula Coffee Company in Richmond, California. This has become one of my very favorite coffees in the whole world! The owner, Timber, microroasts only the finest beans and his specialty blends are bellissimo! Yemen is pictured in the photo above. Your favorite blends are now available for web order. Paste the link below into your browser for details. www.catahoulacoffee.com Happy Cupping!!