Perkdup

I was at a dinner/dance last night when the conversation turned to coffee. I'm not sure how we started talking about it.  Oh, wait.  I brought it up.  I just happened to mention that one of my passions is drinking good coffee and blogging.  Blogging about good coffee.    A gentleman at the table asked the question, "What's the best coffee?"  And that got the coffee bean rolling. One thing led to another and before you knew it, you had a wonderful flow of lively dialogue about a beverage that at least all at the table drink either occasionally or every day.   We discussed whole bean versus ground, the best coffee to buy in the store, micro roasters versus large-scale coffee production companies, brewing methods, single serve cups, the best coffee gear and soon we were in a coffee induced conversation craze. And, as would only be "PC," we also discussed tea with the tea drinkers at the table.  Tea lovers have feelings too and are also great conve

Review Coming Soon! Look what the mailman brought me. Jealous, much? Wait until you read my review of the Capresso EC50 Stainless Steel Pump Espresso and Cappucino Machine . Coming soon.   But, you don't have to wait for me.   You can check it out for yourself: Capresso EC50

I have been quite lucky lately.  Picking up prizes here and there.  Don't want to jinx myself, but I feel pretty good. And even though it's still Winter, the weather here today is going to be in the 70s.   I've had my morning coffee and now it's time for some iced tea! I won a box of single serve Luzianne Iced Tea in a "jingle" contest on Facebook . I "tested" them out on my daughter last weekend.  She's an iced tea addict.  I brewed it hot and added the ice later.  She said, "You're supposed to brew that over ice." Oops. Well, anyway, my method didn't seem to detract from the wonderful flavor.    May also be served hot.  There are no real rules about how you want to drink your Luzianne . I'll never give up my coffee, but I'm still a southern girl at heart. If you don't live in the south, fret not, you can now order Luzianne Tea online! Luzianne Tea Order Online Take it "tea-sy."

New York may have the honor of being the birthplace of the "Cronut"(R) but California gets bragging rights to the Vanilla Glazed Madeleine from Donsuemor . Don't let the size fool you.  These little morsels pack a lot of flavor with just the right amount of glaze to make them sweet enough for dessert but not too sweet for breakfast.  Same light texture as the traditional madeleine. I've enjoyed Donsuemor products for years, beginning with the original Madeleine, but these babies have earned a special spot in my " Things That Go Well With Coffee " category. I got lucky and won these on Facebook!  Visit the Donsuemor Facebook page.  You might get lucky too!

I won't start out with that old familiar jingle because I don't want to get sued.  However, I think at least some of us, are old enough to remember how it went. This morning, I'm beginning my day with a classic.   Folgers Coffee .  But it's not the Folgers Coffee from years ago, it's Folgers Gourmet and it's in a single-serve. However, it's still the same smooth and mellow, true flavor you might remember.   The more things change, the more they stay the same. Available at Cross Country Cafe .   Oh, and the best part about visiting the Cross Country Cafe is you don't even have to leave your house to go there.  Because Cross Country Cafe is an "e-cafe."  And that's really cool in the winter (pun intended). Here's to Sunday and Classic Coffee.

Tealia Caramel Rooibos, Kati Infuser and "Little Dipper" Infuser My sister, my Valentine. There's nothing like the love of a sister.   And even though I'm a coffee-addict, I always appreciate a great tea.  My sister gave me the most beautiful and classy "tea valentine" you'd ever want to see. She said she selected this Tealia Caramel Rooibos because of the packaging.  I love flamingos.   She also included in my gift bag a beautiful Tea Brewing System from Kati (which just happens to be one of Oprah's favorite things).  It has a double-wall ceramic tumbler.  But that's another blog for another day. Then capped it off with " The Little Dipper ", a stainless steel mesh tea infuser from Republic of Tea (R). So much better than a box of chocolates because the spirit of St. Valentine shouldn't be limited to one day.

Weaver's Guatemala Antigua Starting my Saturday morning chores with a cup of coffee (naturally).  Not just any coffee.   Weaver's Coffee .   Drinking Weaver's is not a chore.  It's a downright pleasure. I recently discovered the Guatemala Antigua  and I'm in love.   There are a few medium-bodied roast coffees from Guatemala that have my attention this time of year.  Weaver's is definitely on the list.   I ordered a pound online last week and have enjoyed every single bean.   Winning!

Ethiopia Reserve(R), Chemex and Kyocera Ceramic Grinder Starbucks Reserve(R) Sun Dried Ethiopia Yirgacheffe (TM) is one of the best coffees I've had in a long time. From my very first sip to my absolute last, it delighted my tastebuds and aroused my senses in a way I find hard to put into words.  I literally drank every drop in my cup.  In fact, I drank the entire small Chemex full.  Definitely one of those times I was happy to home alone so that I didn't have to share! You can only purchase this particular coffee at select stores.  I think the Starbucks stores with the Clover(R) machines.  In fact, you can order it by the cup at a Clover(R) store (not sure of the per cup price).   It's described as " rich layers of strawberry, bing cherry and baking chocolate notes ." I could definitely taste the chocolate and cherry. Truly in a league of its own and it is only around for a short time. I had to think about whether or not I should