Perkdup

The only thing that's small about Capresso's New 5-Cup "Mini Drip" automatic coffee maker is the size.   Its function, reliability and ability to deliver a great cup of coffee is just like the "big guys." It's been years since I've had a mini coffee maker.  Mainly because I was waiting for Capresso to come up with one.  It's no secret that I'm a little biased when it comes to Capresso.  There's a good reason.  Years ago, one of my former co-workers who also had an appreciation and respect for good coffee told me Capresso makes great machines.  The lady knew what she was talking about. To be honest, I didn't expect much from this little guy.  It's so lightweight and takes up so little counterspace, I was skeptical to think it could deliver the same great coffee as its "Big Sisters."  And it's super stylish. I was wrong.  The hardest part for me was to "tweak" the coffee measurements to make the

No one could ever accuse Thanksgiving Coffee of not caring about what ends up in your cup.   77 year old Paul Katzeff (the self-proclaimed grandfather of specialty coffee roasting in America) has taken his knowledge to the next step.  And he's keeping up with the times, technology times that is, with the creation of the " Smart Coffee " app.   I must admit it took me a while to get around to testing the app.  I mean, there are so many apps these days, I thought, "Do we really need an app for that?"  And we really do! I could play with this thing for hours.  There's a wealth of information on varieties of coffees, regions, blends, roasts and there's a feature that allows you to create the "perfect roast" to suit your coffee taste.  And you can order it - straight from the app!! It's sort of like putting everything in the computer (well, it is putting everything in the app) and then coming up with the blend that's r

From the time I was in elementary school, I loved to say "Papua New Guinea."  Not sure why.  Just like the way it sounds. So, a couple of weeks ago, I'm at one of the "mega-chain" coffee shops (which shall remain nameless) and they just happen to be serving their version of Papua New Guinea.  Now, don't get me wrong, it was very good coffee.  Better than average.  That got me to thinking, "I wonder what it would be like to do a comparison of Papua New Guinea coffees?"  And, if you're going to start a comparison why not start with a roaster who has never let you down. That would be Weaver's (John Weaver). I log onto the website and order myself a one pound bag of beans.  Within two days, I'm enjoying freshly roasted coffee with a flavor so good it makes me want to scream! But here's the best part - it's 14.95 for a one pound bag.  Which is half of what it cost for "the other Papua New Guinea." # winningwit

What's almost as good as "Payday Friday?"  "Treat Yo-Self Thursday." And for coffee lovers, that means a little extra splurge on something related to coffee.  Like this 8.8 ounce bag of Starbucks Reserve® Peru Bagua Grande . Mild, but flavorful, light, meaning it wasn't heavy on my palette but it had a lot of taste. I could have enjoyed it black, but since it's "Treat Yo-Self Thursday," I enjoyed it with just a tiny spoonful of raw sugar and a dollop of whole organic milk. 12.50 a bag.  Small-lot coffee.  Limited offering.

Review Coming Soon! Capresso's Five-Cup "Mini Drip"  - In Stores and Online

Just a little something to get me through the rest of the day. Moka Pot by DeLonghi "Alicia" model

Moms have always loved mugs.  Even the ones you made in kindergarten and decorated for her. Mugs are practical.  You can never have too many.  Well, I can never have too many.  They hold our favorite beverages, like coffee.  They warm our hands.  They're comforting. I woke up to a wonderful surprise this morning.  When I went into my China cabinet to "rotate my mug," I found a brand new mug that I purchased over Christmas and had never opened. I was so inspired by the Starbucks "Dot" Mug Collection (my name being Dot and all) that I may or may not have bought a few extra when they went on sale. This "Earth and Water"® design reminds me of watercolors, art museums and green grass. Not a bad way to start my day.  With a brand new "Mug-i-tude." Mother's Day is Sunday.  Maybe one of your mom-friends could use a new mug-i-tude.