I’ve been making coffee since the age of nine or so and consider it a therapeutic thing. Is that weird? Especially considering I didn’t drink coffee until I got hooked on Starbucks in high school, and actually started drinking coffee coffee in college (go figure).**
When M and I lived in a dorm, I picked up the habit of actually drinking the coffee I made for him. I can’t drink a lot of coffee because of health reasons, but because of the ridiculous amount of sugar M was putting in his coffee at the time I was actually able to come to terms with the taste. We eventually weaned ourselves off of so much sugar and perhaps similar to wine tasting (starting with whites and slowly working to the reds), I eventually acclimated myself to stronger coffee. But I will always be on the sweeter side, whether it be through creamer, milk, chocolate, caramel, peppermint, etc (you get my gist, I don’t do black coffee, although it sounds bad-a**).
Anyway, back to coffee making. I have made the traditional pot of coffee many times. The kind that makes me think of diners and I’m just a litte nostalgic about. For some reason, there is nothing like actually getting to pour your coffee yourself. I’ve done the coffee makers that grind the beans for you, and I’ve used a separate coffee grinder too. I witnessed the evolution to one-cup-at-a-time coffee, dispensers, and Keurigs. I have to say I absolutely love Keurigs for their ease of use and variety. Bar none. That is, if you can get over the ridiculous price of a small box of k-cups. However, I can make myself a cup of anything in less than a few minutes. It’s the epitome of coffee on the go (or any liquid substance really…tea, lemonade, cider etc). Unless of course you get drive-thru, but even then that can be chaotic depending on how many other coffee zombies are trying to get their coffee at the same time. Scary.
My most recent foray in coffee machines has been a Nespresso U plus the Aeroccino Plus (the milk frother thing-y, I should probably look up the actual term…). My mom ordered this right when I was trying to wean myself off of caffeine. Ha yeah. M and I threw up our hands in defeat. Who are we kidding, right? Who knows, it may just be a phase, but I’m kind of obsessed with this fancy little espresso maker. I now can make coffee shop quality drinks in my own home. Not to say our Keurig has been booted, because you can’t beat its simplicity, but our little Italian Nespresso has kept me from making any unnecessary runs to Starbucks for a Mocha or a Caramel Macchiato…or a Peppermint Mocha.
In fact, I’ve been perusing for some coffee syrups so I can just make it all at home now.
Is that cheating somehow? Oh well. But, the downside is the fact that it is espresso and pretty complicated to get the hang of. I’m still not sure if I’m making a cappuccino right and I haven’t even gotten to the lattes, but I don’t really care because what I’m doing works and looks beautiful. I’ll call it the Kassie-ccino.
I throw in some of William Sonoma’s amazing hot chocolate mix. I have a sweet tooth!
My last comment on the Nespresso—it’s fun and I’m obsessed with the aesthetics of drinks and the Nespresso is going to allow me to play around with that. If you are interested, keep a look out on sites like Gilt and Hautelook for them, you can usually find a much better deal (they are pretty pricey!).
Got my milk mustache and everything!
I also think it would make a great gift if you have any real coffee connoisseurs on your gift list.
**By coffee coffee I just mean coffee that is Folger’s and comes in those huge containers for just a few bucks. A college kid’s dream right there. Plus I would take whiffs of it throughout the day, coffee is such a nostalgic and good smell! Gasp! Do you think they make coffee scented candles?!?!
Simply & Softly 