The Reading Room

I really like using vac-pots, which are also known as siphon/syphon brewers. I'll be devoting a few blog posts detailing how to use them, take care of them, and adjust them, but before doing that I think it's best that...

The Hario Skerton has a known upper burr wobble issue caused by a plastic bushing wearing against the steel shaft. Here is how to fix it, improve grind consistency, and maintain the grinder long-term.

Stove-top espresso makers (also known as moka pots) do not, despite their name, technically make espresso. They nonetheless have the potential to make a sweet, intense, heavy-bodied cup of coffee that is wonderful in its own way. Here are a...

Time to experiment again. This time with meatloaf, coffee and the slow cooker. I like using my slow cooker. It makes the house smell nice and I can do other things while the food is cooking.I used: Two pounds of...

A conversation was recently overheard in the coffee aisle of a large supermarket. Two ladies were contemplating the choices of coffees, whether to buy conventional products or organic coffees.  They were wondering if organic coffee was actually any better health...

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I found a mint condition stainless steel Presto Percolator and being curious about this brewing method, I took it home.  The art of perk pot brewing seems all but lost since this method has fallen out of favor amongst the...

On September 8th, the Hawai‘i Deparment of Agriculture officially announced that the coffee berry borer (a.k.a. CBB, broca, Hypothenemus hampei) had finally made it to Hawai‘i.  While the pest has probably been in Hawai‘i for at least a year (if...

I consider myself more coffee friendly.I was in a coffee shop recently with a friend and saw both examples (in the same place). The first was a couple of people who....shall we say had a “superior” attitude. They were mocking...

Ethiopia is the birthplace of Coffea arabica , the species that produces all specialty coffee. Ethiopian coffee is known for its complexity: floral jasmine and bergamot notes in washed Yirgacheffes, fruit-forward blueberry and wine characteristics in natural Harrars, and balanced caramel and citrus profiles in Sidamos. This guide covers the 3 key Ethiopian growing regions, the washed vs natural processing distinction, the flavor profile, and how to brew Ethiopian coffee at home.

Wherever you are, even if you’re experiencing an Indian summer and warm weather, or an early fall chill, turning that calendar page to October evokes memories and thoughts of pumpkins and what costume to wear for Halloween. The heat of...

Time for more DIY! Recently I went to my brothers' house. They had damage due to storms a few weeks ago and were having repairs done. I volunteered to stay there while the repairs were being done (both had to...

When was the last time you tried a new brew? With Columbus Day approaching on October 12, it would be a good time to find a new favorite. Columbus Day reminds us about the excitement in searching out new worlds.As...

My first French press was a small three cup model that I picked up last year. It looks nice but is really small – three very small cups might come out of this press, or one normal size 8 -...

When’s a bean not a bean, a bush not a bush....how well do you know that bean you love? Do you know what it goes through just to please you?Your humble little coffee bean goes through a lot on its...

It seems that the earliest public dunking was performed by Eddie Cantor in the 1931 movie "Palmy Days", although there is evidence that Ronald Colman dunked his doughnut in coffee is as early as 1928.Prior to that, people would sink...

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/coffee

Knowledge is great, even if any given piece of information has no apparent use or benefit.  After all, what we know helps define who we are and how we think about the world.  Understanding ourselves tends to lead to richer,...

So one can use a french press as a milk frother!  Damn.  Had I known...So I gave it an attempt and lo and behold, actually I didn't try too hard.  I didn't have any milk.  So but I found a...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7_dZTrjw9I&feature=player_embedded#!

My neighbor told me to go to TJ Maxx to find a good deal on a french press.  $7.99 for a 12 oz.  I almost got the 35 oz. size for $15.99.  In fact, I stood there for 10 minutes...