Make-at-Home Cappuccinos

Continuing in our make-at-home series, this week we tackled cappuccinos. And we put together a nice, little slideshow to walk you through making them yourself . . . You're welcome.









--Becky and Alissa

Coffee Shop Review: The Nervous Dog (Akron, Ohio)

Since I went home this weekend, I thought it would be fitting to review a coffee shop my friends and I frequent often in Akron - The Nervous Dog.

Located at 1530 West Market Street in Akron, the 'Dog' (as we sometimes refer to it as) is situated right outside of downtown Akron - the perfect meeting place for most of us (most meaning everyone but me who doesn't actually live in Akron). It's also right by Highland Square, which is a pretty artsy neighborhood outside downtown. What I'm trying to say is, it's a great neighborhood and a great neighborhood coffee shop.

Coffee Pods?

My parents made an investment last year in one of those new coffee makers that make one cup at a time. Now being a coffee purest, I was pretty against the idea but complied for the sheer reason I got their old coffee pot (you know, a normal one).
But over the last year the contraption has really grown on me.
For those people who like their coffee quick and strong this type of coffee maker is for you.
There are also a variety of different flavors to choose from. (And even some non-coffee options like tea and hot chocolate, but clearly this isn't the platform discuss such things.)
The real draw back of the machine is the price of the pods, costing anywhere from $1 to $4 a CUP!!
That's too rich for my blood. So I guess it will just be something I enjoy when I visit my parents.

But for those who can afford the convenience and coffee strength, check it out:




--Becky

World's Best Coffee

Every morning, we like to think that the coffee we make will reach this status.




What a good day!

--Becky

Make-at-Home Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans

We found another cure for those dreary days when getting out of bed seems impossible, or you need that midday pick-me-up: chocolate covered coffee beans. Not only are they quick and easy to make, they taste delicious and give you a little extra boost. And we're all about that.

So let's get started . . .

First, you have to create a double boiler on your stovetop. We used a pot filled with water and placed a bowl on top. Once you have that set up, pour some chocolate chips into the bowl or top part of your boiler. You can use as many chocolate chips as you'd like, but we found out it doesn't take too many.

"I thought you might like some coffee . . ."

We absolutely love when coffee enters other areas of our lives, especially pop culture. What would 'Friends' be without the Central Perk?

Coffee also led to a funny scene in the movie 'Airplane,' and we posted it below for your enjoyment. It's 25 seconds of adorable and hilarious all rolled into one . . .




--Alissa

Cleaning Your Coffee Pot

Image by scriptingnews via Flickr

We’re pretty enthusiastic about coffee, especially about making good coffee. The first step to a good cup of java is a “well-oiled” coffee machine.

When you make multiple cups a day, you can really take a toll on your coffee maker.

So we advise a monthly cleaning. You’ll be really surprised to see what a nice cleaning will wash away and how much better your coffee will taste.

What you’ll need: water, vinegar and the shear ambition to make the best cup of coffee.

Step 1: Pour the vinegar into the water reservoir of your coffee pot. You want to fill it at least half way full with the vinegar and then fill it the rest of the way with cold water.

Step 2: Remove the filter basket, rinse it and wipe it out with a paper towel. Then put a filter in the basket and place it back in the coffee maker.

Step 3: Run the coffee maker as usual, then turn it off and let it sit for about ten minutes.

Step 4: Empty the used vinegar and then repeat the cleaning process one more time with a new filter, fresh vinegar and cold water.

Step 5: After letting it sit for another ten minutes, fill the coffee maker with plain water and run it again.

Repeat the cycle with cold water until vinegar taste/smell is gone.

After your coffee pot has been successfully cleaned. Make yourself a cup of joe. We guarantee it will taste GREAT!

--Becky