Good coffee gone bad from the wrong mug choice

Posted on March 9, 2023 by admin

I have had a couple coffee cup failures recently, so I’m looking for a couple simple go-to mugs I will be using around the house when there isn’t time to stop and replace. It is interesting that after a bit of research, the material that a coffee mug is made of can impact the taste of the coffee in it.

Porcelain and ceramic mugs are popular options as they are non-reactive, which means that they don’t interact with the coffee and change its taste. We have a few of our favorite Italian ceramic painted mugs, but the beauty of them does make a person a bit more cautious. Glass mugs are also a good choice for this reason, as they don’t add any unwanted flavors to the coffee. I have posted before the multi layer glass mugs we have used. The dual layer glass has a weird impact on the senses as your lower lip on the outer glass is cool and the inner is warm, a much larger difference that a single layer ceramic or glass.

On the other hand, some materials can impact the taste of coffee. For example, metal mugs such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper can affect the taste of the coffee by making it taste metallic or slightly acidic. Plastic mugs are also not recommended for coffee as they can leave an unwanted aftertaste. As plastic ages, it seems to impact the coffee inside of it differently too.

Additionally, the thickness of the mug can impact the temperature of the coffee. Thick materials like stoneware or double-walled glass like I pointed out above, can keep the coffee hot for longer periods of time, while thin materials like paper or single-walled glass may cause the coffee to cool more quickly.

With that in mind, my search for replacements is narrowed down. The material that a coffee mug is made of can impact the taste of the coffee in it, with non-reactive materials like porcelain, ceramic, and glass being the best options for maintaining the intended flavor of the coffee.

One example of the actual Italian Ceramic mugs we actually enjoy every day. Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

3 Refreshing Spring Coffee Drinks to Welcome the Changing Season

Posted on March 8, 2023 by admin

As the weather gets warmer, spring the clock forward, and the days get longer, our coffee tastes change too. We start to put down the heavy, dark roasts in favor of something a little lighter and brighter. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next iced coffee, look no further. Here are three spring coffee drinks that are sure to put a pep in your step.

Lavender Iced Coffee: This refreshing iced coffee is perfect for those mornings when you need an extra pick-me-up. The lavender adds a floral note that is complemented by the sweetness of the honey. To make this drink, simply add lavender syrup and honey to your cold brew concentrate. Then, pour over ice and enjoy.

Strawberry Shortcake Latte: This sweet and creamy latte is like a strawberry shortcake in a cup. To make it, start by steaming milk with vanilla extract and a touch of sugar. Then, add espresso and strawberry purée. Top it off with whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder, and you’re good to go.

Peach Melba Iced Tea Latte: This delicious iced latte combines two springtime favorites: tea and peaches. To make it, start by brewing black tea with peach syrup. Then, add milk and ice before topping it off with a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh peach slices. Yum.

These three spring coffee drinks that will surely help welcome the time of the year. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing, sweet, or both, there’s an option here for you.

Please note that if you purchase from clicking on the link, some will result in my getting a tiny bit of that sale to help keep this site going.

Using Coffee to Develop Film: A Complete Guide for Film Photographers

Posted on March 7, 2023 by admin

As a film photographer, you may be familiar with the traditional process of developing film in a darkroom. But, I have heard of people using coffee to develop black-and-white film, did you know that coffee can be used as a developer? Coffee is an inexpensive and readily available alternative to traditional film developers. I have seen some interesting and unique results from folks using coffee, though read through to the end, I did find a couple limitations. Not enough for me not to try it.

Here is a complete guide to using coffee as a film developer:

What You’ll Need:

Instant coffee or ground coffee beans
Sodium carbonate (washing soda)
Vitamin C powder
A thermometer
A stirring utensil
A darkroom or a light-proof room
A film developing tank and reels

Step-by-Step Process:

Brew a strong pot of coffee or mix a few tablespoons of instant coffee with hot water.
Add 1 teaspoon of sodium carbonate and 1 teaspoon of vitamin C powder to the coffee solution. Stir until fully dissolved.
Allow the solution to cool to room temperature. The ideal temperature for coffee development is around 20-25°C.
Load your film onto the developing reel and place it inside the developing tank.
Pour the coffee solution into the tank, making sure that the film is fully submerged.
Agitate the tank gently for the first minute, and then for 10 seconds every minute thereafter.
After 10-15 minutes of development time, pour the coffee solution out of the tank and rinse the film with water.
Fix the film using traditional fixing methods and rinse again with water.
Hang the film to dry in a dust-free environment.

Tips and Tricks:

Coffee development can produce a wide range of tones, from warm sepia to cool blue. Experiment with different strengths and development times to achieve the desired effect.
Using high-quality coffee beans or specialty blends can produce even more interesting and unique results.
Coffee development may not work well with all types of film, so it’s best to experiment with a few rolls before committing to the process.
Coffee is not a long-term stable developer, so it’s best to use the developed film within a few months of processing.

It looks like coffee development can be a fun and creative alternative to traditional film developing methods. With a little experimentation and practice, you can achieve some truly unique and beautiful results. So why not give it a try and see what kind of coffee-inspired images you can create?

How to get the conversation started on your coffee date

Posted on March 6, 2023 by admin

You know that both of you enjoy coffee since it was suggested and accepted to meet at a coffee shop. But, there is your coffee, there they are, and now no words come natural. Here are some coffee themed starters, then you will need to take it from there.

Talk about your favorite coffee drinks. This is an obvious one, but it’s a great way to start the conversation flowing. What’s your go-to order? Do you like your coffee black or with milk and sugar? Do you like to add flavoring syrups? Once you get talking about coffee, you’ll be off and running.

Talk about your favorite cafes. Do you have a local spot that you love? What made you first start going there? Is it the coffee, the atmosphere, or the people? If you don’t have a favorite cafe, use this opportunity to explore different options with your date and find a new place to call your own.

Talk about how you take your coffee. Black, light and sweet, iced, cold brew – there are so many ways to enjoy coffee. This question can lead to all sorts of interesting conversations about preferences, food and beverage choices, and so much more.

Talk about what time of day you like to drink coffee. Are you a morning person or a night person? Do you like to drink coffee as soon as you wake up or do you need some time to fully wake up before enjoying a cup? This question can tell you a lot about someone’s daily routine and their general attitude towards mornings/nights.

Talk about what else you like to do when drinking coffee. Maybe you like to read, people watch, work on creative projects, or just relax and chat with friends. This question can give you an idea of what kind of activities your date enjoys and whether or not you have similar interests.

Coffee dates are a great way to get to know someone new without feeling too overwhelmed or pressured. By asking thoughtful questions and being an active listener, you can learn a lot about your date in a short amount of time – and who knows, maybe even score yourself a second date in the process.

The coffee fan game is strong with this one

Posted on March 5, 2023 by admin

I knew there must be a way to pull my love of coffee into our game night more than drinking. A bit of exploring and I found a pretty good list of options. From solitaire style, ones for kids, board, and card games. Here are four of the list that I took the time to dig into further than just reading about. Perhaps one will need to make it into your family or friends game night.

The Caffeine Rush Board Game is a fun and engaging game that is perfect for coffee lovers. The game is easy to learn and can be played by two to six players. The objective of the game is to be the first player to collect all the necessary ingredients to make their coffee drink.

One of the great things about this game is the attention to detail in the coffee-related challenges. The trivia questions are both fun and educational, and the matching and memory games are cleverly designed to incorporate different types of coffee beans and brewing methods.

The Caffeine Rush Board Game is a great addition to any game night, especially for coffee enthusiasts. It’s a well-designed game that is both entertaining and educational, making it perfect for players of all ages.

The Coffee Roaster Solitaire Game is a fun and challenging game that simulates the coffee roasting process. Players manage time and temperature to roast the perfect batch of coffee beans.

A strength of the game is the attention to detail in the coffee roasting process, which adds a level of realism that is both educational and enjoyable. The game also features beautiful artwork and high-quality components.

The Coffee Roaster Solitaire Game is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a challenging and rewarding solitaire game. It’s a well-designed game that is both entertaining and educational, making it a great choice for players of all skill levels.

The AMIGO Café International Board Game is a fun and engaging game that lets players experience the coffee shop atmosphere. Players draw cards to create different coffee drinks and earn points based on customer orders. The game offers flexibility in terms of difficulty level and includes a variety of strategies for winning.

The game is the attention to detail in the coffee shop experience is very nice, including different types of coffee and milk. The game is immersive and educational while still being fun and engaging.

The AMIGO Café International Board Game is a well-designed and enjoyable game that is perfect for coffee lovers and board game enthusiasts. The game’s flexibility, attention to detail, and depth make it a game that can be enjoyed for years to come.

The Pressman Coffee Talk Game is a fun and easy-to-learn party game that is perfect for coffee enthusiasts. Players must try to guess their opponents’ coffee preferences to collect a complete set of coffee orders. The game includes special action cards and a variety of strategies that keep the game interesting and engaging.

One of the strengths of the game is its high-quality components, including beautiful illustrations of different types of coffee drinks. The game is also easy to learn and play, making it a great choice for casual game nights or new players.

The Pressman Coffee Talk Game is a well-designed and enjoyable party game that is perfect for coffee lovers and casual gamers. Its simplicity and quality make it a game that can be played and enjoyed for years to come.