Your Coffee Maker Buying Guide

Your Coffee Maker Buying Guide

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Imagine the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the morning.  No waiting in line.  No big daily expense.  That is why a coffee machine is the right decision.  Selecting a coffee maker, especially with all the brand and model options, can be an arduous task.  

Here is where expert knowledge in the kitchen, with food and drink, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Follow the steps below to purchase the right coffee machine for you to end up with that delicious cup of coffee each day.

Visit Amazon to purchase the optimal coffee maker for your home, workplace, or as a gift.

Consider the following items when examining coffee makers.  

How much coffee do you typically consume each day?

Do you like an extreme, bold brew, or at least the option for an extreme brew?

How important is it for you, and anyone else that may be using the machine, to control the strength of the brew?

Will you want to program the time each day for the machine to make the coffee?

Does the machine have an automatic off?

Does the coffee maker have a clean function?

Is the machine made with BPA (Bisphenol-A, an estrogen-imitating chemical) free parts?

What kind of filter is included with the coffee machine?

Can the beeping sound be muted? 

Next, consider your standards for flavor, temperature, space, and specialty functions (some coffee makers have options to make more than coffee).  

For example, the Cuisinart 14 Cup Glass Carafe with Stainless Steel Handle Programmable Coffeemaker creates coffee that has excellent flavor, because the machine is designed to make the water flow nicely and to keep the water temperature at a good level.  The Cuisinart 14 Cup machine brews hotter coffee than some other coffee makers, making for a better brew, and the Cuisinart also has various temperature settings.  The ability to have a coffee brewed at a hotter, medium, or lower temperature is a great feature, depending on the weather or personal preference.  The gold tone, commercial style permanent filter and charcoal water filter also ensure an excellent brew.

  

Another feature to consider is what material is the carafe, or container, made of and what is the style of the lid and pour spout.  The BPA free material of the Cuisinart is key to health and flavor.  The glass carafe of the Cuisinart 14 Cup machine is also a perfect design, providing a clear view of the coffee dripping into the pot and the amount of joe in the container.  The large 14 cup carafe and spout that is wide enough for easy pouring is excellent for coffee consumers looking to drink more than one cup of coffee a day or wanting to serve guests at a party or event.

Cleaning is essential to the health of the coffee drinker, the flavor of the coffee, and longevity of the machine.  The Cuisinart 14 Cup machine has a self-cleaning feature.  An indicator light signals when it is time for the machine to decalcify.  Also, make sure to clean the carafe of any machine you purchase on a regular basis.

Visit Amazon to purchase the optimal coffee maker for your home, workplace, or as a gift.

After considering the purchasing guide above, the Cuisinart 14 Cup machine is an excellent choice from a dependable company.  In 1971, “[e]namored by a demonstration of a restaurant food preparation machine in France, Carl Sontheimer and his wife, Shirley, are convinced they can adapt this technology to a useful home appliance for Americans.  Sontheimer, a retired MIT-trained physicist and accomplished cook, makes a daring decision to jump into the highly competitive housewares business with his own company called Cuisinart.”  In the late 1970s the business soared with more machines, appliances, and the famous Cuisinart food processor.  After much success the Cuisinart company was sold to the family-owned Conair Corporation in the late 1980s. 

Visit Amazon to purchase the optimal coffee maker for your home, workplace, or as a gift.

What to do with left over coffee grounds and tea leaves?  Click here.

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Credits: cuisinart.com, amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC-3200-Programmable-Coffeemaker-Stainless/dp/B00MVWGQX0, youtube.com/watch?v=eH5J9Z3ZPio

Tomato and Nectarine Fruit Salad

Tomato and Nectarine Fruit Salad 

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

The full flavor of the season makes this dish a satiating hit.  Conquer your nutritional needs, hunger, and menu planning all in this recipe.  Walnuts give this salad a good meaty crunch, along with omega-3 fatty acids thought to assist with lower blood pressure and to reduce inflammation in the body.  Queso panela, a fresh, salty Mexican cheese, brings unity to the flavors on the plate.

*Cooking Tip: Read a recipe several times before preparation.  Highlight or underline key steps.  Then double check you have the correct ingredients.

Serves: two people as one salad each or twelve smaller portions.

Ingredients

2 organic nectarines

2 large organic tomatoes

1 organic lemon

6 to 12 cubes (1/2” x 1/2” x 1/2") panela cheese

2 or more organic black cherries

coarse sea salt

white pepper

1/3 cup walnuts

4 Tablespoons fresh, organic baby dill

4 Tablespoons chopped fresh, organic chives

3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Purchase Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper and other products by Reynolds on Amazon today.

Tools

3” round stainless steel cookie cutter

produce knife

cheese knife

cutting board

large bowl

paper towel 

measuring spoons

sauce pot

spoon

serving plates

kitchen scissors

baking sheet

parchment paper

table knives 

salad forks

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius).

Gently wash and dry the nectarines, tomatoes, lemon, cherries, dill, and chives with water.

Juice the lemon.

Pour the juice of the lemon into a large bowl.

Thinly slice the nectarines.

Place the nectarine slices into the bowl of lemon juice to prevent browning and add flavor.

Lightly sprinkle nectarines with salt.

Neatly remove the stem from each tomato.

Place the cookie cutter on top of one of the tomatoes and push down.

Trim the remaining tomato peel.

Repeat with the other tomato.

Sprinkle each tomato with salt to taste.

Sprinkle each tomato with white pepper to taste.

Place the tomatoes on a paper towel to absorb water.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place walnuts in a single layer on the parchment lined baking sheet.

Toast walnuts in the oven for approximately 5 minutes.

Use an oven mitt to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.

Set walnuts aside to cool.

Lightly sprinkle the toasted walnuts with salt and white pepper to taste.

Pour balsamic vinegar into a sauce pot on medium-low heat.

Allow the balsamic vinegar to barely simmer, occasionally whisking for about 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.  Keep attention on the balsamic vinegar to prevent burning. 

Remove the balsamic vinegar glaze from the heat and allow to cool until needed for plating.  

Slice the panela cheese into 6 to 12 cubes (1/2” x 1/2” x 1/2").

Use kitchen scissors to snip the chives into small pieces.

Gently pull off the baby dill fronds from the stems.

On two plates or one large platter, arrange the tomatoes, nectarines, walnuts, and cherries.  As you plate keep in mind the acronym BUFF: B for balance, U for unity, F for focal point, F for flow.

Place cubes of cheese on top of each tomato.

Sprinkle chives on top of each tomato.

Top the nectarines with dill fronds.

Add a few drops of the balsamic vinegar glaze to the plates or platter.

Purchase Reynolds Kitchens Parchment Paper and other products by Reynolds on Amazon today.

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You'll Never Squeeze Lemons the Same Again

You'll Never Squeeze Lemons the Same Again

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Celebrity chefs often tell audiences to squeeze lemons, limes, and other citrus in their hands.  If you happen to have hands of steel from years of cooking in a professional kitchen, then you will not feel a sting.  

If you do not have or do not want to bring out a large juicing machine, press, or have a squeezer handy this method will do the trick.  This method is a very simple and handy trick.  Using a zip bag prevents hurting your hands, losing juice, saving unused juice, and the bag can be cleaned and dried well for future use. 

Directions 

1.  Poke citrus with a fork and microwave for 15 to 30 seconds, this will make juicing easier.  Wait to juice if too hot.  

2.  Slice lemon, lime, or other citrus in half on a cutting board.

3.  Open the baggie and place the citrus inside.  

4.  Use a fork, reamer, or handheld squeezer inside the bag to juice the fruit.

5.  Remove any seeds from the juice with spoon.  

Visit Amazon to purchase Ziploc bags for your kitchen.

Citrus Recipes 

Avocado with Pepper Chili and Tomatoes

Strawberry Coulis

Black Cherry-Mint Cocktail

Cinco de Mayo Salsa

Edible Seascape

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Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net, cakitches.com, Twenty20.com, @bercanstock

Uses for a P-Touch: Label Your Cell Phone and More

Uses for a P-Touch: Label Your Cell Phone and More

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

The P-Touch 1880 Deluxe Home and Office Labeler is a terrific home and office gadget.  This model has two fonts, LCD display, built-in memory, "Preview" key, 18mm wide laminated indoor/outdoor tape, six type sizes, nine type styles, seventy symbols, ten frame styles, and operates on AA batteries or an AC Adapter.  Brother started in Japan as a sewing machine company and opened business in America in 1954.  The company offers a variety of P-Touch labelers.

Why get a P-Touch?  The P-Touch gives you professional looking labels for business, helps with organization, and the optional large size font makes reading easier for children and those with poor eye sight.  The following is a list of specific uses that might help you.

Visit Amazon to purchase a P-Tough label maker to make organizing effortless, efficient, and satisfying.

1.  Label your cell phone in case it is lost or stolen.

2.  Label freezer bags with the contents and date.

3.  Label classroom items: folders, trays, cabinets, books, and sports equipment.

4.  Label the wires and cables of your TV, computer, and other electronics.

5.  Label work and home files.

6.  Label storage boxes for holiday decorations.

7.  Label your suitcase and travel backpack.

8.  Label kitchen cabinet shelves to organize foodstuffs and medications up high.

9.  Label bathroom shelves and storage to keep items organized.

10.  Label tool boxes and cabinets.

11.  Label family heirlooms and antique items with tags of their origins and background.

12.  Label car parts under the hood.   No more need to guess where the oil goes.

13.  Label reminders:  turning off lights, hand washing, drop-offs, et cetera.

14.  Label toys and games for children.

15.  Label remote controls.

Please post your ideas below.

Visit Amazon to purchase a P-Tough label maker to make organizing effortless, efficient, and satisfying.

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Credit

Amazon

Ebay.com

Checklist for Purchasing a Range

Checklist for Purchasing a Range

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Thank you to all those that have been loyal supporters and fans.  Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven liberates taste in cookery, culture, and community, inspired by California, Central, and South America, and engages customers and readers with lifestyle content, reviews, and expertise.  

Electrolux was founded in 1919 in Sweden.  Their first product was a vacuum and have since become one of the largest manufacturers of appliances in the world.  An Electrolux range can be an excellent investment.  The convection option for baking, double oven feature, and large capacity are valuable feature.  If you are in the market for a range or will be, there are a few more items to consider as well.

Pictured above: Electrolux Range double oven, wave-touch® controls, convection conversion.

Range Checklist

1.  Budget: Are you approved or denied?

2.  Gas, electric, or combination.  You will need to verify your connections or speak with a contractor to install the hookup.  

3.  Size.  Again you will need to verify the measurements for the width, height, and depth.  If you are seeking a larger model then you will need to speak with your kitchen designer and contractor.

4.  Test.  Ask friends, neighbors, and relatives for their opinions.  Ask to see if any will allow you a quick test drive with his or her model.

5.  Ratings.  Search for customer ratings on store websites and through Consumer Reports.

6.  Look for the *.  You need to know the total cost including delivery, installation, power cord, and haul-away of your old range.  Believe it or not the cord is usually not included.

7.  Cookware.  If you choose a ceramic top/flat top stove some of your cookware may not work with the surface.  Flat bottomed cookware, pots, pans, griddles, et cetera are required.

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Photo Credit: Best Buy

Cookies, Ice Cream, and Cake : How to Pre-Scoop

Cookies, Ice Cream, and Cake: How to Pre-Scoop

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Create perfect scoops of ice cream to serve with my cookies.  The Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop makes that possible.  Reminiscent of Thrifty, the closed drug store, this scoop makes that signature cylindrical form.  Print and keep the directions below for pre-scooping for parties.

"Cuisipro produces a range of kitchen tools, utensils and accessories that are as functional and innovative as they are beautiful.  Catering to a broad global customer base, including both home chefs and professionals, Cuisipro offers more than 200 products, from graters and pop-molds to tongs and kitchen utensils; they have a tool that will help ease any kitchen task.  As a testament to Cuisipro’s commitment to quality products and customer service, their products are protected with a multi-year warranty."

Visit Amazon to purchase your scoop for ice cream, cake, and other desserts.

Pre-scooping Ice Cream

1.  Make room for a cookie sheet in your freezer.

2.  Remove ice cream from the freezer to temper--leave at room temperature for 8-10 minutes.

 3.  Cover a cookie sheet or baking pan (not a bowl) with plastic wrap.

4.  Dip the Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop into warm water, then dry with a towel. 

5.  Follow the directions on the scoop box to push and press the ice cream onto the sheet. Repeat the process for each scoop.  If you are leaving the pre-scooped ice cream in the freezer for more than a couple hours you may wish to place the scoops into freezer bags on the cookie sheet to shelter from forming ice crystals.  

6.  Place the cookie sheet into the freezer.  These servings will hold their shape in the freezer until you're ready to transfer them to bowls.

The Cuisipro Ice Cream Scoop is also a good tool for watermelon scoops.  

Visit Amazon to purchase your Cuisipro kitchen tools.

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Credits: facebook.com/Cuisipro, Image courtesy of [Serge Bertasius Photography] at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

What is Etsy? Oh, yes! Etsi!

What is Etsy?  Oh, yes!  Etsi!

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade.  Their philosophy, "Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade", is terrific.  "Etsy was conceived by Rob Kalin in early 2005.  A painter, carpenter, and photographer, Rob found there was no viable marketplace to exhibit and sell his creations online — other E-commerce sites having become too inundated with overstock electronics and broken appliances.

Ever industrious, he, along with Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik, designed the site, wrote the code, assembled the servers, spliced the cables, and launched Etsy on June 18th, 2005 after only three sleepless months.

Kalin said that he named the site Etsy because he 'wanted a nonsense word because I wanted to build the brand from scratch.  I was watching Fellini's 8 ½ and writing down what I was hearing.  In Italian, you say 'etsi' a lot.  It means 'oh, yes.'  And in Latin, it means 'and if.'"

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Credit: etsy.com

Learn About Teppanyaki Cooking

Learn About Teppanyaki Cooking

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

A friend's birthday was held at a Japanese restaurant specializing in teppanyaki.  This is a form of Japanese cooking utilizing a hot iron griddle, often referred to as Japanese steakhouses in America.  Common ingredients are meat (beef), seafood (shrimp, scallops, lobster), and vegetables cut into bite size pieces.  Dishes are typically made with these ingredients that are more common to the Americas and cooked using soybean oil.  

The frying, flipping, knife work, and fire may be intimidating for some.  A good place to start your culinary dive into teppanyaki may be dessert.  The unique "fruit cake" is something anyone can create at home for a birthday or other celebration: grilled grapefruit, a cherry on top, with sliced melon.  

The roots of teppanyaki were forged in the 1900s, as the Japanese became an imperial force throughout Asia and into the West.  Notably, the immense Japanese military influenced the diets of the Japanese populace.  Japanese military bases outside of the county put military personnel in contact with other cultures, ingredients, and created a diet dependent on curry rice, pasta, soups, stews, and large portions of meat.  

The dishes from these bases outside of Japan were brought back to the country.  After the defeat of the Imperial Japanese Army in 1945 by United States troops, American ingredients and cookery influenced the island.  As international cultures blended in Japan, “[l]arge amounts of meat cooked on a steel griddle became the now-standard dish teppanyaki”. (Victoria Lyon Bestor and Theodore C. Bestor)

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Credits

https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/bestor/files/bestor_bestor_2011_-_cuisine_and_identity.pdf

Twenty20.com