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If you’re considering running a cafe or coffee shop, or just wondering how to make your existing operation even better, there are a number of maintenance tasks you should keep in mind to ensure everything runs well. Benefit your business with basic maintenance.

Exhaust and Appliance Cleaning

Among the more forgettable tasks to consider when running a cafe or coffee shop is the need to clean your larger appliances and exhaust system. Dirt, dust, and grime can sneakily build up slowly over time, and with each come undesirable consequences. For instance, a buildup of dust in an exhaust fan could potentially render the system unusable. When it comes to aesthetics, there’s nothing quite so unappetizing to a customer as a film of yellow, sticky oil residue covering every inch of the oven, or an inch-deep layer of dust on top of the bean grinder.

Plumbing

In cafes and restaurants alike, there is just about nothing worse than having to deal with a flooding bathroom or a backed up kitchen sink in the middle of a rush. Efficient and well-maintained plumbing is widely recognized as a highly important component of restaurant upkeep. In fact, New York City’s department of health lists proper plumbing as one of the keys to receiving an “A” grade in its pamphlet titled “What to Expect When You Are Inspected.”

Replacing an Old Hot Water Heater

When running a coffee shop, ditch the clunky, inefficient water heater from 1983. Without question, you’re going to need a constant, reliable source of hot water for your business. By purchasing a more recent and efficient model of hot water heater from a plumbing repair company, you’ll have the production levels you need without having to worry about the unit dying in the middle of brunch service.

Outdoor Maintenance

Make your establishment welcoming. Think about what your business looks like from the outside, and try to consider whether you would consider visiting if you were the customer. Basic landscaping and enticing signage can each help to promote an accessible atmosphere. Also, keeping items like benches, trash cans, and tables clear from the doors of the building help make the entrance convenient and accessible.

The above list is certainly is not exhaustive. When considering what maintenance to perform at your cafe or coffee shop, be creative and do your best to include tasks to benefit both the consumer and the efficiency of your business.

Opening a coffee shop is a terrific way to run a business and get regular customers. The best coffee shops are intimate, friendly, and above all else, serve great coffee. You’ve likely been in countless coffee shops that make it look easy. While running a coffee shop can be highly enjoyable, it’s not something you can do in your sleep (without coffee!). Here are five major things not to forget when running a coffee shop.

Quality Beans

Going to a coffee shop is more expensive than brewing coffee and other drinks at home. Therefore, when customers come to your shop, they’ll have the expectation of quality. For coffee, that starts with the beans. Make sure you source ones that are reputable and provide a great taste. Your patrons won’t mind paying the extra price if they’re ensured that it’s worth it.

Electrical Integrity

You don’t want your coffee shop to be lit so brightly it hurts your customers’ eyes. You also don’t want it so dim that they’re falling asleep. You want to strike an appropriate balance. Look for a licensed electrician such as Degree C Pty Ltd who can provide the best quality service possible.

Varied Menu

There’s a reason why coffee shops don’t just sell coffee. Customers also like things like tea, juice, and pastries. You want to give them as many options as possible. Not only that, but you should also make sure they’re of the best quality possible. Loose leaf tea and homemade pastries are a great idea.

Bathroom Quality

A lovely coffee shop’s reputation will be ruined if the bathrooms aren’t so lovely. You need to make sure you maintain this as much as you can. Beyond general cleanliness, it should also be stockpiled with supplies. Have a sign in there that urges customers to inform staff of any issues.

Customer Service

Your coffee shop needs to be a place that customers feel welcomed at. If there’s any hostility amongst the staff, it will reflect poorly on you. Make sure that all your staff members are properly trained in how to handle customers politely and enthusiastically. You want to bring in their business on a regular basis and have them thrilled to see you.

We hope this has given you a great idea of how to run a coffee shop. You need to make sure that you are committed to every aspect. By following this guide, you can have your coffee shop be the talk of the neighborhood.

Coffee is the beverage often known as the fuel of America’s engine of productivity. It’s not only the breakfast drink of choice, it is also the post-dinner favorite for millions, often substituting for sweet, high-calorie desserts. The brewing of coffee has experienced a number of evolutions over the years. Here are just a few of the ways that individuals use to make this favorite drink today.

1 – Drip Coffeemakers

The drip-style coffee maker has been the standard for many decades because it can deliver multiple cups of coffee in a short time with relative consistency of quality. Drip coffee makers are one of the most economical methods of providing your daily breakfast brew.

2 – Keurig K-Cup Brewing Machines

The Keurig coffee machine produces single cups of coffee and other hot beverages, in a way that maximizes efficiency and reduces waste. The machine forces hot water through the K-cup filter under high pressure and through a filter, to produce a high-quality, flavorful cup of coffee.

Some people find the individual cups of coffee too expensive for large-scale use, but these cups are offered at reduced prices by specialized vendors such as 11th Street Coffee.

3 – French Press Coffee Makers

The French press operates by placing coarsely ground coffee into the device and adding hot water. The mixture is allowed to brew for 2 to 4 minutes. Then, the mesh plunger is pressed down to separate the grounds from the liquid. The French press has the advantage of being fully portable for travel.

4 – Traditional Percolator

The traditional percolator that today’s consumers used is making a comeback because it is a simple way to make coffee inexpensively. Percolators are said to brew a hotter, more flavorful brew, but some people believe it removes some of the subtler elements of the coffee. Percolators are available in both stovetop and electric types.

5 –The Aeropress™

Though traditional methods are found to be the best way to make good coffee, it hasn’t stopped the development of new methods for making this important breakfast and after-dinner beverage. The Aeropress™ puts the coffee in contact with the water for less than 30 seconds, using water heated to a specific temperature, and allows the consumer to have a high level of control over the result.

The coffee is steeped in water for only the first 10 to 15 seconds and then is pressed through the device for the next 20 seconds, in much the same fashion as an espresso machine.

These options offer individuals a variety of ways to make coffee throughout the day. Whether you prefer “old school” methods or the most innovative of designs, you can find a coffee maker to help you get the rich, mellowed flavor coffee-drinkers love.

Even if you have a favorite method, you may wish to try out one of the other ways to make coffee to test the differences. Each method offers both advantages and disadvantages you may want to consider.

As people look for healthier options when out and about, coffee shops must keep up with the needs of customers. In addition to the popular muffins and croissants, coffee shops can offer more satisfying snacks and meals. Here are four healthy foods coffee shops can add to keep customers satisfied.

Fruit and Fruit Smoothies

Cups of mixed fruit are a coffee shop staple, but this can be taken to the next level. Fruit smoothies are becoming more popular, with healthy add-ins like protein powder or fiber. Avoid added sugar by using banana or other sweet fruits as a natural sweetener. Blending in spinach adds a healthy boost without affecting the taste.

Healthy Sandwiches and Bread

Sandwiches can be full of nutrients and lower in calories if done the right way. For breakfast, opt for egg white sandwiches with low-fat cheese and organic bread. Some companies, such as Klosterman Baking Company, realize that the benefits of organic bread are numerous. It has fewer preservatives and additives and is more nutrient dense than its non-organic counterparts. Organic bread comes in many varieties, like flaxseed, whole wheat, and sprouted wheat. These can complement any sandwich. It can also be served alone for a healthy snack. Offering customers organic breads will make them feel confident they are getting the healthiest parings with their coffee.

Salads

Visits to the coffee shop don’t always have to be for breakfast. Fresh salads can lure in the lunch crowd. The more greens and vegetables, the healthier the salad. For additional protein, add a hard-boiled egg or beans, depending on the flavor of the salad. Keep dressings lower fat. Vinaigrettes are always a healthier choice than creamy dressings like ranch or Caesar. A southwest salad with salsa instead of dressing is healthy yet flavorful. A Greek salad is another healthy, flavorful choice.

Yogurt

For a dairy choice, yogurt can be a healthy offering. Yogurt, especially Greek varieties, can make for a high protein, low-fat snack. As with the fruit smoothies, be careful about added sugars. To keep it low-sugar and natural, sweeten only with honey or stevia. Better yet, keep it plain and allow customers to add their own fruit, sweetener, or granola.

Gone are the days when muffins and croissants are the only food coffee shops are expected to serve. There are so many more options available now, and adding a variety of healthy options will bring customers in and encourage them to stay for a meal.

So I recently conducted research on the popularity of different brands of coffee and espresso machines in several English-speaking countries (meaning for home use). Conclusions I made based on two sources of information.

1) Various reviews, on popular in their countries venues

2) The answers of ordinary users in various forums devoted to the theme of coffee and kitchen equipment. I will give examples of such sites for 2 English-speaking countries.

For Britain - https://www.bestadvisers.co.uk/best-coffee-machines

Strangely enough, but in this case, indeed, the reviews of the forums and the survey really coincided, indeed a lot will be used by coffee machines from Bosh and Krups. However, the Nespresso models are also popular

For the US - https://www.cnet.com/topics/coffee-makers/best-coffee-makers/
Bonavita and Bunn on review are the best in this country, but the Hamilton and Black & Decker are really popular among the population.

Image Source: Pexels

If you like coffee at any time during the day or evening, then consider making a coffee bar in the home. Entertaining guests, especially in the winter months, is fun when you can offer warm beverages in many flavors as you want to include a variety of creamers and coffee blends in your bar. As you’re designing your bar, there are a few fun things that you can include as well as a few functional items that you want to make sure you have for the family and anyone who might come over who enjoys coffee.

Decorations

The decorations that you use should blend with the rest of the room. A benefit is that the coffee bar doesn't have to go in the kitchen. It could be placed in a living room, a den or anywhere else where you enjoy coffee. Create a menu on a chalkboard that details the kind of coffee that you have. Add a few coffee mugs and other decorations that would make you think that you're in a coffee shop, such as a book or two or a chair nearby with comfortable pillows. You want to create a space that's relaxing. It should be somewhere you can make a cup of coffee, espresso, hot chocolate or another drink that will soothe the body and soul at any time of the day or year.

Gather Your Supplies

One of the things that you're going to need is a coffee maker. The appliance should be a size that accommodates the amount of coffee that you drink or that you serve when entertaining. A Keurig machine is a good investment because you can use K-Cups, like those offered by 11th Street Coffee, with the machine. These small cups come in many flavors, such as donut blends, Italian roast and even a few name brands that you would normally get in large packages. Other supplies that you'll need are mugs, stirrers, sugar and any other kinds of flavorings that you want to include in your coffee.

Offer Extras

Aside from coffee, you want to have something else to enjoy. Set up a tray of cookies or other sweet treats in the morning. Another idea would be to set up a stand with various kinds of fruit. This would be a different way to get the morning started if you don't want to eat a large breakfast. Muffins are another item that you might want to have sitting on the bar.

A coffee bar in the home is something that will likely have everyone talking. Decorate with items that blend with the theme. Think about the people who might come to the home and drink with you as you want to have enough beverages to offer.

Most coffee drinkers know what kind of roast they prefer to drink, whether it’s light, dark, or bold. Fewer people understand the differences in the beans that affect taste. There are several dozen species of coffee plants that produce beans, but really only two that are used for drinking: Arabica and Robusta. After they’ve been roasted, it’s almost impossible to see a difference between the two, but understanding the variation in beans can help you find the perfect taste and aroma you’re looking for in a great cup of joe.

Taste

For the average consumer, the most noticeable difference between types of coffee beans will be in the flavor. Arabica beans have a higher acidity, and oxidize more quickly when they are exposed to air. That leads to a sharper flavor that some describe as winey, fruity or sweet. In general, Arabica beans are considered a more desirable flavor profile, but that higher acidity may cause stomach upset for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Robusta beans, as the name implies, have a more robust flavor profile with an earthy, nutty element and a bolder aroma that is often described as harsh. At the lower price points, Robusta is considered to produce poor quality coffee, but higher quality Robusta beans are appreciated by espresso drinkers, as the deep and rich flavor profile is well suited to the espresso brewing method and produces a good crema with almost twice the caffeine quantity as Arabica.

Growing conditions

Just as wine flavors vary based on the growing conditions of the grapes, coffee bean flavor is highly dependent on the location where the beans are farmed. Each country or region will produce variations of beans with widely different tastes, but there are some general patterns in the production of beans that produce a typical flavor profile.

Arabica plants are slow growing, taking several years to mature enough to produce fruit, and have lower yields overall. The major producers of Arabica are in South and Central America, where humid conditions and acidic soils contribute to the tropical, acidic flavors of the beans.

Robusta plants are sturdy and hardy, easy to grow in challenging conditions and produce mature plants quickly, leading to higher yields. The rich African and Indonesian soils where Robustas are farmed are at a lower altitude, with higher variations in rainfall over the year. All of these factors increase the dusky, grainy flavors of the Robusta beans.

Price

Due to the slower and less productive growth cycle for the Arabica plants, as well as the higher demand for the prestige of a better tasting bean, Arabica beans are generally significantly more expensive than Robusta. If a coffee is not marked, you can assume a cheap bag of grounds or a budget priced cup is made with Robusta beans. Specialty brands and coffee shops will often advertise specifically if they are using Arabica beans to let discerning customers know they have a higher quality product, but expect the higher price that accompanies this label.

Remember that even within the general categories of beans, there is variation! A cheap Arabica bean might still produce a bitter, unpleasant drink, while a higher priced, better quality Robusta may be easy and delicious to consume. The next time you visit a coffee shop like 11th Street Coffee, keep this information in mind; if you’re sensitive to caffeine, or acidity in your coffee, these distinctions may help you choose a bean that’s right for you regardless of price or taste.

Many coffee lovers like trying new flavors, and lattes are often a favorite when it comes to flavored coffee drinks. Coffee shops often have seasonal drinks throughout the year based on popular flavors. The following is a list of 5 flavored lattes that you should try if you love coffee.

Pumpkin Spice

This flavor is the perfect drink if you love fall. It brings to mind falling leaves, warm fires, and fun fall activities like visiting a pumpkin patch. Pumpkin spice lattes usually have cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and pumpkin. The spices are bold without being overwhelming. They complement the sweetness of the pumpkin and bring out the fall flavors.

Peppermint

The peppermint latte is the quintessential holiday drink and you'll probably love it if you're a fan of mint. It contains peppermint flavor, and many also have mocha. This drink is ideal for holiday shopping, caroling, or other fun holiday activities. Many peppermint lattes are garnished with a candy cane or candy cane sprinkles, which not only looks appealing but also adds that extra bit of minty flavor.

Salted Caramel

Caramel lovers will appreciate the salty sweetness of the salted caramel latte. This is a great dessert drink if you like coffee after dinner and it makes a fabulous iced latte during the warmer months. A salted caramel latte is fairly simple as it usually has caramel sauce and sea salt. You can also make a salted caramel mocha latte by adding chocolate for a truly indulgent drink.

Chai

This one is a bit different from a classic latte as it's made with chai tea instead of coffee. This traditional Indian tea is spicy and warm, an excellent drink for a cool evening. With the addition of milk and spices like cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and ginger. This is the perfect drink for you if you like things a little spicy.

Gingerbread

This latte, created after a favorite holiday cookie, has ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and other spices. These spices make for the classic holiday taste for a great addition to a holiday celebration. Like the previously mentioned peppermint latte, the gingerbread latte is a wintertime favorite. If you enjoy gingerbread cookies, you'll probably love the gingerbread latte.

Flavored lattes are often created to bring happiness through seasonal flavors that remind you of holidays, fun activities, or happy memories. Although you can get great lattes at coffee shops, you can also make them at home. If you want to try any of these flavored lattes in your own home, you can find simple recipes online. Most only require strong coffee or espresso, milk, and a few flavorings such as Monin. Once you learn the basics of making a great latte you can even experiment with flavors of your own.

While Millennials have often been said to be quite unique, there are some traditions that Millennials enjoy that were popular among former generations. Among these traditions is the love for a great cup of coffee. To a Millennial, coffee is not simply a drink you take at home alone. The modern Millennial is hip to the idea that coffee is a social event to be shared with friends, much like the rest of their heavily influenced social-media lifestyle. Millennials are starting to leave their own stamp on the modern coffee trends. Here are a few ways Millennials are changing the face of coffee today.

Millennials Demand Variety

While in past generations a cup of coffee was typically black and plain, the modern Millennial will settle for nothing less than an entire range of coffee varieties to choose from. From how the beans are roasted to the exotic flavors infused into a favorite blend, millennials have many more options to personalize their coffee today.

Having Tea In Your Coffee

When it is hard to decide if you want tea or coffee, Millennials today are mixing it up with combinations of both beverages all in one. While coffee can provide a hardy dose of caffeine, many teas can be mixed in to provide key antioxidants that make it possible to get an energy boost and other health benefits along the way. This is just another way Millennials are placing their own stamp on the coffee industry today.

Cold Brew Coffee

A growing trend among Millennials is to move away from the traditional ice coffee of older generations to the cold brew coffee trend of today. Unlike ice coffee, cold brew coffee is not heated first to produce the cold flavor of warm coffee. Rather, cold brew coffee is produced by soaking coffee beans for numerous hours. Eventually, the water picks up the flavor of the beans and does not tend to carry the bitter taste and strong acidity of other forms of coffee.

Coffee On The Go

Given how ways of rapidly brewing a quick cup of coffee to go have increased in modern times, the modern Millennial is hooked on K-cup pods: such those offered by 11th Street Coffee. Not only do Millennials like their coffee on the go, but they are the first generation to make a lifestyle habit out of ordering coffee with smartphone apps as well.

Many generations have made coffee a key part of their daily routine. Even if Millennials are particular about their need for fresh brewed coffee each day, the modern Millennial has truly given love for coffee its own unique spin in these modern times. From the practice of drinking cold brew coffee to ordering the latest specialty flavor to go, Millennials have made coffee an integral part of their own broader identity.

For some people, drinking a cup of coffee in the morning is the only way to get the day started. It could be a cup that is black without any kind of sugar or cream, or it could be a cup of coffee that has everything from caramel syrup to whipped cream. No matter how you like your coffee, there are a few recipes that you might want to try to get your morning started off bright. Most of the recipes that you read about can be tweaked to include the ingredients that you enjoy, such as substituting chocolate for caramel.

Gingerbread Coffee

If you like the smells and flavors of the holidays, then a cup of gingerbread coffee will give you a warm sensation. This is a recipe that makes it feel like you have dunked a piece of gingerbread into your coffee cup. Prepare your coffee like you normally would, but add half of a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to the cup. You can mix everything together in a pot on the stove to make it easier to stir. Add a tablespoon of molasses and half a teaspoon of ginger as well. When the coffee is gently boiling, pour it into a cup before adding just a small amount of cinnamon and whipped cream.

Flavored Coffee

Drinking a plain cup of coffee can get most people started in the morning. However, there are flavors, like those offered by Monin, that you can add if you want something a little different. You can find everything from caramel to fruit flavors that include blueberry and strawberry. Searching online will often give you the best results when you want to find the unique flavors or the combinations. All you have to do is add a few drops into your cup before stirring to get the flavor that you like. Adjust the number of drops that you add based on how strong you want the flavors to be in the coffee.

Peppermint Patty

The scent and the taste of peppermint is enough to get your mind going in the morning. Combine the flavor of peppermint patty with your cup of coffee for a rejuvenating drink. You'll begin with eight ounces of brewed coffee. Add two tablespoons of cocoa and half of a teaspoon of peppermint extract. Don't add a lot of the extract as it can make it too strong. Don't forget the milk and sugar added to taste before stirring the coffee.

From coffee that tastes more like candy to a cup that is plain and simple, there are numerous recipes to try in the morning. When you find a few recipes that you enjoy, consider making a list of the coffees so that you have something different every morning. You could also package some of your favorites to give to friends and family so that they can enjoy a nice cup of coffee as well.

For millions, the morning ritual of a hot cup of coffee is a sacred time. Coffee tastes great and increases alertness, but it also has a significant number of potential health benefits for regular drinkers. Articles published at Medical News Today and in scientific journals have noted a wide variety of mental and physical health conditions that coffee could play a part in treating.

Coffee Can Slow Down Diabetes

There are currently two very interesting studies showing the possible effect of coffee, such as that at 11^th Street Coffee, on the development of type 2 diabetes. According to the researches at Harvard, increasing coffee intake by more than 1 cup a day reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 11% over those who did not increase their consumption. Another study at UCLA suggests that this is because coffee can inhibit the function of sex hormones that play a role in developing the ailment.

Coffee Can Fight Cancer

This effect ties into how coffee fights diabetic risk. According to the American Cancer Society, diabetes is a significant risk in developing liver cancer. If coffee can reduce the risk of diabetes, a correlated reduction in liver cancer can also be observed.

Coffee Could Help Prevent Parkinson's

According to a study on the effects of caffeine on Parkinson's disease, there is a marked inverse relationship between caffeine consumption and the development of Parkinson's. The study suggests targeted doses of caffeine, but 1-3 cups of consumption of coffee throughout the day showed a positive benefit in reducing the occurrence of the disease.

Coffee Can Protect Your Heart Health

Another study published by the medical journal Heart indicated that in healthy patients, regular coffee consumption reduced the prevalence of a heart condition called artherosclerosis. This is essentially a hardening of the blood vessels, often caused by consumption of unhealthy foods. This is a surprising reversal, as for years the American Heart Association has stressed that regular coffee consumption could be bad for heart health.

Coffee Can Help Your Mental Health

While the science is still under full investigation, a recent study suggests that coffee can have a strong benefit in improving mood. The research even indicates that regular consumption can help significantly reduce the risk of suicide.

In short, regular coffee consumption can definitely help both your mental and physical health, if consumed in moderation. A morning cup is also easy to work into the day and be ready for work. A hot cup of morning brew can clearly be a healthy start to a good day.

Coffee comes from a short tree known for its prolific production of berries. When roasted and brewed over water of about 190 degrees Fahrenheit, the beans produce a bold, rich flavor that is known around the world. Many people enjoy pairing a delectable treat along with their coffee. Consider some of these delightful afternoon treats that are sure to please any coffee lover.

Fruit Tarts

Fruit tarts with a light, flaky crust and a dusting of sugar across the top make a delightful pairing with Brazilian and Costa Rican coffees. Some companies, like 11th Street Coffee, know that flavors like blueberry or cherry pair well with coffee. The acidity of the berries perfectly complements the bitterness of these dark roasted coffees.

Gourmet Coffee

Gourmet coffee is made from some of the most exotic and flavorful beans from around the world. Grown in more than 50 nations, coffee that is considered to be gourmet depends on having the right combination of three variables. These variables include the right level of precipitation, the ideal elevation and the chemistry of the soil. Coffee grown in Ethiopia, Costa Rica and Hawaii are known to have the perfect blends of these ingredients. The coffee's roast also affects its gourmet status. There are four roasts, with the darkest tending to be favored by gourmets, explains the National Coffee Association.

Brownies

The thick, fudgy texture of brownies pairs well with coffee harvested in Indonesia or Guatemala. There are hundreds of types of brownies, so you could change up your treat as your cravings shift. Consider a walnut brownie with a medium roast coffee or a milk chocolate brownie with a basic brew. A brownie with a streak of caramel through it would pair well with any of your favorite coffees.

Milk Chocolate

A sweet, rich square of milk chocolate will counter the bitterness or acidity of any type of coffee. The two flavors come together in a way that delights the palate. Try a milk chocolate and sea salt morsel and pair it with Kona or Colombian coffee. The slightly more bitter flavors of Kenyan and Yemeni coffees work well with a chocolate that includes almond slivers or hints of mint.

These tasty treats can be made in your own kitchen. You can even feel free to substitute a few ingredients, such as adding dark chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate. With these tasty morsels, your afternoon coffee break will surely be one of your favorite times of the day.

Check out our new post at Espresso Experts for the Best Espresso machines under $ 500 range in the United States 2016-2017 market 

A simple cup of coffee is great way to wake up on a crisp fall morning, but just because you want a caffeine fix and a little warmth, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it. Here are some simple recipes for spicing up your morning routine this Fall.

A Cinnamon Stick Will Do the Trick
Don’t want to try anything too drastic? Simply make your coffee as usual and use a cinnamon stick to stir instead of a spoon, or add cinnamon bark to your brewing coffee grounds. You’d be surprised what that little extra zing can do for taste and flavor.

How About a Little Floral?
Coffee lovers are probably already acquainted with Turkish coffee. If you want to do an at-home version, all you need is a little cardamom. It’s got a floral flavor that many coffee addicts swear by. Just add a little crushed cardamom to your cup. If you’re making a larger amount, crush the pods and add them into your coffee grounds to brew.

For Chocolate Lovers
Instead of a typical coffee, why not try a twist on an expensive mocha? Using instant coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder, you can do the same at home. Simply heat a cup of milk on your stove top. Whisk in a little more cocoa than coffee, and add vanilla for sweetness. You’ll never go back to a coffee chain again.

Gingerbread in a Cup
This one involves a little more work, but for the fall-lovers, it’s a must-try. Brew your favorite pot of coffee then stir in a tablespoon of molasses, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a dash each of ground nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Throw in a splash of milk for good measure and you’re good to go!

Stay Minty Fresh
Chocolate and mint is one perfect combination. You can have that in your coffee cup too. Simply brew your cup of coffee then stir in two tablespoons of cocoa mix, two teaspoons of sugar, a half-teaspoon of peppermint extract, and add a little milk. Your coffee is suddenly a sweet treat.

Take the Shortcuts
If you like any of the flavored coffee options, but don’t have time in the morning to do the extra work, you can purchase flavored syrups to do it for you - just like your local coffee shop. Companies like Monin make a huge array of flavors to choose from. Simply add a spoonful to your favorite coffee, and voila!

When it comes to coffee, there are so many flavor combinations to play with and so many different tastes to try. The sky truly is the limit. You’re sure to find your new favorite!

The combination of coffee and donuts is one of the most classic food pairings in history. But not all coffee and donut matchups are created equal. Check out the list below for some of the yummiest pairings for breakfast on the go.

1. Cronut and Pour-Over

Bring out your inner hipster with two very big food trends: the "cronut," a cross between a croissant and a donut, and pour-over coffee. Cronuts have light, flaky layers like a croissant, but are sugary sweet and are often topped with glaze, frosting, or fruit like a donut. The best coffee to pair with this delicious treat is a single-origin, fair-trade dark roast coffee. It stays true to the hipster vibe, plus the bitterness will cut some of the cronut's sweetness. Just try not to eat your entire cronut before the coffee's done!

2. Apple Fritter and Americano

What better way to feel all-American than with the combination of apples and "American style" espresso? In case you didn't know, the Caffè Americano originated in World War II, when American soldiers in Italy were longing for the drip coffee of home. They added water to espresso and had the next best thing. Add an apple fritter, the coffee house's answer to a slice of good old apple pie, and you have the most American breakfast imaginable.

3. Glazed Donut and Shot of Espresso

Everyone loves a plain glazed donut. The fluffy dough, the sticky sweet outside, the way the glaze melts when the donut is fresh and hot... yum! For a lot of us, though, it can cause a sugar rush. Pair your glazed donut with a shot of hot, bitter espresso; the coffee's bitterness will cut through and meld with the sweetness for a delicious aftertaste.

4. Jelly Donut and Cappuccino

A fluffy, slightly sweet donut deserves to be paired with a fluffy, slightly sweet coffee drink. Both items feel decadent but not to the point where you feel bad about it. Any sugar left on your lips will coat the rim of your coffee cup and add an extra touch of sweetness whenever you take a sip, adding that little something that can be missing from cappuccino. Unlike coffee with cream, a cappuccino's frothy milk won't sit heavy in your stomach and a jelly donut is a little lighter than, say, a Boston Creme. This is the perfect pairing when you want just a little indulgence.

Visit a coffee shop like 11th Street Coffee today with these fresh suggestions in mind. These are just some of the delicious donut and coffee combos. Keep trying different coffees with different pastries until you find your ideal pairing!

I'd love some advice about choosing a new grinder. I saw this link here - Best Grinder For Chemex - that recommended some of the best grinders for chemex machines. I think it is vitally important to choose the right grinder in order to experience the best tasting coffee using a Chemex machine. 

The Space Case could be a good option, but I am told that this is more suited to grinding herbs rather than coffee. So it doesn't seem to be a specialist coffee grinder so may not produce the best grind. It seems to be quite popular on Amazon though.

The Chromium Crusher is another grinder that comes highly recommended. But like the Space Case, it appears to be more geared towards herb grinding. 

So this leaves two grinders which are specially designed for coffee grinding, namely:

- Baratza Virtuoso - Conical Burr Coffee Grinder (with Bin)

- KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades

Both of these grinders look impressive and are at a similar price point. 

Reviews suggest that the Baratza offers a medium quality grind, which is neither too rough or too fine. It is important I feel to choose a grinder that offers a consistent grind time after time - especially if you are selling your coffee in a shop. I'm told there is a little motor in the device which keeps the beans cool, and there is a timer which allows you to set the perfect amount of grinding time.

The Krups also looks excellent, and the reviews say it has a better grind quality over the Baratza. It comes with a safety switch that not many grinders usually come with which prevents any spillages of the ground coffee. I've lost count the number of times that I've accidentally spilled some coffee after grinding, so this could be a really useful feature for the accident prone barista like myself!

I think for my coffee shop, I would use the Krups grinder, but if I was just making coffee in the comfort of my own house, I may just choose a hand held grinder such as the Space Case or the Chromium Crusher. Their razor sharp teeth would cut through the coffee effortlessly and a hand held grinder would take less room in my kitchen compared to a large bulky machine.

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If you are a little crazy for coffee, you know there is more than just one way to enjoy it. Coffee is not just a warm, comforting beverage on those cold, winter days. This versatile drink can be made in a variety of ways to ensure it is also a refreshing treat on the hottest day of the year. A great place to start exploring new coffee flavors is 11th Street Coffee, and listed below are a couple great recipes to try them in at home this summer. 

Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles

Popsicles are a wonderful summer treat, and for the coffee lover, this simple snack can be made with an old favorite. Vietnamese Coffee Popsicles offer a cool, refreshing break, as well as an afternoon energy boost. All you’ll need is:

• 2 cups hot French roast coffee
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla

To make the popsicles, place 2/3 of the sweetened condensed milk in a bowl with the hot coffee and stir until well blended. Allow the mixture to cool, then carefully pour into 12 popsicle molds filling them approximately 3/4 the way full. Place popsicles into the freezer and allow to freeze until slushy, which will take approximately 2 hours.
Meanwhile, mix heavy cream, 3 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a bowl. Once popsicles are slushy, spoon approximately 2 teaspoons of cream/milk/vanilla mixture into the holders and place popsicle sticks in the center of each treat. Freeze until solid and enjoy.

Espresso Chocolate Coffee Cake

Espresso Chocolate Coffee Cake makes the perfect summertime treat anytime of day by mixing coffee and chocolate to result in an absolutely divine cake. 
For the cake you will need:

• 1/2 cup room temperature butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the topping you will need: 

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 6 ounces chocolate chips
• 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon 
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder

To begin making your cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and heavily grease a 10 inch bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl thoroughly beat together butter and sugar, then add eggs one at a time mixing thoroughly in between each. At this time fold in sour cream, vanilla, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and flour. 
Set the batter aside and in another bowl whisk together sugar, cinnamon, and espresso powder. 
Pour half of the batter into the bundt pan, sprinkle half of the topping and half of the chocolate chips, pour the rest of the batter into the pan and top with the remaining topping and chocolate chips. 
Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. 

These are just a couple of many different ways the coffee crazy can easily enjoy their favorite treat without the heat. Whether you are craving ice cream with a coffee twist or a decadent dessert that includes coffee, these recipes are sure to hit the spot.

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