Tag Archives: coffee

How To Brew The Best Coffee in a French Press

French Press Coffee Maker

The familiar French press coffee pot may not have the same following as the pour-over coffee method, but that glass carafe cradled in chrome is one of the best ways to brew coffee at home. Well, of course, great brewed coffee is only possible, if you do it right. In that case, you should follow this step-by-step guide to brewing your perfect cup of coffee.

#1. Start With a Coarse Grind

Brewing with a French press is fundamentally different from a pour-over method. With pour-overs, the water passes through a filter, but with the press, the ground coffee actually steeps in the water. Since your water and coffee are going to be hanging out for a while, start with a very coarse grind—the grounds should resemble breadcrumbs. Any finer and you will end up with a cup of bitter, undrinkable coffee.

#2. Fill the Carafe Halfway and Wait

When the water reaches a boil, take the kettle off the heat and let it cool for 30 seconds. Now your water is ready; time for your first pour. Fill the carafe to the halfway point. (This first saturation is known as the “bloom,”and it ensures your coffee will not be too weak or too bitter.) Put down the kettle and set a kitchen timer to four minutes. It is important to not rush the process when using a French press coffee maker.

French Press

#3. After 60 Seconds, Stir the Grounds with a Spoon

While you are waiting, you might want to do something else. You can check Twitter, text your mom, or just think about how great this coffee is going to be. After 60 seconds, use a spoon to break up the cake-y layer of grounds that has formed on top of the water. Fill the carafe to the top with water, using a circular pouring method to soak all the grounds. Place the lid on the press, but resist the temptation to plunge immediately.

#4. When the Timer’s Done, Plunge

Once the timer hits the four-minute mark, it is time to plunge. The press should not offer too much resistance, but make sure the mesh filter is lowered evenly.

coffee making

#5. That Is It—Great Coffee

And, well, that is it. Pour out your perfectly brewed French press coffee immediately into mugs or a serving vessel, as any additional time spent in the carafe will continue the brewing process. We hope you try this French press coffee maker guide.

This is a collaborative guest post, the views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings. 


Leave a Comment

Filed under Coffee, Home & Garden, Resources

Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set & Bump N’ Grind Coffee Grinder Giveaway

If you are looking to add some color to your kitchen, you will love the Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set. You will be on the cutting edge of style with these 5 bright knives and sheath covers. 

Set includes a Chef’s Knife, Carving Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife and Serrated Knife. 

For all your prep, cooking and carving needs, you can’t beat the value of this rainbow-colored knife set. Each knife is forged with a heavy-duty real steel blade and perfectly weighted for optimal performance. Knives are odor and stain resistant with never dull edge tip end that will stay rust proof with proper care and sharpening

  • NON STICK with MATCHING BLADE GUARD – Professional Knife kit features food grade non-stick coating and protective cover guards  for drawer storage and kids safety. Magnetic blades also store nicely on any wall mount hanging magnet rack organizer
  • ERGONOMIC NON SLIP HANDLES – Each modern colorful individual knife also features non slip comfort grip on its solid narrow plastic handle that makes big or small fruit vegetable and foods slicing more fun, whether it’s a tomato, onions, or cake.

These knives come in a nice box, perfect for gift giving or for your own kitchen.

From knives to grinding up coffee, we are excited about the Vremi Bump N’ Grind Electric Coffee Grinder. This easy to use coffee bean grinder is equipped with one touch control settings. Grinding is easy as pouring in your beans, placing the top on and pressing the button.

The double stainless steel blades are durable and sharp letting you grind your beans coarse, fine or to a powder consistency to match your needs. Easy to clean with included cleaning brush, no disassembly needed.

Giveaway:

Enter below for your chance to win the Vremi Knife Set and Bump N Grind Coffee Grinder.

 

1 Comment

Filed under Cooking, Giveaway, Home & Garden, Kitchen, Review

Almondina Toastees-The Perfect Baked Snack To Enjoy With My Tea! #Giveaway

I drink a lot of tea and sometimes I want a little something sweet to go along with it. The problem is that sometimes that “little something” can do big things to my waistline. So does that mean I have to deprive myself? Not at all, not since I discovered Almondina Toastees, this baked snack has no added fat, no added salt, no preservatives and is dairy free.

Best part, they are delicious! How delicious? My 8-year-old loves them delicious! Seriously, he tells me I better not eat them all on him!

They come in great flavors like Sesame Almond, Cranberry Orange, Coconut Orange Almond and Lemon Poppy Almond. I just love them and they are the perfect pairing with my tea. They are also great with cheese, crunched up over yogurt or ice cream, with coffee and more. Perfect snack to take along on road trips, keep in your desk at work or send off to school with your child.

Crunchy with just the right amount of sweet and only 67 calories per serving with 2 grams of protein and no cholesterol. Check out my unboxing video below.

I would love to know if you have tried these and what you think. Please let me know in the comments. Don’t forget to enter our giveaway where you can win an assortment of these delicious Almondina Toastees!

Giveaway:

Almondina is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win an assortment of 6 bags of Almondina Toastees. Thank you Almondina for the delicious sampler and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Almondina Toastees (6 Bag Assortment) Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading

10 Comments

Filed under Giveaway, Health, Home & Garden

Enter The Folgers Jingle Contest and You Could Win $25,000! #FolgersJingle #IC

“This post was sponsored by Folgers as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines concerning the use of endorsement and testimonials in advertising. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.”

For as long as I can remember, the heartwarming Folgers® Coffee Commercials featuring the iconic Folgers® Jingle-“The best part of wakin’ up, is Folgers in your cup” have been a favorite of mine. I am sure many of you reading are nodding your head in agreement right now. That simple jingle is one that has generations of Americans singing along.

Now Folgers® is celebrating the rich tradition of American Music by inviting musicians of all kinds to embrace their well-know jingle and make it their own!

Did you know that Folgers® has a long-standing tradition of inspiring musicians to follow their dreams? They certainly do, and this year, they’ve teamed up with country music singer-songwriter Chris Young to encourage aspiring musicians to get their creative juices flowing and come up with their own version of the iconic Best Part of Wakin’ Up™ Jingle in the Folgers® Jingle Contest.

How Do You Enter?

  • Submit a video of your best version of the jingle on the website from January 30th through February 27th. Your version of the Jingle must include the complete melody and complete lyrics of “The Best Part of Wakin’ Up is Folgers in Your Cup.”
  • From February 27th to March 19th, Folgers® will choose 5 semi-finalists who will each have a mentor session with Chris Young before the online vote.
  • From March 27th to April 24th, fans around the country will get the chance to vote daily for their favorite jingle. Every vote automatically enters you to win prizes up to $10,000.
  • Finally, in May, one winner will be selected to win the grand prize of $25,000!

So if you have always wanted to create a brand jingle, here is your chance! Check out the contest website HERE. You can stay in the loop with Folgers® on their website, Facebook and Twitter. So get some Folgers® in your cup and start composing! 


Leave a Comment

Filed under Coffee, Contest, Music

#DrinkClick Coffee Protein Drink and Keep Click’N Through Your Day! #Giveaway

My days are packed with things I need to do, deadlines I need to meet and projects I must complete. Some people ask, how I manage to get as much done as I do each day. I used to tell them it was a combo of sheer determination and a lot of coffee. Now, I discovered something even better than coffee.  You might be thinking, what could be better than coffee? How about a protein drink that has a double-shot of real espresso coffee? One that is available in Mocha, Caramel or Vanilla Latte flavors.click

Do you like that sound of that? I did too! CLICK®, the coffee lover’s protein drink, provides the decadent taste and energy you crave along with the nutrition your body needs making it easier for you to stick to your plan and achieve your health, fitness and weight-loss goals. Besides the espresso, it has 23 vitamins and minerals and will help you feel full for hours.

Enjoy CLICK hot or cold. Check out my video review below.

CLICK has the right amount of protein for weight control. Many protein shakes are actually too high in protein, fat and calories to support weight loss effectively. Enjoy CLICK as an all-in-one breakfast, meal replacement, appetite-curbing, guilt-free, mid-day snack, pre or post workout drink.

At less than two dollars per serving, put some purpose to your coffee with CLICK’s cost effective all-in-one coffee protein drink mix!

CLICK is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a canister of CLICK in their choice of flavor and a CLICK protein shaker cup! Thank you to CLICK for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

CLICK Coffee Protein Drink Mix Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!


Continue reading

7 Comments

Filed under Giveaway

Mighty Mug Go, Travel Mug Protects You Against Accidental Spills-Giveaway!

With more and more time spent on our computers, tablets and laptops it is inevitable that we will have a mug of coffee, tea or other beverage around our work area. This can lead to very unfortunate and devastating consequences if drink gets spilled. Travel mugs are good but they tip easily and if you have the top open which most do it will spill when knocked over. How about a mug that did not need any fancy maneuvers to get it to stay secure in place and stay upright even if you knock into it accidentally? One that was super secure but you could just lift right up to take a sip and then place it down and it would not tip.  Does that sound impossible. I am sure it does but then you have not met the Mighty Mug. Let me introduce you.

Mighty Mug Logo

Lylac_Mighty_Mug_Go_Kitchen_Teal_Sunglass_Comp_Keys_1024x1024

Developed by a team of industrial designers and mechanical engineers, Mighty Mug, is the world’s only Mug that grips to your desk when knocked into, but lifts naturally.  Mighty Mug is powered by an innovative and patented Smartgrip Technology. Simply place Mighty Mug down on your desk and it creates a powerful airlock which allows Mighty Mug to resist accidental knocks to help avoid spills. When you lift Mighty Mug the pressure is instantly normalized allowing the airlock to release and Mighty Mug to lift naturally. You need to try it to believe it.

 

Mighty Mug Go comes in a variety of colors and holds 16 oz. It is BPA free, fits in car cup holders, is dishwasher safe and comes with a 100% Happiness Guarantee!  I tried the Might Mug Go in Lilac and I was very impressed at how it worked. It effortlessly performed exactly as stated. It gives me such peace of mind, I am a wreck when one of my kids comes bounding in my office with the energy of a tree monkey and I have a cup of coffee on my desk. Now I don’t have to tell them a dozen times to be careful, watch out, don’t hit my cup.

 

Mighty Mug 1
mighty mug 6
Mighty_Mug_Vid_Shoot_Lilac_Pool_Knock_1024x1024

 

Mighty Mug is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Mighty Mug Go in their choice of color (subject to availability) . Thank you  for the review product and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Mighty Mug Go Travel Mug Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading

13 Comments

Filed under Coffee, Giveaway, Home, Kitchen, Life, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Travel

How Coffee Lovers Can Mix Up Their Daily Grind #MixCups

Are you a coffee lover?  We are, our house runs on coffee.  We all have individual tastes and like to brew individual cups of coffee.  The coffee is fresher, doesn’t sit in a pot getting warmed over and over and from cup to cup, we can change roasts and flavors.  What’s one of the easiest ways to have a large selection of roasts and flavors?  MixCups Mix of the Month coffee subscription is the easy way to get a great selection of coffee delivered right to your door. Each month MixCups  will send you a box of  30  cups selected from newly released, seasonal and tried and true single-cup coffees.  The single-cups are for use in Keurig® original K-Cup® brewers and K-Cup® compatible brewers.

mixcups-box

We recently received a Mix of the Month box to try, I was so excited!  There was not one variety of coffee that I had ever tried before, a coffee lover’s dream!  I wasted no time and have been enjoying cup after cup of delicious coffee.  There were so many great varieties, Cake Boss, Marley Coffee, Brooklyn, Martinson and more. Mixed boxes like this are great when you are entertaining, you can be sure that there is something to suit everyone’s individual taste palate.

Mixcups

 

Mixcups 1

MixCups 2

 

MixCups 3

MixCups 4

The variety pack would be great as a hostess or thank you gift.  Who doesn’t like coffee? Oh, you like tea better, no problem because they have single cup tea too!  You can choose from a Mini Mix (10 assorted coffee or teas), Mix of the Month (30 assorted coffee or teas) and the Mega Mix (60 assorted coffee or teas).  You can send a gift to someone right on the website and you can also order packs of coffee as well as the mix boxes.  If you want to try a subscription, it is super easy and you can cancel whenever you want.  Check them out and let me know what you think.  Stay in the loop by following MixCups on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MIXCUPS_LOGO

This post was sponsored by BrandBacker.  As always my words and views are 100% my own.

Leave a Comment

Filed under Coffee

McDonald’s Wants To Perk You Up With 2 Weeks Of Free Coffee, September 16-29th!!! #SipandTell

mccafe

Would you like free coffee?  Who wouldn’t right?  On September 16th McDonald’s USA  wants to perk you up with free coffee!  They don’t just want to perk you up for one day, they are kicking off the Second National McCafé Free Coffee Event that culminates on September 29th-National Coffee Day!

Starting September 16th through September 29th just visit any participating McDonald’s restaurant in the US and get a free small McCafé coffee during breakfast hours! This event builds on McDonald’s first-ever Free Coffee Event launched in March, when the company gave away millions of cups of free coffee during the two-week period.

“We know our guests are busy, especially during the morning, and a free cup of coffee goes a long way in helping get their days started,” said Greg Watson, senior vice president, McDonald’s US Menu Innovation.  “That’s why we want to treat customers once again so they can taste for themselves just how great their mornings can be with a cup of McCafé coffee and freshly made breakfast.”

mccafe free coffee

To celebrate two additional weeks of free coffee, McDonald’s is calling on people across the nation to “sip and tell” their embarrassing pre-coffee moments on social media with @McCafe using the hashtag #SipandTell. Select social media fans with morning mishap stories like missing the last train to work on Monday or leaving the house with mismatched shoes will be surprised by @McCafe with custom gifts and experiences to help start their morning off right.

McDonald’s first launched its McCafé line in the U.S. in 2009. The collection included McCafé signature blend coffee and quickly expanded to include iced coffees, espresso-based drinks, such as lattes and mochas, blended-ice beverages including smoothies and frappes as well as limited-time seasonal offerings.  This holiday season, customers can again enjoy the White Chocolate Mocha, in addition to the new White Chocolate Latte and Hot Chocolate, for a limited-time.

McCafé fans will soon be able to enjoy their coffee whenever they want, including at home. McDonald’s recently announced a collaboration with Kraft Foods Group, Inc. to offer a variety of McCafé ground, whole bean and single cup coffees in grocery stores and other retailers nationwide starting in early 2015.

National Coffee Day 2014


3 Comments

Filed under Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Uncategorized

Sharing My Coffee Journey With Mr Coffee® & Millstone®!!! #CoffeeJourneys Giveaway!!!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias, Millstone® Coffee, and Mr. Coffee® #collectivebias.

#coffeejourneys #cbias #shop #collectivebias

Growing up, whenever I heard the familiar quick double ring of the doorbell, I knew without a doubt,  behind that door stood my favorite uncle.  The sound of the doorbell had me acting like Pavlov’s dog because after letting him in, I started a fresh pot of coffee.

There was no question if he would like some or not, it was a given.  Coffee was a catalyst for bringing us all together.  When the coffee was ready we would all gather round the table or sit on the deck with my parents and whatever siblings were home and talk, laugh and share memories.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

Coffee is the way I start my morning, it’s something I share with friends, it’s comfort, it means talking with family, sharing time alone or sitting back and watching my kids play. Coffee is weaved throughout my life and it’s more than a drink, it’s a link that joins people together, it’s my #coffeejourney.

Some of my greatest memories of my parents, who are no longer with me, are the talks we had over coffee.  Even as a child, before I drank coffee, the familiar smell was comforting and it meant that I could dip a shortbread cookie in my dad’s cup and savor a bit of the grown up drink that always drew people together.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

As a mom of five, I understand that interruptions are a part of life but cold coffee shouldn’t have to be.  The Mr Coffee® 10 Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker has moms covered and I can always come back to find fresh hot coffee in the sleek, stainless steel carafe.

 

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

Simple pleasures are some of the best and for me, wrapping my hands around a hot mug of rich, flavorful  Millstone® coffee is the ultimate.  Millstone® has a great selection of coffee that works so well in the Mr. Coffee® drip coffee maker.

Sharing My Coffee Journey With Mr Coffee® & Millstone®!!! #CoffeeJourneys Giveaway!!!http://www.mommyramblings.org/2014/04/25/mr-coffee-10-cup-optimal-brew-thermal-coffee-maker-review-giveaway/ … #coffeejourneys #cbias #shop

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

My favorites are the flavored coffee, the smell of French Vanilla wafting through the house gets everyone’s attention.  To learn about the Journey of the Bean and get some great insight into Millstone® coffee just click HERE!

Mr. Coffee® 10-Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker and Millstone® coffees are available at Walmart.  I went to Walmart to purchase the Mr. Coffee® 10-Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker and Millstone® coffees.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

The coffee maker is easy to start using right out of the box.  Just a quick rinse and wash of the water reservoir, filter basket and carafe and you are ready to brew.  I purchased a reuseable Mr Coffee basket filter because I find it more eco-friendly and cost-effective than using disposable paper filters.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

 

The side mounted, filter basket is removable and makes filling a breeze.  The removable water reservoir allows for easy filling at the sink. The water filter that’s included  fits in the top of the filter basket and will remove up to 97% of chlorine  from the water.  There is a handy red, sliding clip on the top that lets you select the month you put the filter in so that you know when it is time to change it.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

The clock is easy to operate and you can set it for delayed brewing.  The Fresh Brew Timer ensures your coffee is hot and fresh.  You can brew 10 cups of coffee in less than 7 minutes, and if you just can’t wait, there’s a pause and serve feature.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

The clean cycle helps eliminate any calcium build up.  The stylish, vacuum-insulated stainless steel carafe keep your first cup as hot and fresh as your last.

#CoffeeJourneys #CollectiveBias #shop #cbias

 

I saved the best for last because you can WIN a Mr Coffee® 10 Cup Optimal Brew™ Thermal Coffee Maker with a bag of Millstone® French Vanilla flavored coffee!!!  To enter just use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!! Open to US residents in the contiguous 48 states.

While you are entering, I need to go because it won’t be long until I am interrupted by that familiar door bell ring.  These days taking time for conversation and coffee with my 89-year-old uncle are more precious than ever!

  Continue reading

34 Comments

Filed under Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review, Shopping, Uncategorized

Dunkin’ Donuts Has 3 New Flavor of the Season Coffees!!! Try Them Before They’re Gone!!!

 “I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Dunkin’ Donuts. I received a Dunkin’ Donuts Party Kit to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”

nav_logo

Coffee, Sweet Treats, Friends, Family and Conversation; what’s not to like?  I had a wonderful opportunity to review some of Dunkin’ Donuts new Flavors of the Season coffees with a party of family and friends recently, and there were even goodie bags for the guests!  A reusable large Dunkin’ Donuts tote, one pound of one of the new Flavors of the Season coffees, a large drink container perfect for ice coffee,ice coffee recipe and coupons would go home with every guest!  We love Dunkin’ Donuts and know how great their coffee is, so we were thrilled to be picked to host this and try the new limited edition flavors.

dunkindonuts10

 

dunkindonuts

I brewed up some of the coconut, strawberry shortcake and triple berry  flavored coffees   Some like it hot and some like it cold, so we made some of each and everyone could customize with cream and sugar and of course some delicious treats to dunk and eat to compliment the delicious beverages.  We all thought the new flavors lend themselves perfectly to refreshing ice coffees but we also think they tasted great as a traditional hot beverage as well.  It just seems like these flavors are a hit either way and makes us a little sad they are only around for a limited time. They did not taste perfumey or artificial but the flavor was genuine and rich without being overpowering. I think my favorite was the strawberry shortcake but the coconut was a close second.  The triple berry is great for ice coffee as it makes a perfect berry cooler type drink that is super satisfying and refreshing on a hot day!

dunkindonuts3

 

dunkindonuts4

 

dunkindonuts6

 

dunkindonuts7

dunkindonuts2

Our guests loved the coffee, we did a Mother’s Day Coffee Break Theme and everyone agreed the new flavors are really great and is sad they are only available for a limited time.  Favorite flavors were tough because everyone had different tastes but Strawberry Shortcake was a hit with the guests as well as it was with me.  The ice coffee is absolutely delicious and was a huge guest favorite and it was not even a hot day when we did this, in fact we had a bit of a cold snap.

If you are wanting to try the new flavors, they are available now so hurry because they are only here for a limited time!!!  So head out to your grocery store and pick up some Dunkin’ Donuts Triple Berry, Strawberry Shortcake and Coconut Flavored Coffee today!!!  You will be so glad you did!!!

 

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized