This week we were graced with the graces of Lisa Picarille who shares her San Francisco-based coffee obsessions.
I finally received my Yama siphon pot from OurCoffeeBarn.com. They totally hooked me up with some nice coffee samples. Special thanks goes to OurCoffeeBarn. The Ethiopian “Ill” (applying the CoffeeCast Ethiopian naming rules of using the first syllable) was freshly roasted and it showed. Huge bloom on the brew and some great taste.
Lisa applied for inclusion on the show with her full coffee bar inventory. We discuss this, her penchant for entertaining her guests with any coffee treat they could ever want, and her close proximity to some of the best coffee shops and roasters in the country.
Here’s Lisa’s Inventory… and my new shopping list. (OMG.)
I love coffee and for anyone who walks into my kitchen that is immediately apparent. Half of my kitchen counters are jam-packed with coffee makers and accoutrements. In fact, it’s getting a little too crowded.
I love being able to make whatever coffee I choose at home. I also consider myself I very good hostess and want to share my love of coffee with guests. That means giving them choices and offering them coffee the way they like it.
I thought I would give you a peek of what’s in my well stocked coffee bar. My hope is that you, Todd and others might share with me what’s in your coffee bar. I might be missing something important.
The Machines
- Cuisinart Grind N Brew: This machine works for me because I used to always forget to shut off the coffee maker – far too many exploding carafes in the past. This thermal pot keeps coffee hot for hours – although, I usually get through the pot long before that point.
- Braun drip maker: It’s nothing special just a basic coffee maker. I keep it under the counter and haul it out when I have guests. I use this machine mostly to brew decaf. I want all my guests to be able to enjoy their coffee (whether it’s full throttle or decaf) at the same time.
- Gaggia espresso maker: I used to hate this machine and found it took too long to prep, make and clean for espresso. But I’ve now gotten the process down to a science.
- 8 cup French press: Every now and then I just want 1 or 2 really good cups of coffee. I also think this process is best for really tasting a new coffee.
- Stovetop tea kettle: Use it for boiling water for the French press
- Braun grinder: Nothing fancy. Actually, I should get a better one.
- Blender: Just in case I want a frappuccino like drink
The Accessories
- Aerator: For foaming milk for hot cocoa. I also use it on cold milk for iced lattes
- Thermometers: I don’t want to scald my milk
- Knock box: For disposing of espresso grounds
- Tamper: For pressing down ground espresso
- Wooden stirrers, glasses for clean and dirty spoons (like at your local café)
- Straws: For my iced lattes and cold coffee drinks
- Variety of pot sizes for foaming milk
- Variety of small pots for pulling espresso shots
- Creamers and containers for half and half and milk
Basic Coffees Always on Hand
- Ground espresso from Peet’s
- Whole bean Sumatra for the French press
- Whole bean from Peet’s (usually try to mix it up - the Anniversary Blend, Blue Batak, whatever Peet’s is featuring)
Containers and Drinking Vessels
- Several thermal cups for my everyday coffee
- 2 Sets of demitasse cups
- Small coffee cups and saucers
- Plenty of large mugs
- A giant thermos for taking coffee on the road or when I brew French press to keep it hot
- To-go cups and lids (just like my fav café). I often send people on the road with a cup of joe.
The Flavorings
- Honey
- Raw sugar
- Brown sugar
- Regular cane sugar in cubes
- The fake stuff (equal)
- Simple syrup
- Blue Agave syrup
- Powdered cocoa
- Ground cinnamon
- Whole nutmeg in a grinder
- Dark chocolate in a grinder
- Syrup flavorings (vanilla and almond)
Other Drinks
- Hot chocolate
- Hot cocoa
- Sipping chocolate
- Variety of loose leaf teas
- Variety of tea bags
We’re currently looking for more Lisa’s to have on the show.
And at the end of the show, we conceived of a new CoffeeCast.fm exclusive feature… the Virtual Cupping! Get yourself a bag of Peet’s Sumatra and let’s have a tasting. Read here for more info on the Virtual Cupping!
With apologies to the weekend listeners, we’re back to a Friday night production of the show.
Enjoy and thanks for subscribing!
