Tag Archives: coffee

Nov21

4 Easy Meals You Can Prepare If You Love Coffee

Posted on by
Standard
4 Easy Meals You Can Prepare If You Love Coffee

Coffee is more than just a drink, it’s a lifestyle. For coffee enthusiasts, the bold flavors and aromatic profiles of coffee extend far beyond the mug. If you’re someone who loves coffee, why not incorporate it into your meals? Coffee can add depth to dishes, creating savory, sweet, or even smoky notes that elevate your culinary game. Whether you’re a busy professional or a home chef exploring new tastes, here are some easy meals you can prepare using coffee as a star ingredient:

Coffee-Rubbed Steak:

For a savory meal that highlights coffee’s robust flavor, try a coffee-rubbed steak. This dish is quick to prepare and will impress even the pickiest eaters:

Ingredients:

  • 2 steaks (ribeye or sirloin work well)
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Rub the mixture generously over both sides of the steak.
  3. Let the steak rest for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  4. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steaks for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on your preference.
  5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Coffee-Infused Pancake Syrup:

For breakfast enthusiasts, a coffee-infused syrup is a game changer. It pairs beautifully with pancakes, waffles, or even French toast:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, combine brewed coffee and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Let the syrup cool before serving. It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Coffee-Marinated Chicken:

Coffee’s earthy flavors work wonders as a marinade, especially for chicken. This recipe creates a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for dinner:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups brewed coffee (cooled)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together brewed coffee, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, cumin, and garlic.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for a more intense flavor).
  4. Preheat your grill or oven to 375°F. Grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.

Coffee-Chocolate Energy Bites:

Need a quick snack to power through your day? These no-bake energy bites are easy to make and combine coffee with chocolate for a delightful pick-me-up:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup ground coffee
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 1-2 hours until firm.
  4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Tips for Working with Coffee in the Kitchen:

  • Use freshly brewed coffee or high-quality ground coffee for the best flavor.
  • When incorporating coffee grounds into recipes, ensure they’re finely ground. Using a coffee grinder brush can help keep your grinder clean and ensure no old coffee residue affects your dishes.
  • Experiment with different roasts. Light roasts bring bright, acidic notes, while dark roasts add rich, smoky undertones.

Coffee isn’t just for drinking – it’s a versatile ingredient that can transform your meals. Try one of these easy meals and bring the bold essence of coffee into your kitchen!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Nov21

Caffeination Station

Posted on by
Standard
Caffeination Station

Hello! When I moved into my own apartment, my parents got me a red Keurig for my housewarming gift. At the time, I wouldn’t have called myself a huge coffee drinker but I liked to have it in case I needed an extra boost or I had company over. Then, in 2022 we experienced the Great Kitchen Flood and it ruined several of my countertop appliances, Keurig included. I never bothered replacing it because it’s not like I used it every day so it felt like an unnecessary expense.

Fast forward to this past year when I began getting up at the buttcrack of dawn (Three AM) for work and your girl instantly turned into a coffee fanatic thanks to the Keurig Johnny gifted me with for Valentine’s Day. Literally every day since he gave me my prezzie, I have enjoyed back to back brews Monday through Friday and I don’t know how I survived before lol. And, major shout out to my parents for coming in with the assist:

IMG_1441

I spend A LOT of time at my mom and dad’s house in a care giving role and I am more than happy to do so. That’s not to say that I am not happy to have a little treat, though, too! Every week, Giant Eagle runs a great promotion on specific brands of K-Cups for five bucks a box. Every week, without fail, my parents will get me a Green Mountain (My favorite brand!) blend when they do their grocery shopping. Is this something they have to do? Absolutely not! But the fact that they want to and it has become a part of their grocery routine gives me ALL of the warm fuzzies.

I’m not going to lie, having to get up so early for work blows lol. There’s just no better way to say it and I fantasize every morning about going back to sleep as soon as my alarm goes off. No one said adulting was easy! However, after I take care of the buns and take a shower, I know that it is coffee time! It sounds like a little thing, but taking out my box of K-Cups that my parents got me and using the Keurig that Johnny gifted me with gives me a bright start to the day, no matter how early. Every morning, I get to use gifts given to me by people that I love and by the time that first sip hits, I can take on the world that is mostly still asleep!

Thanks to Johnny and my parents, I start my days off right – with a smile and caffeinated!! The best combination!

How do you take your coffee? What do you use to make your coffee? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar18

ALL Of The Coffee

Posted on by
Standard
ALL Of The Coffee

Hello!! Back in the summer of 2022, the Great Kitchen Flood happened when a pipe burst in mine and Johnny’s apartment building. It was insane! The water was literally pouring out of the walls and it was so gross because the water was straight up dirty. It completely waterlogged all of my countertop appliances, including my Keurig, toaster, and air fryer. At the time, I wasn’t using my Keurig very often so I never bothered replacing it. Fast forward to this past year and my schedule changed to having to get up at three AM three days a week. Needless to say, I need ALL of the coffee those mornings!

image_50404609(8)image_50403841(11)

For Valentine’s Day, Johnny and I simply told each other what we wanted and then we ordered it. A new single cup Keurig for me and a new Levi’s jean jacket for him. I have been using my gift religiously since receiving it and all I have to say is: How did I survive this long without it?! Prior to V-Day, I was more than fine with stopping at Starbucks for a coffee or McDonald’s for a crispy Diet Coke during my early mornings. While I miss my little treats during those shifts, I am perfectly content with the K-Pod challenge… AKA just using my Keurig now lol.

I have been enjoying testing out all of the different K-Pods and my mind is never not blown by the infinite selection at the grocery stores. I started out with French Vanilla by Green Mountain Coffee and have since graduated to a Snickers flavored blend by The Donut Shop. They are both pretty good! My favorite part of the Keurig, however, is not so much the coffee as it is the coffee mugs. Lol, I have a substantial collection of coffee mugs and although I use them for any beverage, they hit different with coffee! It is also nice to remember the occasions that they were given to me for because a majority of them were gifts. In fact, the one pictured above was a mug that I got forever ago from my bestie and the sentiments ring true… Coffee always comes first! 😀

I have had my Keurig for well over a month now and I am just as obsessed with it as the day I got it. So glad that my fallen friend from the Great Kitchen Flood of 2022 finally got replaced!

What is your favorite kind of K-Cup? How many cups of coffee do you drink per day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan16

Make School Mornings Easier With These Tips

Posted on by
Standard
Make School Mornings Easier With These Tips

Are you struggling to get out of the door on time in the mornings? If you’re like most parents, you’re probably trying to juggle getting yourself ready for the day while also getting your kids ready for school. It can be a challenge, to say the least! But there are some things that you can do to make your mornings go more smoothly. Here are a few tips that may help:

Get Up Earlier Than Your Kids:

Getting up earlier than your children is an excellent way to set yourself up for success during the day. It allows you time to get ready for the day, plan meals and activities, and finish any last-minute errands. Waking up a few minutes before your kids also leaves you feeling more refreshed, allowing you to focus and be productive throughout the day. Not only are there obvious benefits for you, but setting this example for your children can influence their behavior as well – showing them that getting a good start each morning sets their day off on the right foot.

morning1

Have a Set Morning Routine:

Starting your day with a set morning routine can do wonders for your productivity and focus. Ease into the day with something that engages your senses. Here are some activities to add to your morning routine:

Take a few minutes for meditation:

Meditation is a great way to ease into your morning routine, as it can help you relax and recenter before the day begins. Taking just a few minutes each morning to meditate can have lasting effects throughout the day. It can reduce stress, improve concentration and focus, and even increase creativity.

Make a cup of your favorite tea or coffee:

A cup of coffee can instantly invigorate you as the aroma of freshly-brewed beans wafts through the air. If you’re a coffee lover, consider investing in an electric kettle for pour-over coffee. The kettle gets the water heated to a precise temperature, allowing those precious coffee beans to awaken their delicious flavors. Those aromas, in turn, energize and help drive concentration, setting your mind up for whatever task may lay ahead.

Write in a journal:

Journaling is another great way to kick-start your day. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and plans for the day can help you stay focused on what’s important. It can also be a helpful tool if you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed – just take five minutes to write down anything that comes to mind.

Listen to music:

Putting on some upbeat music can instantly lift your mood and get you in the right frame of mind for the day. Music is a great tool to help motivate you when it feels like no amount of coffee can do the trick. It’s also a great way to kick-start your creativity and add fuel to any task that requires focus.

Make Breakfast the Night Before:

Making your breakfast the night before can be an effective way to start your day on the right foot. Not only does this save you time in the morning, but it can also help you stick to a healthier diet. Eating a nutritious breakfast is essential for providing enough energy and preventing overeating during the rest of the day. Take a few minutes before bed to assemble an easy breakfast, such as overnight oats or yogurt parfait, so that your body gets what it needs to stay energized and focused throughout the morning.

morning2

Set Out Clothes the Night Before:

Setting out your clothes the night before – shoes, socks, shirt, and trousers – can help you to move with speed and confidence when it comes to fashioning a look. To save yourself time and stress in the mornings, pre-select your clothing items ahead of time while you still have mental reserves and are better able to pick out the ideal apparel for whatever task beckons from the day ahead.

Pack Snacks and Drinks for the Car Ride:

Going on a long car trip? Don’t forget to pack snacks and drinks for the ride! Non-perishable snacks like crackers, energy bars, or nuts can easily fit in your bag without taking up too much space. Beverages are essential; water is always a must-have when traveling. Make sure to include an appropriate drink container, such as a reusable bottle or cup with a lid, to prevent spills during your journey.

Make Sure The Kids’ Homework Is Done:

It is important to stay on top of the kids’ homework and make sure it’s getting done on time. Without proper intervention, kids are unlikely to follow their own timelines for getting assignments completed. To help keep them on track, establish a routine by establishing a set amount of time each day for studying and work and stick to it! Put down distractions (such as video games or TV) while they are working, support them with resources they need, like books or tutors, and recognize if there’s an issue that needs extra help.

By following the tips we outlined above, you can make mornings less chaotic for everyone in the family. You’ll be able to get out of the house on time and start your day feeling calmer and more collected. Plus, by taking care of everything the night before, you won’t have to worry about forgotten homework or lost lunch boxes come morning. Give it a try – it’s worth it!

Aug8

Cool Gift Ideas For Creative People

Posted on by
Standard
Cool Gift Ideas For Creative People

Almost every social circle has one, that one being a creative person. When it comes to buying gifts for these much-loved friends or family members, it can be daunting for those who are less in touch with their creative side. But creative people can actually be some of the easiest to buy for. There is a whole world of gifts to suit almost any passion or interest, you just don’t know it yet. Below you will find some inspiration to help you out when it comes to gift hunting for the creative people in your life:

Apple Pencil:

So much of today’s creativity takes place digitally. In fact, so many creative people now rely on tools such as the latest iPad to support their ventures. The traditional pen and paper is a thing of the past, instead, you are more likely to find designs being hashed out using a screen and stylus, and what better stylus to use than the Apple Pencil? The pencil is designed to make drawing seamless and fast paced. The possibilities are endless when it comes to linking your stylus with the appropriate app or software. It also boasts a great battery life and magnetic charging. However it is not the most affordable of gifts, so it will have to be for someone special.

Art supplies:

Not all artists are fully cemented in the digital world, with many still preferring to take pen to paper or rather, brush to paper to enjoy their outlet. Art supplies such as an easel, pochade box, paints, or brushes still make for thoughtful gifts for those who love to paint and draw.

Noise-canceling headphones:

For those who like a bit of peace and tranquility to express and flex their creative muscle, then noise-canceling headphones can be the perfect gift. Finding that quiet space and a bit of solitude can be a difficult task in today’s busy world (especially as more and more people now work from home). That will be no matter – simply pop on a pair of noise-canceling headphones, block out the world around you, and let the creative juices start flowing.

Heated coffee mug:

When you’re in the creative zone, it’s easy to hide away for hours on end and work on your latest project. This will typically mean that the constantly brewed coffee will get cold pretty quickly! A rechargeable heated cup will ensure their hot drinks stay warm for hours, so if they are struggling to lift their head up from the work, at least the coffee will still be warm when they do.

A memory stick:

Taking it back to the digital age, a memory stick is a great practical gift for those whose creative ventures are stored digitally. It may be a little less on the interesting side but it is something your recipient will get so much use out of and be eternally grateful for.

See? It’s not so hard to find a gift for your creative loved one after all!

Featured Image By: Robert Nickson from Pexels

Feb23

Tips For Making The Best Coffee At Home

Posted on by
Standard
Tips For Making The Best Coffee At Home

A lot of people hit the coffee shop for a freshly brewed cup during the day. But what about those times when you’re at home and need a caffeine burst? Brewing your own cup of joe can save you money and time, but with so many methods and flavors out there, how do you know which way is best? We have outlined ten tips that will help you make better tasting coffee from the comfort of your very own kitchen:

Grind Your Beans Just Before You Brew Them:

Freshly ground coffee is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the freshest flavor possible. Coffee starts to lose its flavorful oils as soon as it is ground, so using ground up coffee will give you a subpar taste. If you can’t grind your own beans, try searching for a grocery store, cafe, or supplier that specializes in Coffee Supplies. These websites can be an invaluable tool for stepping up your coffee game as you’ll be able to obtain the appropriate products to begin grinding coffee on your own.

Use Filtered Water:

If your water tastes bad, so will your coffee! Make sure to use clean cold water without any hidden odors of chlorine for the best results. If you don’t like the taste of tap water (or don’t have access to safe drinking water), bring filtered or bottled spring water to a slight boil and cool it for a couple of minutes before pouring it over your coffee grounds.

Avoid Grounding Beans In A Machine With Metal D Blades:

Ground up metal is not going to taste very good! Invest in a blade free or a burr grinder, which will ground all of your beans easily and consistently.

Clean Your Machine Often:

Coffee oils build up in household coffee makers quickly, creating an intense flavor that can be nearly impossible to clean out completely after every use. Make sure to keep the machine clean by running through several cycles without any coffee in it at all. A good rule of thumb is to clean it once a week or after ten uses, whichever comes first.

Avoid Over Filling the Basket:

Coffee machines are measured by how many cups they hold but, if you’re filling the basket with too many beans, you’re going to end up with watered down coffee that lacks flavor. Generally, one rounded tablespoon for every four ounces of water in your machine will produce an optimal cup of coffee.

Grind Your Beans To The Right Consistency:

It may be tempting to grind your beans to an incredibly fine powder so that more oils get trapped. However, this can create a gummed up mess in your grinder and lead to an over extracted cup of coffee. A slightly course grind will lead to a smoother cup of coffee with less grit.

Temperature Matters:

Water temperature is crucial in coffee brewing because it takes away any unpleasant, bitter flavors before the flavor has a chance to develop. In order for your water to be at an optimal temperature, bring it to a boil and let it cool for 30 seconds before pouring over the ground beans.

Get a Coffee Server:

Making coffee can be time consuming, but if you invest in a coffee server to keep your pot warm all day long, you’ll never have to waste the whole pot again. Instead, just pour yourself a cup whenever you want one! Buy the Hario Pour-Over Coffee Server Set to get started.

Skip the Sweeteners:

Coffee is a great way to clear up your skin, detoxify your body, and provide your brain with an energy boost so don’t ruin all of those benefits by adding in creamers or sugars that will increase your calorie intake and reduce the health benefits. Instead, try using natural substitutes like honey or maple syrup to add flavor without all of the empty calories.

If you’re looking to take your morning cup of joe up a notch, try these tricks for making the perfect pot every time. Cheers!

Jan25

The Health Pros & Cons Of Drinking Coffee

Posted on by
Standard
The Health Pros & Cons Of Drinking Coffee

Many of us rely on our morning cup of coffee to get our days off to the right start. Nevertheless, you might also be wondering whether that’s the right thing to do and whether we’re drinking too much coffee from a health standpoint. We’re going to take a look today at some of the most important factors to take into account when it comes to the health pros and cons of drinking coffee:

Sleep Problems When You Drink it Too Late in the Day:

Some people find it more difficult to sleep if they drink caffeine during the day. For the good of your health, you definitely need to make sure that you’re getting enough sleep at night. That’s why only drinking coffee and taking on caffeine in the morning is a good idea. If you drink it too late, it’s going to impact your sleep and that’s not what you want.

Healthy Antioxidants:

There are lots of healthy antioxidants that are associated with coffee beans, so you are getting a healthy dose of them when you drink your morning coffee. Antioxidants have been linked to all sorts of short and long-term health benefits, including reducing risk of inflammation in the body.

It Can Cause Teeth Discoloration:

One of the things that can happen very easily when you’re drinking too much coffee is teeth discoloration. When you drink coffee, it stains your teeth overtime, and even good cleaning practices might not be able to prevent that. There are options out there such as teeth whitening treatments and procedures, but it’s something to be aware of.

Increased Alertness and Focus:

Of course, the reason most of us drink coffee is so that we feel more alert each day. When you drink your coffee, you get a shot of caffeine that wakes us up and makes us feel more alert. Many people feel like they’re much better at being able to focus when they drink coffee and that when they’re short on caffeine, they have a short attention span and a more limited ability to focus on their work each day.

Potential Caffeine Crashes:

However, that rush you get from taking on more caffeine is not always going to last for a long time. You need to think about the ways in which too much caffeine can also cause crashes. When you don’t have caffeine for a few hours, those energy and focus levels can come crashing back down to earth pretty quickly and that’s something that can definitely be a problem.

As you can see, there are clear pros and cons that come with drinking coffee. Like almost anything else in life, it’s probably best to make sure that you’re treading carefully and drinking coffee in moderation!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep5

Fall Is In The Air

Posted on by
Standard
Fall Is In The Air

Hi! I am not the biggest coffee drinker any more and prefer my morning Diet Coke to give me a caffeine jolt before my work day. However, when Starbucks introduces their fall flavors back on the menu, I always just have to treat myself to at least one of them per year! I can take or leave their Pumpkin Spice Latte because apple is my all time favorite fall flavor. So, when I learned that there was an Apple Crisp Iced Macchiato available I couldn’t wait to give it a shot:

Nothing feels more fall than a seasonal drink from Starbucks and I decided to have my yearly fall beverage during my break at work. I was ready for all things caramel apple but, unfortunately, I wasn’t too blown away by the Apple Crisp Macchiato. It was tasty, yes. Sadly, it just wasn’t apple-y enough! I think I talked it up so much in my head and with my sister that anything less than a super apple coffee drink just wouldn’t cut it. -_-

I will say, though, that the last few sips of the drink were magnificent because it tasted exactly like my favorite fall candy – the caramel apple suckers. It was just getting to that point that was the problem, lol! I am also going to be the first one to admit that I definitely could have done with getting a Grande sized drink rather than the Venti. All of that caffeine made me so jittery and HOT at work and I am normally freezing all of the time. Such a rookie mistake!

Was this my favorite drink ever? No. But it was pretty good. Now, I will just be eagerly awaiting my yearly Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks during the Christmas season. 😀

What is your favorite drink from Starbucks? What is your favorite seasonal flavor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun29

Kitchen Upgrades To Try Today

Posted on by
Standard
Kitchen Upgrades To Try Today

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. We tend to spend a lot of time in this space, cooking, chatting, hosting guests. So, why not consider giving your kitchen a little overhaul with some new appliances that will not only look great, but will add to your cooking too? Here are just a few examples you might want to consider:

A Stand Mixer:

Into baking? Throughout the past year and a half, many people have picked up baking as an activity to keep them preoccupied with free time found during the pandemic. We can’t blame them! Baking can be carried out easily from the comfort of your own home – and you get a delicious treat at the end too! Now, if you’ve been practicing and are getting better at your breads, cakes, pastries and other baked goods you may be aware of just how tiring it can be thoroughly mixing ingredients. This is where a stand mixer could help. Stand mixers do the hard work for you, leaving you with a lovely dough or batter, ready to bake.

A Coffee Machine:

If you like a good cup of coffee, you don’t have to go to your local coffee shop to get one. If you have a coffee machine at home, you’ll be able to make delicious brews within your own four walls. A coffee machine can do much more than simply pouring hot water from the kettle into some granules. When choosing your machine, make sure to look for good reviews and recommendations. This will give you an idea of other people’s experience with your chosen machine and whether it’s worth the money. There are different options on the market to suit different budgets but, generally speaking, the better the machine is, the better the coffee will be.

Cookware:

A lot of us settle for budget cookware only to find that food sticks to it or the food burns on it. This is less than ideal, so consider overhauling your cookware and investing in some new versions. There are different types for different cooking devices, such as the best ceramic cookware for oven, stove top, and more. There are also many different designs, allowing you to match your pots, pans and trays to the aesthetic of your kitchen itself.

A Slow Cooker:

Many of us are working from home now and would love to be able to prep a few simple ingredients in the morning to have dinner ready at the end of the day. A slow cooker can achieve this. Leave it plugged in with your ingredients inside and you can have some great casseroles, stews, and curries lined up for your evening meals.

There’s an endless array of other kitchen appliances and equipment out there. The options highlighted above are just a few useful suggestions that could do you and your home a world of good!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun27

Mean Muggin: Very Nice Edition

Posted on by
Standard
Mean Muggin: Very Nice Edition

Hi! We interrupt lifewithlilred’s summer wardrobe refresh with a new edition of Mean Muggin. Your regularly scheduled programming will return tomorrow. 🙂

For my twenty-seventh birthday, I was showered with love and gifts from my family and friends and just when I thought my celebrations were over, a late gift from my sister, Kristen, showed up in the mail. Check it out:

I have quite a collection of coffee mugs and, despite having enough to use for a week and a half, I still love to receive them as gifts. Coffee mug presents are fun because they tend to be customized or have an image on it that reminded the gifter of their giftee. Kristen’s birthday present to me falls under the second category and it only makes sense considering I quote Borat at least fifteen times a day! I also may or may not constantly be sending Borat quote text messages to her, lol.

As soon as I opened my new mug, I started laughing and there will be no better way to start my morning than with a cup of coffee and Borat wishing me GREAT SUCCESS. A coffee mug may seem like a small, simple gift but they are so much more than that to me because of the thought that goes into it. From minions and a customized me to Borat and hand decorated, I love my coffee mug collection and my Borat mug is a fine addition to it. VERY NICE!

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? What is your favorite thing to gift people with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah