May 2021 • Page 2 Of 2 • BoatBasinCafe

How to Clean a Toaster: Everything You Need to Know!

Posted on May 18, 2021August 15, 2022 by Arya

When you don’t have a full-sized kitchen, a toaster oven can be a lifesaver. It works and functions very similarly to a convection oven. Surprisingly enough, this handy gadget can prepare a wide range of dishes.

From perfectly crispy toasted bread in the morning to lightly roasted chicken for dinner, a toaster oven has become a staple in most apartments.

If you are anything like me, you will find yourself using the toaster oven more than the standard one. That’s due to how small and convenient it is. A toaster oven is also super fast so for a single-person meal, it’s perfect.

The more you use your toaster oven, the dirtier it will get. So it’s necessary to always keep the oven clean and pristine. In this article, we will talk about how to clean a toaster oven easily and efficiently!

Learn more about 10 Best Toaster Ovens Under $100 Reviews

How to Clean the Inside of Toaster Oven

cleaning a toaster oven

Things You’ll Need:

A small bowl
Vinegar
Dish soap
Soft sponge
Napkins/ towels

Here’s our step-by-step guide to cleaning inside of toaster oven:

Grab a bowl and fill it up with ½ cups of hot water.
Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the water
You can also use dish soap instead of vinegar to avoid the vinegary smell. Frankly, vinegar is the best toaster cleaner anyway. So why spend extra money on it?
Take a soft sponge and dip it into the vinegar-water mixture. Then squeeze it out very well.
Use the soft side of the sponge and wipe the walls of the oven. Make sure to clean the ceiling as well.
If you regularly clean your oven, wiping it with soap water is enough for a thorough cleaning.

If the walls are filled with grease or they are burnt from baking, you need to try a different method. We will talk about that in a second.

You can also use this method to clean a new toaster oven before using it for the first time.

How to Clean a Bread Toaster

clean bread toaster

Remember that episode from Kitchen Nightmare where Gordon Ramsay found a dead mouse inside a toaster? We all probably cleaned our toaster the day after that! I know I did.

Even though we use this kitchen gadget almost every single morning, we hardly think of cleaning it. Cleaning a toaster is not that hard to do. So here’s an easy guide on how to clean a bread toaster without getting an electric shock!

Things You’ll Need:

Cotton cloth/ kitchen towel
Vinegar/ lemon
Toothbrush
Water

Here’s our step-by-step guide to cleaning a bread toaster at home:

First things first, you need to unplug the toaster. As you’ll be using water to clean it, it can not stay anywhere near an electrical outlet.
Before getting into the actual cleaning, remove the crumb tray. If you don’t clean this tray regularly, you might find molds and crusty bread crumbs all stuck up to the surface.
Wash the crumb tray under a running sink with water and soap. The crumbs should come off fairly easily. But for rare cases, you might need to use a scrubbing brush.
Take a soft cotton fabric or kitchen towel and soak it in vinegar. You don’t want it to be super wet. Slight damp is what we are going for. Too much water can cause the toaster to gather puddles.
Use the damp cloth to gently clean the slots where the bread slices go. Take your time on this step. If you can’t reach all the areas inside the toaster, use a damp toothbrush to clean it properly.
After it’s thoroughly cleaned, use a dry fabric to remove all the excess moisture from the toaster.
You can also go on and give a good wipe with clean water if the vinegary smell bothers you too much. Then turn it upside down and give a shake to remove any excess water droplet or breadcrumbs.
Let the toaster dry in a safe space for a few hours. You should never use your toaster right after cleaning. Let it dry properly to avoid any electric shock. You can do this before going to bed and by morning it will be ready to make some freshly buttered toast!

Toaster Oven Maintenance Tips

Cleaning a toaster oven is fairly easy, but maintaining it requires a bit more care. There are a few things you should do to maintain the quality of your toaster oven for a long time.

These are our top toaster oven maintenance tips from personal experience!

After roasting or baking, keep the oven door open so it airs out. This prevents the oven from smelling bad.
Always use a damp towel to remove cribs and food debris after cooking.
Use a vinegar-soap spray to gently remove sticky residue.
For stiff and burnt parts, apply a generous amount of baking soda on top of that area and drop some lemon juices. It will help to remove it easily.
Lay a sheet of aluminum paper on the bottom of the toaster oven. This prevents heavy grease and catches all the crumbs.
Always check whether your dishes are oven-proof or not.
Don’t overcrowd the toaster oven with too many bowls.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. How Do I Get Baked Grease Out of a Toaster Oven?

Cleaning baked grease out of a toaster oven is not as intimidating as it sounds. All you need is baking soda and water. Mix half a cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water until it creates a thick paste.

Then spread the paste generously on top of the baked grease area and leave for a few hours. Alternatively, you can leave it overnight and clean it in the morning.

To clean it, all you have to do is wipe it away with a damp cloth or towel. The baking soda will dissolve the tough grease areas and it will need little to no effort to remove.

Then use either vinegar, water or soap to gently clean the surface and remove the leftover grimes.

02. How Do I Get Stains Out of a Toaster Oven?

The best way to remove any stains from your toaster oven is to apply a cleaning solution. You can buy oven cleaners from amazon or you can make them at home.

All you need is vinegar, dish soap, and warm water. Mix these three ingredients and apply using either a spray bottle or a sponge. Let it sit for a while then use a damp cloth to scrub the stain away.

03. What Should I Not Use on Stainless Steel?

If your toaster oven is a stainless steel one, cleanup should be relatively easier. Stainless steel is an extremely durable and smooth material so burn marks and baked grease can be removed without much elbow grease.

Steel brushes or steel wool should never be used to clean or scrub a stainless steel oven. They will scratch the stainless steel surface and make it look not-so-shiny anymore.

04. How Do I Clean Toaster Oven Glass?

Certain recipes can really turn your clean oven into a hot mess. All you need to do is give the oven a light clean-up after each use. This helps to not create grime buildup too soon.

If you noticed the glass of your toaster oven to be very greasy and dirty, it’s time to give it a thorough cleaning.

Apply soapy water using a spray bottle or a napkin. Let it sit for a few seconds then scrub with a sponge or kitchen towel. Scrub in a circular motion and all the grease will come right off.

After that, use a dry towel to remove the soap residue, and your oven glass will look brand new again!

Verdict

Now that you know exactly how to clean a toaster oven and keep it in pristine condition, there is no excuse to not do it! The trick is to add light cleanup and maintenance steps to your everyday kitchen ritual.

So while you are cleaning the countertop, clean the glass of the toaster oven. Or give a gentle swipe after each time you use the toaster oven.

It becomes a hassle only if you do it once every six months. Regular cleaning makes the job very easy and effortless!

Do you have any of your own tips? Share with us in the comments down below!

More Related Topics:

What is a Bavette Steak? And How to Cook It.

Posted on May 9, 2021August 22, 2022 by John Bird

Known as the butcher’s cut, bavette is a very popular cut of meat that has lost its charm in recent years. Due to low-quality supermarket meat cuts, this wonderful steak is not something that can be found very easily.

But if you can get a hold of this, or if there are some butcher shops around you, bavette steak is something you have to try! Filled with tons of flavor and depth, this meat is pretty cheap and versatile.

In this article, we will take a closer look at bavette steak and all the confusion surrounding it. This French style cut is a great mid-week meal within a reasonable price. So let’s find out what a bavette steak really is!

You may also like: How long can you keep deli meat in the fridge

What is a Bavette Steak?

bavette steak

So, what is a bavette steak? Bavette is simply the French term for flank steak. So if you are looking for bavette and can’t find it, chances are it was labeled as flank steak and you missed it!

This cut was popularised in France hence the name. Bavette steak is taken from the abdominal of cows, a part which is very well-exercised. Due to this, thick cuts are often tougher than other popular steaks. This is one reason why it’s comparatively cheaper.

But if you know how to prepare your bavette steak properly, you will be amazed at how tender, juicy and meaty it can be. Most people do not like bavette steak because they do not know how to cook it.

We have a solution for that!

How to Cook the Bavette Steak

With many experiments, we have found the best way to cook a bavette steak is to marinate it very well. You can try many different marinades for it.

You will find many bavette steak recipes on the internet. But today we are going to share one of our favorite ways to enjoy bavette steak as a mouth-watering meal.

Decide on the Recipe:

Depending on the recipe, the rest of the steps can vary a lot. If you decide to grill the whole steak, you will have to follow a different preparation method than if you were to stir fry it.

The great thing about bavette steak is, you can try a lot of different recipes with it. It’s incredibly versatile and soaks in flavors.

Marinade It Well!

Marinade It Well

Marination is a very crucial part if you want tender and juicy bavette steak. As bavette and other similar cuts of meat do not have a lot of fat, they can taste a bit dry and tough. Marinating helps to tenderize the muscle fibers so it cooks faster and tastes better.

You can use many different types of marination and there are so many great bavette steak recipes! From classic BBQ style to some eastern twist, you can do anything.

One of our favorite marinades for bavette steak is using soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. Try it once and you will want this delicious dish every day.

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try playing with Indian garam masala and seasonings. They add a certain what and depth to this flavorful cut of meat.

Time to Cook:

preparing flank steak

To cook your bavette steak you can follow a few different methods. Preparing flank steak is a crucial part before cooking. Firstly, you can toss it in the grill and it will be ready in a few minutes.

This is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy a bavette steak. The high heat and smoke from the grill make it tender and easy to chew.

But if you are cooking on your stove, grab your grill pan and add a few drops of sunflower oil to it. Sunflower oil is great for high heat cooking as it doesn’t burn very easily.

When the pan gets super hot, put your bavette steak and let it do its thing for 3-4 minutes. You might see a lot of smoke coming out of the pan but that’s totally normal. As this piece of meat has a lot of liquid, it creates tons of smoke.

Flip your steak and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Then let it rest for 5 minutes and it’s ready to enjoy! You really don’t need more time than this for a perfect medium-rare steak.

How Do You Cut a Bavette Steak?

Bavette steak is not the most tender piece of meat out there. The artistry of it relies on the way it’s been cut. That’s why it’s ideal to purchase your bavette steaks from local butchers instead of supermarkets.

Bavette steaks contain a lot of fibers which makes them quite tough to chew. The solution is to tenderize it. You can tenderize your bavette steak with the help of marinade. This is a pre-cooking method.

When you are eating the steak, always cut it across the fiber and grain. This helps to cut through all those tough lean fibers which are essentially muscles.

You will be able to clew very easily after that. The advantage of a bavette steak is that it’s extremely juicy. This is the key reason why people love this cut of meat so much.

Cooking Tips for Bavette Steak

Now that you know how to make the perfect bavette steak aka braised skirt steak, here are some tips that you can use to make many different dishes:

Use different marinades to add flavor to your dish. Bavette cuts are known to soak up flavors very well.
Use lime and chili in the marinade to add a Mexican punch to the dish. This works very well for BBQs.
Cook your bavette steak quickly and fast on very high heat. Otherwise, you lose a lot of moisture and they become very dry.
Unlike other stakes, you should not use it directly out of the freezer. Let the meat come to room temperature before putting it on a hot pan.
Rest your bavette steak on a piece of foil paper. This ensures even heat distribution.
Always cut your bavette steak in the opposite direction of the muscles. This helps to chew easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. What Cut of Meat is a Bavette Steak?

Though it sounds quite fancy, bavette is just the french name for flank steak. Taken from the abdominal muscles of a cow, bavette steak is a great cut of meat for a wide range of dishes.

Due to its loose texture, it does not get chewy or tough. The tender meat tastes flavorful and juicy in whichever way you prepare.

02. What is Bavette Steak Good for?

You can make a wide range of dishes with bavette steak. We personally love to sear it on a cast iron pan. Grilling it on a charcoal or gas grill adds tons of depth to this meat.

You can add different sauces or use sliced bavette steak for fajitas or shawarmas. It’s a very versatile cut of meat that can be celebrated in many different ways.

03. Is Bavette Steak the Same as Skirt?

It’s very easy to get confused between bavette steak and skirt steak. They both look practically the same with long muscle fibers and rich dark color. They are different, but not the way you’d think.

Both bavette steak and braised skirt steak come from the same region, which is the lower abdomen of a cow. This part actually has quite a few different cuts of meat.

They all basically taste the same. The difference is mainly in the way they are shaped and cut.

The name also varies based on the region you live in. In the UK, this cut is known as hanger steak while in the US, they are known as the butcher’s cut. So onglet, skirt bavette or flank, whichever you decide to call it, is a very tender and delicious cut of beef that should be celebrated more.

04. What Can I Use Instead of Bavette Steak?

If you are preparing a dish that specifically asks for a bavette steak but you don’t have one available, swap it with a skirt steak. You can also use flat iron steak for it.

All these steaks come from the same region of the cow, which is the lower abdomen area. This is why they all have the same texture and bite. This makes them all good alternatives to each other.

05. Why is Flank Steak So Expensive?

It’s quite the opposite actually. Flank steak is one of the cheapest cuts of meat available.

It’s also called the butcher’s cut as most butchers used to keep this piece for themselves. Nowadays flank steaks have grown in popularity due to them being widely used for fajitas.

06. How Long to Cook Skirt Steak in a Pan?

Skirt steak does not require too much time to cook. So traditional steak cooking methods won’t work here. All you need is a super hot pan.

Cook your steak for 3-4 minutes on each side until you get a nice caramelized layer. Then rest your skirt steak for 5 minutes to get a medium-rare doneness level.

07. Is Flank Steak the Same as Brisket?

Flank steak and brisket are not the same even though both come from the underside of a cow. Brisket is a part of the breast portion of the cow whereas flank steak is at the abdomen area.

Brisket is all muscle so you need to cook it for a prolonged period of time. So it works really well in stews, chili, curry, and slow-cooked broth. It’s a great cut of meat for smoking and BBQs too.

Flank steak on the other hand needs high heat cooking. You need to cook it fast otherwise the meat becomes too chewy and dry.

08. Is Bavette Steak Chewy?

Bavette steak is a very well-exercised muscle so it’s definitely not as tender as ribeye or tenderloin. Bavette is quite chewy if you don’t cook it properly. It has a lower fat content so it’s not a great option for slow-cooked recipes.

Bavette steak is best to be cooked on the grill on high flame. Adding marination before cooking ensures that the meat will stay juicy and tender.

09. What is Wagyu Bavette Steak?

Wagyu beef is a premium Japanese cow breed that has a high fat to meat ratio. Due to this wagyu beef is super soft and juicy. It’s so tender that it melts in your mouth.

Wagyu bavette steak is basically a bavette cut from wagyu cows. It doesn’t taste anything like normal bavette steak. It’s more flavorful, and softer due to the marbling.

To Conclude

Bavette is a very underappreciated cut of meat full of flavors and depth. Hopefully, with our easy guide, you will be curious to explore more recipes with it.

It’s affordable and fast to cook, so perfect for when you’re meal-prepping under a budget! Well, even if you are not, who would say no to this delicious steak anyway?

More Related Article:

How Much Caffeine in Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans?

Posted on May 9, 2021February 6, 2023 by John Bird

Probably two of the greatest inventions of humanity are chocolate and coffee. They changed everything for us. And when you combine these two, it creates euphoria in your mouth!

These jam-packed bite-size energy boosters are a classic choice for many. Of course, they are super tasty and delicious, but are they too much to eat so carelessly?

Ever noticed how you can’t fall asleep at night if you eat these choco-espresso beans at night?

Exactly how caffeinated are they?

In this article, we will find out how much caffeine in chocolate covered espresso beans and how you can make them at home!

How Much Caffeine is in Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans?

how much caffeine in chocolate covered espresso beans

Roasted coffee beans dipped in chocolate are a comforting mid-day snack we all crave to have every day. But how caffeinated are they?

We all know both chocolate and coffee have caffeine in them. So when you combine them together, they become small capsules of energy. It’s important to know chocolate covered espresso beans caffeine content so you don’t eat too much of them.

Chocolate Type:

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The type of chocolate and coffee beans you use highly determines how much caffeine it will contain. If you use dark chocolate instead of milk, there will be higher caffeine content. As the chocolate gets darker, the cocoa content increases thus more caffeine.

Dark chocolate has around 85 more cocoa than milk chocolate. The average caffeine in dark chocolate is around 22.7mg/oz. Compared to that, milk chocolate has 5mg/oz caffeine and while chocolate has zero caffeine. You can try the Ghirardelli 86% Cacao Midnight Reverie for it’s luxuriously deep, full-bodied flavor.

Coffee Beans:

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Then comes the coffee beans. There are a handful of different types of coffee beans but the two most popular ones are Arabica and Robusta beans. Arabica beans are what you drink in every coffee shop and cafés. Robusta is stronger and bitter. They are often found in luxury coffee brands.

So exactly how much caffeine in one espresso bean? A single Arabica bean contains around 6mg of caffeine. Robusta on the other hand has around double the caffeine with 10mg per bean.

Most chocolate-covered coffee beans use Arabica beans for their lighter taste. The low caffeine also means you can have more of them without worrying too much. We like illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee for its light caramel notes. It goes really well with chocolates.

As none of us have any self-control while eating these choco-coffee beans, we should pick the best ingredients that make it healthier for us. If you want to try it with Robusta, go for something like FORTE by Filicori Zecchini. It’s a blend between Arabica and Robusta.

When you combine dark chocolate and Arabica beans to create these delicious snacks, the caffeine amount increases a bit. A single chocolate covered espresso beans caffeine content is 6-13 milligrams. This can vary from brand to brand depending on what type of chocolate or coffee beans they are using.

Types of Coffee Beans: Regular vs. Espresso

Regular vs. Espresso

You might have noticed how different recipes mention coffee beans and some others mention espresso beans. While they seem like the same thing, they are not.

Most of us assume the term “espresso” might be referring to a different type of beans. The truth is, it’s all in the roasting.

The main difference between regular beans and espresso beans is the way they are roasted. Espresso beans are roasted for much longer which gives them their signature dark brown color.

Even though many think espresso beans are stronger than regular beans, it’s not true. The more you roast coffee beans, the lesser the caffeine content becomes. Just because espresso beans taste a bit bitter and thicker than regular coffee beans, doesn’t mean they are stronger.

Espresso is short for concentrated coffee. By concentration, it refers to the taste, not the caffeine level. So if you want your chocolate-covered coffee beans to have less caffeine, try using espresso beans to make them. It also tastes better as espresso beans are crunchier due to longer roasting.

How Many Espresso Beans Equal a Cup of Coffee?

how much caffeine in one espresso bean

This is a tough question to answer as each coffee bean comes in a unique size and shape. So to plainly say a specific number would be misleading and wrong. We can however give some assumptions. So how many espresso beans in a shot of espresso??

If we pick an average size of coffee bean then it would take around 40-50 beans to fill up a typical coffee mug. After coating it with chocolate, the number might decrease to 30-35. This amount of coffee beans would have around 60-70 mg of caffeine per cup of beans.

That’s actually not a lot if you compare this to a normal cup of coffee. So if you are trying to cut back on your coffee consumption, coffee beans can be a good alternative.

Do Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans Give You Energy?

Chocolate-covered coffee beans are basically bite-size pieces of energy. They give you an instant boost no matter what time of the day it is.

These beans can give you as much if not more energy than drinking a cup of coffee. Coffee will give you the necessary caffeine kick while the chocolate works as a great glucose source. chocolate covered coffee beans caffeine level is not as low as one might think.

As drinking coffee dilutes the intensity a lot, you get a stronger boost with these coffee beans. The same amount of coffee can give you twice the amount of energy when you eat it this way instead of drinking it.

Some of the health benefits of chocolate-covered coffee beans include:

Coffee beans and chocolate are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants increase our blood circulation.
Higher antioxidant levels also help to boost our immune system.
Dark chocolate is great for heart patients or people with the risk of heart issues. It prevents heart diseases.
Both chocolate and coffee beans are low in cholesterol and fat. So they’re actually a healthy snack especially if you use dark chocolate with no sugar.
These choco-espresso beans can be very beneficial for people who are on a weight loss journey. They don’t have bad cholesterol or too many calories. So they are a great healthy midday snack option.
Caffeine helps to stimulate our brain thus keeping us productive throughout the day. These beans are a great energy booster.
If you have trouble focusing at work, these chocolate covered coffee beans can really help.

How to Eat Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans?

Of course, the obvious way to eat these chocolate covered espresso beans would be just as they are. But if you can, sprinkle some of them on chocolate ice cream or on top of a chocolate cake to decorate.

They not only look luxurious and shiny, but they also add a certain charm to a dessert. Now that we think of it, you can add them to any coffee or chocolate-based dessert as decoration and they would alleviate the whole dish.

You know one of those tricks that makes others think you’ve put too much effort into this? These beans do exactly that.

Even though they look so fancy, they are super easy to make. You can check out our recipe for chocolate covered coffee beans here.

What Happens If You Eat Too Many Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans?

Even though these choco-coffee beans are safe to eat, you can definitely have too many of them. But how many is too many? Well for starters, if you finish a full packet of chocolate-espresso beans, that would indicate eating too many of them.

So what happens if you eat too many of these delicious snacks? You might get a massive sugar spike especially if you’ve used milk chocolate in them.

You might experience muscle twitching and tremble from consuming excess amounts of caffeine. If this happens you might feel your heartbeat increasing and trouble breathing.

If you actually experience any of these issues, lie down on your bed and rest until it all comes back to normal. When we consume too much sugar and caffeine in a small period of time, we experience these things.

If you eat chocolate covered coffee beans at night, it might interfere with your sleep routine. So you might end up staying up all night unable to fall asleep. Now we don’t want that, do we?

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Do Espresso Beans Have Caffeine?

Yes, espresso beans definitely have caffeine in them. A single chocolate covered espresso bean has around 6-12 mg of caffeine. Usually, around 6mg of that comes from the espresso bean and the rest from the chocolate.

However, it is a myth that espresso beans have higher caffeine content compared to regular coffee beans. In fact, they have less caffeine due to longer roasting periods.

The more you roast coffee beans, the lesser the caffeine level becomes. Heat destroys caffeine so if you want higher caffeine content, try blonde coffee instead of espresso coffee.

02. Do Trader Joe’s Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans Have Caffeine?

Trader joe chocolate covered espresso beans are super popular due to their delicious taste and rich coffee flavor. As they are small bite-size pieces, you tend to eat a lot of them without even realizing it. You can also try the Starbucks chocolate covered coffee beans!

So it’s important to know how much caffeine is in those beans. Otherwise, you might end up not being able to sleep all night long!

Trader Joe’s chocolate covered coffee beans have around 13.4 mg of caffeine which is significantly higher than if you were to make it at home. They might not seem like too much but when you start to munch on them, the numbers add up. They can be quite addictive so be careful!

03. Is It Safe to Eat Coffee Beans?

Yes, coffee beans are totally safe to eat as long as you eat them in moderation. They are packed with many different antioxidants and caffeine. So they help to boost your energy and uplift your mood instantly.

The downside of caffeine is, if you consume too much of it, you might feel restless and unsteady. If you eat too many coffee beans in the afternoon, chances are sleep won’t be quite possible for you that night.

Coffee beans are eaten in many different ways in different cultures. Some like to coarsely grind them to add to different dishes along with nuts and seeds. Some add coffee beans to desserts. Chocolate covered coffee beans are probably the most popular ways of enjoying these delicious seeds.

04. Will Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans Keep You Awake?

Yes, chocolate covered coffee beans will definitely keep you awake at night. Don’t be deceived by their small size as these beans are packed with caffeine. As they are very easy to snack on, you can over consume them without realizing it.

Eating too many coffee beans can make you unable to fall asleep. Coffee beans can be stronger than a cup of coffee as they are much higher in concentration and not diluted with water. So it’s important to be mindful of how many you eat.

05. Does Eating Coffee Beans Help You Lose Weight?

Coffee beans are high in antioxidants and caffeine which are natural energy boosters. When you are on a diet, the most common issue is weakness and fatigue. Calories in chocolate covered espresso beans aren’t too high either.

Eating chocolate covered coffee beans can provide the necessary energy you need without having to consume fat or sugar. They are low calorie and free of bad cholesterol. This makes them an excellent option as a healthy snack.

Some recent studies have shown that coffee beans contain chlorogenic acid which naturally tricks the body into burning fat. This can help to lose weight in the long run too.

06. Can I Eat Raw Coffee Beans?

You can eat raw coffee beans but they might not be very enjoyable. Raw coffee beans are extremely tough to bite and chew.

They also have a bitter, acidic, and grassy taste. Unroasted coffee beans taste earthy which is nothing similar to the roasted version we are so familiar with.

If you have never eaten raw coffee beans before, sudden consumption can cause stomach ache as they are quite hard to digest. So it’s just better to eat roasted coffee beans instead of raw ones.

What Can You Take Home?

It turns out, chocolate covered coffee beans are quite caffeinated. As much as we have a can’t-stop-won’t-stop attitude with these choco-coffee beans, we need to be mindful of how much we eat.

Now that you know how much caffeine in chocolate covered espresso beans, hopefully you will consume them in moderation.

They can be quite beneficial for our health and body if you eat them moderately. Just like everything else in life, eating too much of these delicious cocoa-beans can cause the opposite effect.

Does that mean we will stop eating chocolate-espresso beans? Of course NOT. But we will be careful from now on (sort of)!

What do you think? Is it something you’d worry about? Let us know in the comments!

More Related Article:

How to Make Cowboy Coffee Chew: The Best Smokeless Dip Alternative

Posted on May 7, 2021February 11, 2023 by John Bird

So you’ve taken the first step and decided to quit smoking.

Maybe it was your New Year’s resolution for the year. Or maybe you just want to be a little bit healthier. Either way, it’s a big deal and a great idea.

But quitting smoking is easier said than done. You might be tempted to light a cigarette when you’re stressed, tired, bored, or in need of comfort and familiarity. And nicotine addiction is no joke─ you will feel terrible.

There are several things you can do to help the process of going cold turkey; using nicotine patches; using smokeless dips, and tobacco-free chews. And the cheapest method ever: we’ll tell you how to make Cowboy coffee chew.

Let’s get into this intriguing chewing tobacco alternative─ there’s a good deal to go through!

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What is Tobacco Snuff?

Tobacco Snuff

Traditional snuff or dip is finely ground dried tobacco. Snuff comes in two forms, dried or moist. The dried stuff is inhaled through the nasal cavity.

Moist snuff, also known as chew, is placed between your lower cheek or lip and gum. The nicotine is therefore absorbed into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.

This kind of chew is both harmful and addictive. While it can be helpful to people who don’t want to quit cold turkey, it may prevent you from eliminating nicotine from your life altogether. Store-bought snuff contains plenty of tobacco and nicotine, which can lead to cancers such as

Nasal and Sinus Cancers
Oral Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer

Other health risks associated with snuff tins include greater chances of strokes, heart disease, pulmonary issues, high blood pressure, heart attacks, and cardiac diseases. Moist snuff can also cause halitosis, tooth decay, yellowing teeth, and gum infections.

Instead of something that is so obviously bad for you, Cowboy coffee chews are a safer, healthier, and more pleasant alternative. Better yet, why not make them yourself?

Cowboy Coffee Chew: A Quick Intro

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Cowboy Coffee Chew is a good option for those looking to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. It has no tobacco or nicotine, which makes it much safer and healthier for you while making it even faster for you to get over the urge to smoke.

This non-tobacco alternative is a great option for regular chewing tobacco or snuff. As it contains coffee, it has the ability to stimulate you through the caffeine present.

This stimulating property acts as a substitute for the effects of nicotine. It also suppresses hunger and decreases appetite.

Cowboy coffee dip can be ordered online in bulk and you can easily get a month’s supply to handle your cravings for smoking. Cowboy coffee chew in stores is also a good option, although they might be a little more expensive.

Why is this product so popular? Well, cowboy coffee chew ingredients include things like coffee, honey, creamer, and sugar. As a result, it tastes a lot like a freshly brewed cup of coffee.

Some people mix some of the coffee chew with a little smokeless tobacco dip during the earlier stage of nicotine withdrawal, as it makes the process easier.

Cowboy coffee chew reviews are full of praise as the product is effective, tastes great, and helps you get over the urge to smoke much more quickly. But if you feel like you need a giant supply of chews, repeatedly buying them can burn a hole through your wallet.

Instead, you can make them at home.

Cowboy Coffee Chew Recipe

Cowboy Coffee Chew

Making cowboy coffee chews at home is a cost-effective and easy way to ensure you have an endless supply of tobacco-free chews at home. Homemade cowboy coffee chew recipes are fairly straightforward, and chances are, you already have all the stuff needed.

The best part? One or two of these chews will give you the caffeine rush of a cup of coffee, so you’ll be alert, awake, and ready to take on the world!

What You Need:

A cup of quality coffee beans
A good coffee grinder
Honey or molasses (As Needed)
A tablespoon of corn syrup
Dairy or plant-based creamer (As needed)
A drop or two of food-grade essential oil in wintergreen, peppermint, or spearmint (Optional)
Parchment paper
Large box or tin

Instructions:

Before you start, line a large baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Cut out small lengths of parchment paper─ you’ll need these to wrap the individual chews in later.
Grind your coffee beans to a reasonably fine consistency. You don’t want them to be too coarse or ultrafine either. Chewing coffee grounds should be the texture of fine sand, not powder.
In a large bowl, mix the ground coffee, corn syrup, creamer, and honey or molasses. Start with a little bit of the sweetener and add more if needed later. You should aim for the typical chew texture.
Working quickly, pour the mixture onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper, flattening it out. Once it is level and flattened, cut the chew into bite-sized pieces and wrap them in the lengths of parchment paper.
Lastly, store the wrapped chews in a large airtight container or tin.

It is best to heat the corn syrup gently, as it will warm the chew and make it easier to work with. Some users also suggest warming the individual chews in your pocket or between your hands before putting them in your mouth.

What Makes Cowboy Coffee Chews So Special?

This product is a safer and cleaner version of cowboy chewing tobacco. It has the same texture and will trick your brain into thinking it is getting a dose of nicotine. But besides that, homemade cowboy coffee chews have the following benefits:

They contain less sugar
They do not have artificial flavoring or preservatives
The caffeine will keep you awake and alert
They don’t contain any tobacco or nicotine
You can add any flavor you want, like chocolate, cinnamon, or caramel
They are very cheap to make
The texture and flavoring are way better than regular snuff

Still Got Questions?

Here you will find answers to questions people tend to have about making cowboy coffee chew.

01. How Do I Store Cowboy Coffee Chews?

Cowboy coffee chews need to be stored in an airtight container and kept away from heat, light, and humidity.

02. How Much Caffeine is There in a Pinch of Chew?

As each small tin has 3 coffee cups worth of caffeine, a pinch contains enough caffeine to keep you awake for a bit.

03. Does Cowboy Coffee Chew Expire?

While people don’t really talk about their chew expiring, they do tend to become drier over time, until you can’t exactly use them anymore.

04. Can I Mix My Coffee Chew with Tobacco Snuff?

Yes, cutting a little snuff with a pinch of coffee chew is a good way to reduce your intake of tobacco and decrease your nicotine dependence.

05. What are Other Cowboy Chew Flavors?

You can buy Cowboy Chew in flavors like BBQ, sweet hickory, and steak. When made at home, you can add any flavoring you want, so the possibilities are endless.

In a Nutshell

Quitting smoke is a journey and there will be leaps of progress and days full of setbacks. Coping with nicotine dependence is rough and you are encouraged to use whatever it takes to get through the first couple of days.

While nicotine patches help, we suggest shying away from snuff boxes and chewing tobacco. Instead, use smokeless tobacco alternatives like coffee chews.

Once you know how to make cowboy coffee chews, you have a fun project and can make large batches of these that last for ages. You can experiment with fun flavor combos, skip your morning coffee for a chew, and rest easy knowing that your tobacco alternative is safe and healthy.

How to Use Bunn Coffee Maker: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

Posted on May 7, 2021February 6, 2023 by John Bird

Have you ever stumbled into your kitchen half-asleep at 6 in the morning, unable to speak until you’ve got your drip-coffee maker running and the first gulp of caffeinated goodness in you? If so, you have the inventor of the Bunn coffee maker to thank.

Why?

The company behind coffee makers like the Bunn GRB Velocity Brew, the Bunn-O-Matic, Bunn 52700 Speed Brew Elite, are credited for inventing pour-over drip coffee makers. The founder of Bunn also created the flat-bottom fluted coffee filter.

Whether you have been using Bunn coffee makers and want to upgrade to a newer model, or you want to start your foray into pour-over drip coffee machines, you may wonder how to use Bunn coffee maker.

Lucky for you, this article will tell you how to get your Bunn coffee maker up and running. If you want a simplified guide on using this line of coffee machines, keep reading to learn more!

What is a Bunn Coffee Maker?

What is a Bunn Coffee Maker

Bunn coffee makers are automatic drip machines that use the pour-over method to brew coffee. They come in a variety of models, but the main difference between them is the brewing capacity.

You can get single-serve Bunn brewers that make just one cup of coffee, as well as 10-cup coffee makers that can make an entire carafe’s worth of coffee.

But that’s not all. These coffee makers are pretty easy to use, and they can brew a cup of coffee in just a few minutes!

However, most people ask how do Bunn coffee makers work? This is because they have a unique brewing mechanism and pour-over drip coffee makers work differently from automatic drip ones.

A Bunn coffee maker’s design is attached to its brewing mechanism. These coffee makers have a big tank in the back and a brewer funnel in the front. The front side of most Bunn machines is a carafe warmer that keeps your coffee warm after brewing.

Bunn coffee makers follow a pretty simple process. Once you pour filtered water into the brewer and close the lid, the brewer sends the water to the bottom of the tank via a special pipe. Since the water already inside the water tank is hot, the cold water will push it upwards.

During the brewing process, the showerhead of a Bunn sprays the coffee with hot water─ a bit like the manual pour-over method.

How to Use a Bunn Coffee Maker

how to use bunn coffee maker

If you’ve been wondering ‘How do you start a Bunn coffee maker for the first time?’, you’ve come to the right place. This coffee machine is extremely simple to use and you can use it in any kitchen or office space with a power source.

Along with your Bunn coffee maker, you will need the following things:

Freshly ground coffee (preferably espresso coffee beans, or even light-roast coffee)
Up to 10 cups of fresh water, depending on your coffee maker
Coffee cup or mug
Sweetener of choice (optional)

First-Time Setup:

If you just unboxed a brand-new Bunn coffee maker, you need to set it up before brewing your cup of joe. It’s not very difficult, but you need to know what you are doing. Remember, don’t plug in the brewer unit before setting it up completely.

Instructions:

During this step make sure the machine is unplugged and switched off.
The water heating switch is generally located on the right bottom side of the coffee maker. Again, make sure the switch is turned off, as it can damage your Bunn device.
Make sure the brew funnel is in place, but do not insert a filter into the coffee maker just yet.
After the machine is set up and the funnel is in the right place, fill the coffee maker with up to 10 cups of fresh water, depending on the model of your brewer. Then, close the lid of the Bunn.
Place the carafe under the dispensing spout on the warmer. This way, if the machine starts brewing, you won’t have a mess on your hands.
The water will take 3 minutes to flow into the tank. Once the reservoir is full, your Bunn coffee maker is ready to brew.

Making the Coffee:

Once your coffee maker is all set up and ready, you can move onto making a steaming cup of coffee.

What You Need to Do:

When the reservoir is full and you are ready to brew coffee, plug the brewer into a power socket.
Then, turn the heating switch on. It will take around 15 minutes for the water to heat up properly.
After that, place your ground coffee and filter paper in the coffee maker.
Fill a carafe with cold water and add it to the brewer. Then set the coffee maker to its brew function.
Place the empty carafe under the brew funnel or dispenser to catch the coffee as it drips. As the coffee is dispensed, you can turn on the warmer function if your brewer has one.
Once your coffee starts brewing, you will have a full carafe of rich and fragrant coffee in minutes.
Pour your coffee into a cup, add sweetener if you want, and enjoy!

Why isn’t My Bunn Coffee Maker Heating Up?

If you find that your coffee maker isn’t warming up the water properly, you need to troubleshoot to find out what is wrong with it. The most common reason is usually a faulty heating element or a thermostat not working properly.

However, your Bunn coffee maker can also experience issues with the control board, thermal fuses, and even an ill-functioning water heater switch.

The best thing to do with a Bunn coffee maker that refuses to heat up properly is to contact customer service. They will be able to tell you what to do next and how you may remedy the matter. In most cases, you will need to repair or replace the part of the coffee maker that is malfunctioning.

How to Empty a Bunn Coffee Maker

Draining a coffee maker to get rid of excess water is a good way to make sure you don’t have to make coffee with stale water. This will prevent moisture and fungi from flourishing in the moist environment, and ensure your coffee always tastes crisp and fresh.

Unplug your Bunn coffee maker and place an empty carafe or decanter on the machine’s warming plate.
Fill a second jug or carafe with cold water and pour it into the reservoir to cool the heating element inside the coffee maker. Let the machine rest for about 15 minutes once it has been unplugged and the cold water has been poured in.
Next, remove the coffee carafe from the warming plate and pull the machine’s filter basket from the brewer. Empty the contents of the carafe and filter basket into a sink and rinse them under warm running water.
Turn the round disc over the brew funnel in a counterclockwise motion until it comes off. This component is called the spray head and it helps to evenly spray hot water over the coffee grounds.
Then, hold the Bunn coffee maker securely in your arms as you turn it upside down over a sink to pour out the contents of the tank. Keep holding the coffee maker over the sink until water stops pouring from any part of the machine.
Replace the spray head by screwing it back on into the brewer unit. Set the filter basket and glass coffee carafe back into their original positions and refill the reservoir with clean water if you want to brew coffee right away.
Wait for at least 5 minutes before switching the Bunn coffee maker on again once it has been emptied and then refilled.

Still Have Questions?

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about using a Bunn coffee maker.

01. How Long Does It Take for a Bunn Coffee Maker to Heat the Water?

It generally takes a Bunn coffee maker about 15 minutes to heat the water in it. However, this may vary slightly depending on the exact model you purchased.

02. Should I Always Leave My Bunn Coffee Maker on All the Time?

You can do so, but leaving water in your reservoir can invite a whole horde of bacteria and nasty germs to live there. Your coffee will also have a stale taste when brewed.

Because of this, you need to fill the reservoir to keep the brewer on all the time, but empty it out and refill it with fresh water just before making coffee.

03. Can I Clean a Bunn Coffee Maker with Vinegar?

To remove deposits from inside your coffee maker, fill the brewer with equal parts water and white vinegar and run this mixture through the Bunn device. For more details, check out how to clean your coffee maker in detail.

04. How Much Coffee Do I Put in a Bunn Coffee Maker?

Depending on how strong you like your coffee, add one to two heaping tablespoons of coffee into the brewer for each cup.

05. Do Bunn Coffee Makers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Because Bunn coffee makers brew coffee in a very short time, they need a lot of electricity. As a result, this may translate to a steeper electricity bill.

In Conclusion

A good cup of coffee soothes the soul and bolsters the spirit on the bleakest of days. If you are always on the run, a good coffee maker like Bunn pour-over machines will whip up a quick cup of joe in no time at all.

How to use a Bunn coffee maker may be a common question for those new to this kind of appliance, but once you use one a few times, you’ll get a hang of them quickly.

If you have a Bunn coffee maker sitting in its box in your kitchen, I hope this guide has inspired you to take it out, set it up, and brew yourself a lovely pot of coffee. Sit back with a nice dessert and enjoy your coffee─ you deserve a nice little treat!

How to Store Brewed Coffee & Keep It Fresh

Posted on May 5, 2021September 21, 2022 by John Bird

Have you lovingly prepared a cup of coffee, only to be called away before you could drink it?

Maybe you have to go run errands, or tend to your kids or get back to work.

But coffee is expensive and throwing out your brewed joe can feel like a stab in the wallet. And reheating your coffee in the microwave after leaving it on the counter for a few hours can make it taste like warm dishwater. Can brewed coffee go bad? Yes, and then it’s no good.

Whether you want a plan to keep your coffee fresh after abandoning it, or you want to brew a big batch in advance for guests, this article will show you how to store brewed coffee. Freshly brewed coffee can retain its vibrant and rich flavor with just a few tips and tweaks.

So the next time you have trouble storing brewed coffee, just come back to this article and you’ll be good to go!

How to Keep Brewed Coffee Fresh

how to store brewed coffee

If you hate waking early in the morning, you may be tempted to brew your coffee the night before. How to store brewed coffee overnight? Brewed coffee starts being oxidized as soon as it is exposed to air, and lasts 2 hours before it loses its flavor.

So how can you extend the life of your beloved cup of coffee without any change in flavor?

Here’s what you got to do:

Take It Off the Heat:

If you are making drip coffee or percolator coffee, you need to take your coffee off the heat as soon as it has finished brewing. When left on the burner, the coffee can be over-extracted and begins to be oxidized even faster. This will make it taste burnt, sour, and acrid.

Keep It Warm:

Just because you need to take your coffee pot off the heat, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep it warm. You just need to do it without any extra heat.

The best way to do this is by decanting your coffee into an insulated airtight thermos. The airtight thermos will slow down the process of oxidation and help preserve the flavor and keep the coffee warm at the same time.

This is also convenient, as you can bring your coffee along with you wherever you are and enjoy it without any loss of flavor.

Add Creamer to Your Hot Coffee:

hot coffee

This might sound pretty strange, but adding cream to your hot coffee can stretch its lifespan and preserve its flavor. Things like cold milk, cream, half-and-half, and even plant-based milk and creamers actually keep the coffee hotter for longer.

There are a couple of reasons for this, all explained by science. Firstly, black coffee is darker so it emits heat at a faster rate than lighter colored coffee that has creamer added to it. Similarly, once you add cold cream, the initial temperature drops, but then the coffee gives off heat much more slowly.

Another reason may be because viscous liquids (like coffee with cream) evaporate more slowly than something more fluid than black coffee. As a result, there will be reduced heat loss through evaporation.

Refrigerate It:

Many people who enjoy iced coffee hate the fact that they need to start with hot coffee and pour it over ice. A lot of ice is needed to cool the coffee and as the ice melts, it can water down the coffee.

So, how to store brewed coffee in the fridge? After the coffee has been brewed, pour it into a secure carafe and put it in the fridge. The coffee won’t lose any flavor, and it will be nice and cold so you won’t have to go overboard with the ice.

Use Coffee Ice Cubes:

This is another great tip for iced coffee lovers who hate the idea of watered-down joe. Brew a pot of strong coffee and then fill an ice cube tray with it. Freeze the cubes and whenever you want iced coffee, use these frozen coffee cubes instead of ice.

If you want an iced latte, pour a glass of milk and then drop a couple of coffee ice cubes for a smooth and silky cup of coffee that isn’t diluted at all.

Store Ground Coffee Instead:

If you are worried that cranking up your favorite coffee grinder will wake the dead at the crack of dawn, you grind a whole batch in advance. While it is true that ground coffee loses flavor after a couple of hours, there are some ways to get around this.

To store ground coffee, simply store them in a tight airtight container away from sunlight. But how to store brewed coffee grounds? There are lots of things you can do with used coffee grounds; like using them in a compost bin or repurposing it as a body scrub.

Place your used grounds on one or two sheets of kitchen towels. Squeeze out any moisture left in them. Then leave them to dry out on the counter, on a windowsill, or even out in the sun if that’s possible.

The key to storing the coffee grounds properly without them going moldy is to dry them as thoroughly as possible. Then store them in a freezer or fridge in some kind of airtight container.

Freeze an Entire Pot of Coffee:

Just like freezing coffee in an ice cube tray, you can also freeze an entire pot of coffee in a plastic carafe. This would make it easy to prepare a large batch of iced coffee or, even hot coffee if you want to reheat it in a microwave or even gently on a double boiler.

Store your coffee in the freezer some kind of airtight container or jar. Then, 12 hours before you wish to serve the coffee, move the coffee to the fridge. Your coffee will be cold, liquid, and perfect tasting.

Uses for Stale Coffee:

If you’ve accidentally left your coffee out on the counter and it has lost most of its flavor, you don’t have to throw the whole thing out. Instead, you can put it to the following uses:

Add It to Your Cooking:

Coffee has been used in many Latin American dishes, including savory ones. Coffee seriously raises the umami profile of meaty dishes like stews and roasts. Also, some recipes call for a splash or two of black coffee in marinades for BBQs and grilled meats.

Want a simple, yet fancy steak dinner? Marinate it in a mix of red wine, black coffee, and a sprig of rosemary. In the mood for a lavish breakfast? Try making fried eggs with coffee chipotle mole for a rich flavored breakfast that wakes you right up.

Include It in Desserts:

Coffee and chocolate desserts go hand in hand. A splash of coffee or a pinch of espresso powder brings out the taste of chocolate, intensifying it and adding a bitter twist to balance out the sweetness in mousses, brownies, and chocolate cake.

You can also use the previously brewed coffee in puddings, custards, and even buttercream frosting. People even add coffee to their muffins, waffles, pancakes, and scones, for a coffee breakfast that will perk you up.

Looking for a project that will cool you down in the heat? You can even make coffee ice cream from leftover coffee!

Indulge in Happy Hour:

Coffee is an important part of coffee-based drinks like cocktails. Mixed coffee drinks have a significant need for leftover coffee and you can use it to make things like an espresso martini or a fancy Jazzed Up, or even a Southern Limerick.

Coffee cocktails can be something simple like a splash of whisky in your coffee, or a luxurious creation. Depending on your mood or the time of the day, you can let your imagination run wild.

Have Other Questions

01. How Long is Coffee Good for in the Fridge?

Once your coffee has been brewed, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days safely without any change in flavor or texture. However, you can extend this time period by freezing the coffee instead.

02. Does Brewed Coffee Go Bad?

When left outside, brewed coffee becomes acrid and sour after 12 hours.

03. Does Cold Brew Coffee Need to be Refrigerated?

Cold-brew doesn’t need to be refrigerated after it has been brewed, but keeping it inside in the fridge will keep it nice and cold.

04. How Long Can I Drink Hot Coffee after It Has Been Brewed?

It is usually considered best to drink coffee 30 minutes after it has been brewed for the best flavor. You can however stretch this out for an hour or two, but after that, the taste will deteriorate.

In a Nutshell

Knowing how to store brewed coffee will help you make coffee in advance and keep it fresh for a longer time. This comes in handy if you are busy and don’t have time to brew a fresh pot all the time, or if you want to brew a batch beforehand for a large gathering or guests.

If you are partial to iced coffee, you will certainly enjoy the tips mentioned above. Either way, which method will you be trying out first when storing your brew?

Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity: Which Coffee Grinder Takes the Cake?

Posted on May 5, 2021August 15, 2022 by John Bird

If you’ve decided to curb your Starbucks by making coffee at home, chances are you’ve invested in some sort of coffee maker, like an espresso machine or French press. You’ve bought high-quality coffee beans and an assortment of syrups and sauces.

But the one thing we tend to overlook is the humble coffee grinder. While this is a less glamorous aspect of coffee making, it is a crucial step for perfectly brewed coffee. And while noisy, this stage is what infuses your home with that lovely roasted coffee bean smell we know and adore.

There are loads of great coffee grinders out there for novice brewers, so there’s a good chance you’ll be spoiled for choice. Instead, why not have a look at a pair of grinders that are quite popular among home baristas?

This article will give you the ultimate Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity, so you can figure out which one will work best for you. We’ll be taking a look at each of the coffee grinders first, before comparing their features.

So, without further ado, let’s find out which device packs the greatest grind.

The Baratza Encore in a Nutshell

[amazon box=”B007F183LK”]

The Baratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder is a small and compact coffee bean grinder meant for home use. It is the perfect tool for those who just want a uniform grind and quality coffee without shelling out the big bucks.

Baratza specializes in making coffee grinders and is known for next-level customer service. Don’t believe it? You can easily get a Baratza encore burr replacement, and even refurbish your old unit with their repair program.

Besides this, the Baratza grinder is very easy to use and has a simple interface with a few clearly marked buttons. There is an ON/OFF switch and a pulse button, both of which give you absolute control over how fine you want your coffee.

As there are 40 grind settings, the ground coffee from the Encore is suitable for several brewing methods. The burrs are made from hardened alloy steel, which gives the grinder a sturdiness as well as finer grind ability.

Key Features:

Dimensions: 4.7 x 6.3 x 13.8 inches
Weight: 6.83 pounds
Manufacturer: Baratza

Pros:

The appliance comes with a warranty, a repair program, and reliable customer service.
Comes apart easily and safely for cleaning, so there is no risk of accidents.
The pulse option makes dispersal much easier and gives you better control over ground size.
Has 40 grind settings and works well for various brewing methods.
Can be connected to other coffee accessories and attachments.

Cons:

You have to manually grind the beans as there is no auto-shutoff feature.

Why Customers Love It:

This coffee grinder is popular because of its elegant design and sheer simplicity. The Baratza Encore is perfect for beginner-level brewers because it does what it says and won’t overwhelm you with choices and unnecessary customizations. At the same time, experienced brewers will love it because of how durable and reliable it is.

A Quick Look at the Capresso Infinity

[amazon box=”B0000AR7SY”]

In terms of features and performance, the Capresso Infinity burr grinder is quite comparable to the Baratza Encore. Also known as the Capresso 560 Infinity burr grinder, it has commercial-grade steel burrs with an advanced cutting design.

Like the Encore, it has a variety of grinds and can produce coarse grinds for Turkish coffee, and finer grounds for pour-over brewing. What makes it special? The intense aroma preserves the richness of the coffee beans in a sip of your final product.

Also, the sharp blades and powerful motor creates very little, resulting in a grinder that works much more quietly than similar models. It is also easy to clean and can be disassembled quickly.

It has 16 grind settings, as the focus is on efficiency and simplicity over customizations and endless options. It also works quickly and has an auto-shutoff feature, so you won’t have to babysit your coffee grinder.

Key Features:

Dimensions: 14.6 x 9.6 x 7.8 inches
Weight: 4 pounds
Manufacturer: Capresso

Pros:

Very easy to use, making it perfect for new home grinders.
Makes very little noise when in use.
Comes with complimentary tools for cleaning and maintenance.
Sturdy and durable body, so it is suitable for long-term use.
Preserves aroma and body even for the finest grind.

Cons:

Fewer grind settings to choose from.
Can result in a static charge for some brands of coffee beans, which can result in a little mess.

Why Customers Love It:

As far as entry-level coffee grinders go, this one packs quite a punch. It is simple, yet powerful which makes it ideal for use at home and in small office spaces. The auto-shutoff feature and grind settings give you a good deal of freedom when brewing. Also, the design is funky and innovative, which contrasts with the quality coffee grounds it produces.

Baratza Encore Vs Capresso Infinity: How Do They Compare

baratza encore vs capresso infinity

Here’s a quick rundown on how the two coffee grinders differ in performance, design, and other factors.

Ease of Use:

It is safe to say that the two are pretty much tied in this category. Both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are meant for beginners, which makes them easy to use. They have clear interfaces, labeled buttons and knobs, and just a few straightforward settings that need to be tackled.

Design:

Both of the coffee grinders are well designed and are meant to work for a long time. Each one has a conical bean container while including a different compartment for the ground coffee. Both have heavy-duty plastic chassis that can resist wear and tear.

The Baratza has steel alloy burrs, while the Capresso uses commercial-grade steel. However, they both function similarly and get a fine ground.

Size and Weight:

This one is interesting. While the Baratza Encore is smaller in size, it is actually heavier than the Capresso, which is larger. In spite of this, both are suitable for the average kitchen counter space. If you have very little room, you will prefer the Baratza.

Capacity:

When it comes to the capacity for holding whole coffee beans and their ground counterparts, the Baratza has an 8-ounce hopper and a 5-ounce grounds bin. Meanwhile, the Capresso Infinity has an 8.8-ounce hopper that can hold 4 ounces.

However, the Baratza Encore conical burr coffee grinder with bin feature allows you to add an accessory that gives you an extra 9 ounces of storage. My take? Go for the Capresso if you only drink coffee periodically and have less storage space.

Grind Settings:

This is where the Baratza really gets to shine. It has a whopping 40 grind settings that will cover almost any kind of brewing needs. You can produce anything from a coarse grind to an ultrafine powdery one. This means you grind coffee for French Press, Moka pot, drip coffee makers, and even the pour-over method.

This grinder is designed to run at 250 RPM, but you can manually alter the motor to 200 and 299 RPM to get an even more consistent grind.

On the other hand, the Capresso is more suited for the minimalist brewer. There are 16 grind settings in four categories. It runs at less than 250 RPM, which keeps the motor cool and quiet, but you can’t manually adjust the RPMs.

Price:

The Baratza is a little pricier than the Capresso, but it makes sense when you factor in the high-quality burrs, better grind settings, and the fact that you can attach and use extra accessories with this unit.

However, if you want something affordable, the Capresso is a better option.

Performance:

When it comes to grinding power, both units perform very well. They both grind coffee according to your specifications and produce a grind that is just the way you like it. They work quickly and cleanly so there is little mess to clean up.

Coffee made from both the Baratza and the Capresso has a clear and strong taste, a lovely aroma, and brews like a dream. Whether you like your coffee black or with some sort of creamer, hone brewers and pros love the flavor and texture!

Needless to say, it’s a tie on this front!

Here are the differences between the two coffee grinders summed up neatly:

Feature	Baratza Encore	Capresso Infinity
Grind Settings	40	16
Burr Material	Alloy Steel	Commercial Steel
Price	More Expensive	More Affordable
Ease of Use	ON/OFF and Pulse Buttons	Auto-Shutoff Feature
Hopper Capacity	8 oz.	8.8 oz.
Ground Capacity	5 oz.	4 oz.
Usable with Accessories?	Yes	No

Where You Can Get the Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity

[amazon box=”B007F183LK,B0000AR7SY”]

The good news is that you can find both of these coffee grinders pretty easily. Both the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity can be purchased on Amazon. However, you can also order them from the Baratza and Capresso websites.

These appliances can also be found in chain stores like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot. They are easily accessible, so you might even see them at local stores and shops!

Still Got Questions?

Here you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about the differences between Baratza Encore and Capresso Infinity.

01. Is the Baratza Encore Worth Buying?

Yes, this is an affordable option for both new and experienced home baristas. It is even a good option for small coffee shops and diners, as well as offices. Although it is small, it works very well and grinds coffee according to your specifications.

02. Is Baratza Encore Good for Espresso?

While it isn’t marketed as a grinder for espresso, you can grind coffee for espresso with the Baratza. This works best on the ultrafine grind settings.

03. How Long Does the Baratza Encore Last?

The burrs of the Baratza Encore can run for 10 years, and grind over 500 pounds of coffee.

04. Where Are Capresso Coffee Grinders Made?

Capresso’s grinders are made and assembled in Switzerland.

05. How Do I Maintain a Baratza Encore?

These steps will help you keep your Baratza clean and functioning properly:

Twist and remove the hopper: First, twist the hopper on top of the grinder. It will come away easily when the nubbins are aligned.
Remove the top gasket and set it aside: The top gasket is located right at the front of the grinder and can be taken out with your fingers.
Remove the burr and clean with a brush: Below the top gasket and in the very center of the grinder are the burrs which tend to be the dirtiest. Clean with a brush and wipe away the excess.
Clean inside the grinder: Use the same brush to clean the inside of the machine. However, don’t turn it upside down to dislodge any debris.
Brush away all excess and replace the top: If any loose grounds or dust are remaining on the components, brush them off and wipe down the exterior before putting the grinder back together.

06. Is Baratza made in China?

The burrs are made in Europe and the Baratza grinder is built in Taiwan.

Final Verdict

Most entry-grade coffee grinders work similarly, but the Baratza Encore and the Capresso Infinity are unique because they are also popular among more experienced brewers and baristas. When it comes to a Baratza Encore vs Capresso Infinity comparison, the Baratza comes out ahead with its durability and grind settings.

However, the Capresso can hold down on its own just fine. It works very well and is great for smaller budgets. With all that being said, which one of the two would you prefer using? Or are you looking for a more sophisticated coffee grinder?

What is the Strongest Coffee? (Really Strong Ones)

Posted on May 4, 2021February 3, 2023 by John Bird

For the longest time, I thought the coffee flavor determines how strong the coffee is. I’m sure a lot of people think the same way. Well, guess what? It’s totally wrong!

When we feel sluggish, the first thing most of us do is grab a coffee. But for those specific days where you need to stay at your 100%, attention can drift and the mind can wander. The solution is pretty simple. Try a high caffeinated coffee for once.

In this article, we have tried to put together all the strong coffee brands for when you want a strong kick of caffeine.

What is the Strongest Coffee?

strong coffee brands

I used to think the bitter your coffee tastes the stronger it is. Well, it turns out that’s not the case at all. The strength of your coffee is determined by the amount of caffeine it contains. And caffeine is dependent on the type of coffee beans you use.

So it all comes down to the coffee beans. Most coffee places use Arabica beans which do not have that high amount of caffeine. The serving size is also an important factor to keep in mind.

Arabica and Robusta are the two most popular types of coffee beans around the world. Robusta, however, has more than double the caffeine content. Most instant coffee uses Robusta beans for that reason.

So if you are wondering which coffee has the most caffeine, look for Robusta beans. On that note, keep in mind, the roast style does not impact too much on the caffeine level. So whether you go for a dark roast or a light one, it’s all the same.

What Makes a Cup of Coffee Strong?

Caffeine Content

Caffeine is the primary stimulant in coffee, and the amount of caffeine influences the potency of the coffee. A coffee with a higher caffeine concentration is stronger. A typical cup of coffee has approximately 95 mg of caffeine.

Roast Leve

The roast level of coffee influences its strength as well. A darker roast offers a stronger flavour profile, and the longer the roasting process, the more caffeine there is. Light roasts, on the other hand, are gentler and contain less caffeine.

Origin

The origin of the coffee beans might also influence its strength. Different locations produce coffee beans with differing caffeine levels, and certain nations, such as South and Central America, are noted for producing stronger coffee. The soil, climate, and altitude of a place can all have an impact on the growth of the coffee plant and the strength of the coffee it produces.

The Health Consequences of Drinking Strong Coffee

While most people perceive coffee to be healthy, excessive caffeine use can have significant health consequences. The following are some of the negative health effects of drinking strong coffee:

Consequence	Description
Sleep Disruption	Caffeine, a stimulant, can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia, especially if consumed late in the day.
Heart Problems	Caffeine can raise heart rate and cause palpitations, which can be dangerous for those with cardiac problems.
Dehydration	Caffeine is a diuretic and increases the desire to urinate, leading to dehydration.
Stomach Trouble	Excessive coffee consumption can cause stomach issues such as acid reflux, nausea, and diarrhea.
Anxiety	Caffeine can make some people anxious, and strong coffee may amplify this effect.

✍️ Note: These health consequences can vary from person to person and depend on individual caffeine tolerance and sensitivity. Consult with a healthcare expert before making changes to your coffee consumption.

The Strongest Coffee Brands

Here are some of the best coffee brands with the strongest caffeine level. Keep reading to find out what is the strongest coffee to buy. We have included amazon links to help you find them easily.

01. Death Wish:

[amazon box=”B006CQ1ZHI”]

Caffeine Level: 728 mg/mug
Bean type: Secret

Just like the name sounds, it is indeed a Death Wish if you want to try this coffee. Made with a premium blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, this coffee will leave you with a smooth, subtle yet intense flavor.

Many people claim this to be the strongest coffee in the world. With its 728mg/12 oz caffeine level, you honestly can not argue with them.

To put things in perspective, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the safe limit for daily caffeine intake is 400mg. This means one cup of Death Wish is stronger than 5-6 cups of normal coffee!

The beans are sourced from Peru and India, the two best places for high-quality Robusta beans. The brand, however, does not reveal the type of coffee beans they use. Whatever they are using is working is stronger than anything else which is why Death Wish is at the top of our list.

We will talk about Death Wish Coffee shortly again. But before that, let’s explore our other picks!

Buy Death Wish Coffee from amazon.

02. Black Insomnia:

[amazon box=”B06XBY2YRB”]

Caffeine: 702mg/mug
Bean type: Whole bean

Another one that could easily be on the no.1 on our list is Black Insomnia. There are controversies that Black Insomnia has a higher caffeine level than Death Wish. Whether it’s true or not, it’s definitely one of the strongest coffee in the world.

The first thing that will catch your eyes is the packaging. It’s almost as if the coffee is warning you not to drink it. But for the hardcore coffee enthusiasts, this sounds like a challenge!

We must say, the taste of Black Insomnia is not anything unique from other premium coffee brands. The main difference is the high caffeine level.

So you will be awake the whole night without feeling an inch of tiredness. Pretty brutal if you ask us!

We must warn again that no one should consume coffee like Black Insomnia and Death wish every single day. This is probably not very healthy. But when you need that caffeine boost and kick, there is nothing better to go to.

Buy Black Insomnia Coffee from amazon

03. Biohazard Coffee:

[amazon box=”B01BO5D218″]

Caffeine: 928 mg
Bean type: Whole bean

Claimed to have 928 mg caffeine per 16 ounces, Biohazard Coffee can easily be on the top of our list. This one is another brand that claims to be “world’s strongest coffee”. One thing we like about biohazard is that it’s not pre-grounded like most options.

As it’s a whole bean coffee, you have to grind the beans yourself. There are some great grinders that can do the job in seconds.

When we want stronger coffee, we add an extra tablespoon of coffee beans. This not only wastes a lot of money, but it also does not make the coffee much caffeinated. Biohazard is efficient in the sense that you don’t need too many coffee grounds to make an energy-boosting beverage.

If you are into fitness a lot, this brand is worth checking out. It’s great for working out and hyperfocusing.

Buy Biohazard Coffee from amazon.

04. Devil Mountain:

[amazon box=”B07C2KSMQD”]

Caffeine: 1555 mg
Bean type: Dark roast.

For most coffee lovers, aroma and flavor is a big factor in deciding which coffee to go for. Not all of us drink coffee only for the caffeine boost. For those who want both, Devil Mountain is a great option.

This one is a gourmet coffee that provides a smooth and strong flavor. The great thing is, despite being one of the most caffeinated coffees, it’s not bitter at all.

Devil Mountain uses premium high-altitude organic beans that have a rich body. So your coffee won’t feel too watery or thin.

This non-GMO and gluten-free option is known as a cherished find for coffee connoisseurs. Who says strong coffee has to be burnt and bitter?

Buy Devil MountainCoffee from amazon.

05. Nuke Coffee:

[amazon box=”B08FY324NT”]

Bean source: Indonesia
Bean type: Arabica and Robusta

If you are picky about where your coffee beans come from, try Nuke Coffee without a hint of doubt. Brought from the heart of Sumatra’s volcanic mountains, this coffee tastes very distinctive.

The beans are found in Gayo mountain in Indonesia. It’s a high caffeine coffee and perfect for dark roasting.

It has a fruity winy undertone with a deep chocolaty taste. This is due to the red coffee cherries they use to create their blend. Needless to say, it’s absolutely delicious, especially during summertime.

Buy Nuke Coffee from amazon.

Benefits of Drinking Death Wish Coffee

We all have had those days where the work pressure feels way too much to even bother trying. You get tired by the mere thought of finishing all those pending tasks. Imagine how easy it’d be if there were a drink that could give you instant boost and energy. Oh well, that’s literally what Death Wish is!

Death Wish is probably the strongest cup of coffee you will ever try. Here are some proven benefits of drinking Death Wish or other high-caffeinated coffee:

Instant Energy Boost:

When we say it packs a punch, we mean it! You will be awake all night long with just one cup of Death Wish. caffeine helps to process glucose better which means you are less likely to get type 2 diabetes.

Antioxidants:

Even though caffeine is the first thing that comes to our mind about coffee, there are other amazing things hidden in it. Antioxidants, for example, are very high in coffee. It helps to reduce inflammation so you don’t get seasonal sickness easily.

Decreases Pain:

If you struggle with joint pain, consider trying Death Wish coffee. Due to the high caffeine content, it’s a great way to ease your mind off of the physical pain. As your muscles relax, the pain slowly starts to fade away in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Is Espresso Stronger than Coffee?

If you compare espresso with normal drip coffee, then it’s definitely stronger than that. Espresso has a higher concentration of caffeine, which gives an instant boost to your body. The higher the caffeine level, the stronger the coffee.

02. Which Coffee is Stronger- Medium or Dark Roast?

The type of coffee bean you use determines how strong your coffee will be. Roasting does not impact the caffeine level very significantly.

Having said that, we all want to get the most out of our coffee. If your goal is the same then go for a medium roast. Each time you roast your coffee beans, they lose a bit of volume and caffeine. So while darker roasts taste much richer and complex, it does not pack the same level of caffeine.

03. Which Coffee has the Highest Amount of Caffeine?

Till now the Death Wish coffee holds the record for the highest amount of caffeine per cup. It has a 728mg/mug caffeine level.

If you compare this to normal coffee, it would mean one Death WIsh is equivalent to 6-7 standard coffee! Nothing will give you as caffeine jitters as this one.

04. Is the Death Wish Coffee Safe?

Death Wish coffee is surely super intimidating and almost scary to look at. Their packaging does not help to promote a “safe” vibe either. The truth is, Death WIsh coffee is totally safe according to the FDA. but you should not consume more than a cup per day.

We should not consume more than 400mg of caffeine each day. But Death wish is almost double the amount. So be mindful of how much you use.

We also don’t think this is something anyone should drink every day. It can be an emergency booster for days when nothing else is working for you.

05. Why is Death Wish Coffee So Strong?

The brand takes its coffee very seriously, so much so that they don’t reveal anything about its formulation. It’s not clear what type of coffee beans are used in Death Wish coffee.

They use an intensive and time-consuming process of bean selection and roasting to provide the strongest coffee in the world. It’s no wonder they are so expensive!

06. Is Turkish Coffee Stronger than Espresso?

If you have never tried Turkish coffee before, you must as it’s very unique. Turkish coffee is known for its strength and richness. They have a higher caffeine content compared to espresso.

The coffee itself is thicker and creamier than normal coffee due to it being unfiltered. Even though there are many different types of Turkish coffee, the classic one does not use any milk or cream whatsoever.

To See You Off

Even though all of these coffee brands provide super delicious cuppa, we recommend only those who have a high caffeine tolerance.

Even though high-caffeinated coffee doesn’t taste particularly different from normal ones, it can actually kill you! If you over-consume then of course!

If you are a skeptic we recommend trying one of our picks on a tiring day. You will feel vibrant, energetic, and ready to win life!

Why is It Called Cocktail? All the Theories and (Possible) History behind This Famed Drink

Posted on May 1, 2021August 15, 2022 by John Bird

Who doesn’t love a good cocktail?

The name conjures the image of a colorful drink with an array of flavors and concoctions, a dimly lit bar, a certain sparkly dress named after the beverage, and a night full of possibilities.

And although cocktails are seen as a ‘girly’ drink, don’t let the cutesy glasses and garnish fool you─ these drinks are potent. But have you ever sat there, nursing your drink, waiting for someone, and then wondered,’ Why is it called a cocktail? How did this name come up?’

This article takes a deep and boozy dive into the history of cocktails. We’ll talk about cocktails origin, how (we think) it got its name, as well as the anatomy of the beverage.

Whether you are a bartender in training, or just someone who is into the history and etymology of food and drink, this will be a useful and interesting article to go through!

A Brief History of the Cocktail

Brief History of the Cocktail

Truth be told, there is no clear-cut mention of the invention of cocktails in history. In fact, the idea of mixing alcoholic spirits with flavored juices, syrups, or liquors must have been born since the discovery of fermentation in the age of antiquity.

Cocktails are incredibly old; even appearing in Homer’s Iliad in depictions of slaves making concoctions of wine, honey, and aromatics. Ancient Chinese and Indian cultures also have records of combining fermented spirits with sugar, citrus fruits, and whole spices.

While contemporary cocktails with their little umbrellas are seen as an American invention, it is more likely that they have their origin in British punches; big bowls of spirits mixed with juices, herbs, and spices. In fact, the term cocktail was first used to refer to a drink in a British newspaper in 1798.

But the term was properly defined later in 1806 in New York. This definition sounds more like the cocktails we know and love today and describes it as an alcoholic beverage made by mixing spirits, bitters, sugar, and water. The sugar nowadays comes from syrups and juice, and the flavors from infusions and liqueurs.

Throughout European colonization, and later the introduction of different spirits during WWII, things like rum and mezcal were used as spirits. Ice was also sold commercially in the 19^th century and this led to cocktails being a chilled drink meant to be drunk in warm weather.

The invention of different fermentation and distillation, as well as the discovery of different spirits from across the world, as well as add-ins like exotic fruit and spices, resulted in a greater range of cocktails being created.

As the profession of bartenders grew, individuals began to experiment with different combinations and flavors, leading to local cocktails and new drinks.

Nowadays, the idea of molecular mixology is on the rise, so bartenders and chemists use science to create innovative cocktails, taking this timeless concoction to new heights.

So Why is the Drink Called a Cocktail?

why is it called cocktail

The short answer to this question is that no one is sure how the term was coined. The etymology of the word cocktail is unclear but there are lots of theories, some of which are more credible than others. Let’s get into these theories:

The Eggcup Theory:

This theory comes from an online Etymology Dictionary. According to the theory, the word cocktail comes from a mispronunciation of the French word for egg cup coquetier which is pronounced as cock-tay in English.

It is derived from the idea that a certain apothecary served a mix of bitters and brandy in eggcups in the 18^th century.

The Tavern Dregs Theory:

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, tavern owners would mix the remains (or dregs) of spirits and other alcoholic drinks in the barrels and sell the mixture at a lower price. This drink would be called cock tailings as the tap or spigot of the barrel was referred to as the cock.

The Docked Horse Tail Theory:

In the 17^th century, animal tails resembling those of a rooster or cock were highly coveted. Coach and hunting horses often had their tails docked for practical purposes, so they looked like those of a rooster.

Racehorses also had docked tails and the ones with cocked tails were often seen as perky and energetic. As the drink would have the same effect on people, the term cocktail stuck.

Another theory comes from the idea that the process of docking changed the horses’ tails. Similarly, the spirit was altered by adding liquor and spices, so a cocktail was used to refer to adulterated spirits.

The ‘Other’ Horse Tail Theory:

This is a pretty distasteful theory, but experts suggest it comes the closest to the truth. Like we’ve established before, horses that could carry their tail well were popular. Also, racehorses have to be perky, skittish, and alert.

To achieve these effects, a piece of ginger was often used as a suppository for racehorses to make them appear lively, giving them the cock tailed appearance.

As drinks were often served at horse races, drinks that had things like ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and other such aromatics added came to be known as cocktails.

The George Bishop Theory:

According to George Bishop’s book, the term cocktail comes from the English word cock-tail which was used in the 18^th century to refer to a desirable woman, yet considered impure. The word was then used by ex-pat Englishmen to refer to the American habit of adding things like ice and liqueur to British gin.

As using ice in booze became normalized, the hyphen in the term was removed and the word was reintroduced back into English vocabulary. This isn’t the most credible theory but is certainly interesting.

The Mexican Tavern Theory:

Another delightful theory was published in 1936, which speaks of English sailors who were served mixed drinks in a Mexican tavern centuries ago. The drinks were mixed and stirred using the root of a plant with a distinct shape, known as Cola de Gallo.

The meaning in English? Cock’s tail.

The Anatomy of the Cocktail

Watching a bartender whip up a cocktail can make it seem like a complex art form, but as with most things, there is a formula. Once you nail down this formula, you can make any kind of cocktail and even deviate from the formula to make your own custom concoctions.

2 ounces of spirit + 1 ounce of sweet + 1 ounce of sour

The spirit is usually something like gin, rum, vodka, tequila, or whisky. The sweet element often comes from simple syrup, but any flavored syrup works well too like grenadine, maraschino liqueur, limoncello, or amaretto─ anything that is very sweet and sugary.

The sour element is generally something like lemon or lime juice. Citrus is always a good choice, especially freshly squeezed. You can use the bottled version, but it won’t taste as good.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice, add the spirit, syrup, and lemon juice, and then shake for 15-20 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with some citrus peel or a cute little umbrella, and enjoy!

You can get all innovative and use things like honey and honey substitutes, ginger, chocolate, and coffee liqueur, instead of simple syrup. You can even ditch the lime juice for something mint syrup or crème de menthe. Some boozy recipes also call for muddled fruit, seltzer, and even sprigs of mint.

Using this formula, you can easily make a classic cocktail like Daiquiri, Whiskey Sour, Margarita, and Sidecar right in your own kitchen.

Still Got Questions

Here you will find answers to questions people have about all things cocktail-related.

01. What are the Main Components of a Cocktail?

A cocktail is made of three components; a base (the spirit), the modifier which adds smoothness (the sweet element), and the flavoring (the sour element).

02. What are the 6 Major Cocktails?

The six basic cocktail drinks are the Daiquiri, the Jack Rose, the Manhattan, the Martini, the Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar.

03. Why is It Called a Molotov Cocktail?

The Molotov cocktail has a negative connotation, coined after Soviet foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov. The weapon is made by combining things like broken glass, nails, and some kind of spirit in a bottle and lighting it before deploying it.

04. Why are They Called Cocktail Peanuts?

Virginia peanuts are also known as cocktail peanuts and are roasted in oil. No one is fully sure how they got their names, but it is most likely because they are served in bars and are often nibbled along with drinks.

05. How Long Do Bottled Cocktails Last?

It is generally safe to drink bottled cocktails for 3 months or whatever is mentioned on the label.

In Essence

There are lots of theories about the history of the term cocktail, some of which are stranger than others. There isn’t any confirmation that any of them are true but they are certainly fun to speculate on.

So the next time you’re enjoying a Sidecar alone, ask yourself, “Why is it called a cocktail?” and decide which theory makes the most sense.

What to Eat with Hummus: How to Make It Taste Even Better!

Posted on May 1, 2021September 12, 2022 by John Bird

What if I told you there was a dish that feels rich, yet light and healthy? A dish that is versatile with lots of depth and flavor? A dish that you can have for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack? As an appetizer or a main?

Nope, I’m not dreaming. I’m talking about hummus. And in this article, you are going to learn about all the things you can pair with hummus to elevate the dish from something simple to much more.

Besides that, we’re also going to talk about ways to revitalize a basic hummus recipe and give it fun and exciting twists. So if you want to find out what to eat with hummus, keep reading and become a master at this elegant and well-loved dish!

What is Hummus?

What is Hummus

It’s funny, but people who are used to eating takeout often ask, ‘Is hummus a vegetable?’ Many people don’t really know what finished dishes are made of. So an introduction to hummus is long overdue. You won’t be wondering ‘What is hummus food?’ after you go through this section.

Hummus is a very old recipe, originating from the Middle East. It is basically a pureed dip, made from chickpeas, and is meant to be eaten with bread. Does hummus have protein? Yes, because chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein.

Hummus meals are typically made by mashing chickpeas with an acid and olive to form a thick puree that is a rich and creamy dip. In North America, recipes using hummus often add a vegetable or two for added flavor, and you can also find ‘layered hummus’ dishes as well. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, Hummus is a delicious party favorite.

How to eat hummus? Like we mentioned before, it is traditionally eaten with a variety of Middle Eastern flatbread like a pita. People also enjoy eating it with rotis or naan.

The best chips for hummus are bagel chips, French onion chips, and even crackers. There are lots of other things that pair well with hummus (more on this later!)

Modern renditions have led to different hummus types. You can find hummus made of beans, avocados, and many people even consider Muhammara (roasted walnut and red pepper dip) to be a variant of hummus.

Basic Hummus Recipe

If you want to make classic hummus, this recipe will bring out all the authentic flavors.

What You Need:

3 cups of chickpeas
1/3 cup of tahini
1-2 cloves of garlic
Juice from 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Garnish like ground cumin, paprika, or parsley

Instructions:

Make sure your chickpeas are well cooked. Simmer your canned chickpeas (this will only take a few minutes!) If you are using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and then simmer for 2 hours until well done and soft.
For an extra smooth dip, peel your chickpeas. If you like your hummus rustic, you can leave the peels on.
Add the chickpeas to your food processor. Run it until the chickpeas form a thick, almost powdery paste.
At this point, add the rest of your ingredients except the EVOO. Blend them all together for another 4 minutes. If the paste is too thick, drizzle in a little hot water. Your hummus should have a creamy consistency.
Taste for salt and add extra seasoning if needed.
Serve your hummus in a large bowl. Pour a generous amount of olive oil and garnish with a little cumin or paprika and add a few sprigs of parsley to add color to the completed dish.

What Should I Eat with Hummus?

eating well hummus

If you’re bored of pita bread, you might be wondering what other things to eat with hummus that taste good. What goes with hummus? What’s good with hummus?

The answer is almost everything. Here are the highlights that you can never go wrong with.

01. Use It as a Spread:

The creamy texture and flavor make hummus a perfect add-on to bread. You can use it as a spread on toast for a healthy and filling breakfast. Or, you can use it as a substitute for mayonnaise or to replace mustard in your sandwiches.

It might sound a bit odd, but hummus pairs really well with lunch meats. It is also an easy way to make an easy hummus lunch that isn’t boring.

02. As a Salad Dressing:

Plain oil and vinegar dressing get boring soon. Instead, blend some hummus with olive oil, vinegar, and the seasoning of your choice. Voila, you now have a rich and creamy salad dressing that feels luxurious but is quite healthy in reality.

You can also add some hummus to your bowl of kale or chard as an alternative to olive oil. This adds body and won’t make your leafy greens soggy and unappetizing.

03. Pair It with Fruit:

Hummus has a mild enough flavor that makes it suitable for both sweet and savory flavors. You can add a little hummus to fruit bowls. It works particularly well with dates, dried apricots, sliced apples and pears, and even with berries.

04. Make Healthy Pasta Sauce:

Lots of healthy pasta recipes use boiled and blended cauliflower to make a thick sauce. Instead, sauté your hummus in some olive oil and thin it out with some pasta water to make a rich, yet low-calorie pasta sauce. Add your boiled pasta and parmesan cheese and you have pasta that won’t taste like remorse.

05. Add It to Baked Goods:

Sounds strange, but adding hummus to baked goods makes them softer and richer. Add a spoon or two to replace the fat in things like brownies, carrot cake, or banana bread.

It adds moisture to cakes and dense breads as well as an earthiness which makes them more complex. The umami also brings out caramel and chocolate really well.

06. As a Chip Dip:

If you want something easy to answer the question of what to serve with hummus, chips are always a safe option. Next time you host a watch party, add hummus to your array of dips.

You can make chips from stale flatbreads, nachos, regular potato chips, as well as things like crackers, crispy endives, and even fried sweet potatoes.

07. As a Veggie Dip:

Anyone on a diet will know that veggies and hummus are a match made in heaven. Vegetables are the number one among healthy things to dip in hummus. The best veggies to dip in hummus are crunchy things like cucumber, celery sticks, carrots, and even sugar snaps.

If you are into eating well, hummus can also be paired with things like broccoli, grilled asparagus, and radish shavings.

08. In Mashed Potatoes:

I am always on the lookout for ways to jazz up mashed potatoes without adding a pound of butter or heavy cream. One of the best hummus uses is adding creaminess and richness without any extra fat. Add half a cup of hummus to your mashed potatoes for texture and flavor.

09. Add It to Veggie or Buddha Bowls:

If you run out of ideas for what to dip in hummus, use it in Buddha or vegetable bowls. Load up your bowls with slices of vegetables, the protein of your choice, something like quinoa or brown rice, and finish off with a big dollop of hummus. You can also add it to rice-and-meat bowls for added flavor and a creamy texture.

10. Add It to Eggs:

You can use hummus as a filling in folded omelets and deviled eggs. You can also use a spoon or two to finish off scrambled eggs and make them even creamier. If you are vegan, you can instead add it to a tofu scramble.

Variants of the Classic Hummus

Traditional hummus is great, but you might sometimes want to change things up. Here are a few recipes that follow the process of making hummus but with different ingredients.

Red Lentil Hummus:

Red lentils are used instead of chickpeas and add roasted carrots and peanuts for lots of extra flavors. This protein-rich dip is brightly colored and tastes great with a variety of flatbreads.

Beet and Yoghurt Hummus:

Swap chickpeas for beats and you will have a beautiful and eye-catching dip for bread and other vegetables. If you don’t like the taste of beets, a combination of Greek yogurt, tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice will transform the vegetable into a creamy lush spread.

Smoky Sweet Potato Dip:

Roasted sweet potatoes make for a smoky and sweet hummus that pairs well with heavy meaty dishes. It is also pretty spicy, thanks to the addition of ground coriander, cumin, chipotle peppers, and chili powder.

Roasted Butternut Squash Hummus:

Roasted butternut squash gives this hummus a rich, velvety texture. Seasoned with just a little chili powder and garnished with sesame, it is mild and ideal for spreading on toast and adding to veggie bowls.

Got More Questions?

Here you will find answers to questions people have about things to pair with hummus.

01. Is Hummus Healthy?

Hummus contains good fats and proteins, so it is a pretty healthy option for all diets.

02. What is Traditionally Served with Hummus?

Hummus is generally eaten with fresh pita, a simple cucumber and tomato salad, and even falafel.

03. What are the Best Seasonings to Add to Hummus?

Spices like cumin, coriander, cayenne, and paprika are good ways to add heat and flavor to your hummus.

04. Can I Refrigerate Hummus?

This dip lasts much longer when stored in a tightly sealed container and kept in the fridge.

05. Can I Eat Hummus with Rice?

A deconstructed rice bowl made of rice, a simple salad, and grilled meat goes wonderfully well with a great big mound of hummus.

06. Does Hummus Have Fiber?

Hummus is a great source of fiber, containing 6 grams of fiber for every 100 grams, which is 24% of the daily recommendation for adults.

07. Does Hummus Have Dairy?

Hummus doesn’t have any dairy and gets its creaminess from olive oil and tahini.

To Pack Up

No matter how you like it, it is hard to think of a more versatile meal than hummus. I mean, you can even make chocolate hummus to use as a dip for graham crackers and strawberries.

It is so flexible and forgiving, you won’t be left wondering what to eat with hummus. With all that being said, what do you want to eat your hummus with?